WATERFORD Heritage Hunter, 50% ABV

A revolution shook the whisky category in 2020: Waterford Distillery! Led by the renowned Mark Reynier, the project reemphasized barley, at the heart of the final aromatic profile of a single malt, thanks to an ambitious triptych of Terroir, Traceability, and Transparency. Inspired by the greatest winemakers and the formidable richness of the Irish terroir, coupled with elite and cutting-edge production methods, the distillery created a buzz with ranges praised by critics and enthusiasts alike.

Notably, the Arcadian Series range, worked on with non-conformist and iconoclastic farmers whose values and lifestyles are centered on respect for the land and the pursuit of true flavors rather than harvest yields. After the Organic Gaia and Biodynamic Luna editions, Waterford continues to innovate with Heritage, limited editions made from barley varieties whose cultivation had been halted in favor of higher-yield varieties.

However, the aromatic profile of these historical varieties adapted to the Irish terroir is unique and deserves to be rediscovered. Waterford has partnered with the Irish Ministry of Agriculture and the Minch Malt malting company to “recreate” these varieties, starting from 25 grams each time.

The first edition is named Hunter, a variety introduced in 1959 by Dr. Herbert Hunter and cultivated for two decades before being abandoned, causing sadness among many Irish breweries and distilleries that missed its flavorful profile. Harvested in 2018 at Donoughmore farm, the barley was malted and then distilled in 2019.

The resulting single malt is intense, with a very original lemony character, complemented by notes of candied fruits (prune porridge, orange cake) and delicate spices (clove), enhanced by a rustic and salty touch.

Key Information

Serving Suggestions
First things first, be comfortable, relaxed and free from distractions. Pour a healthy amount (15-25ml) into a nosing glass (e.g., glencairn) and let it sit for a while. We recommend a minute of resting in the glass for every year in the cask. Otherwise, let it settle down for 5-10 minutes at least.

Help yourself to a 'warm up dram' in the meantime - something simple to open up the palate. When ready, start nosing the spirit, followed by sipping it (noting how it arrives on your palate and its development), and finally the finish. Take your time to get to know the spirit, noting its expression, character, depth, complexity and flavours. These can all change with adding drops of water so play around to find different sides of the spirit and identity a personal sweet spot for yourself!

But always remember, the best way to drink it is the way you like it!