WATERFORD Organic Gaia 2.1, 50% ABV

Mark Reynier, the former joint owner of Bruichladdich, founded the Waterford distillery in 2015. Committed to promoting the concept of terroir above all, he works closely with some hundred Irish farmers. In 2016, he produced the first organic Irish whisky and more recently, like the greatest wine-growers, he decided to distil a whisky from grains grown using biodynamics.

Produced from organic barley sourced from six farms, this version is a blend of first-fill bourbon casks (42%), American new oak casks (17%), French oak casks (23%) and casks that have previously contained a fortified wine (18%). Saying that malted barley is at the heart of the tasting is a euphemism. Whether dominating or more withdrawn, it is ever-present, even taking on rustic tones that particularly highlight the work of those responsible for its creation.

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!