Sliabh Liag Distillers - The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey

Sliabh Liag Distillers in Carrick, County Donegal have recently released their second whiskey of late.

The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey is now joined by The Legendary Silkie Smokey Irish Whiskey. The whiskey gets its name from the word Silkie, or Selkie, seals: which were legendary shape-shifters who shed their seal skins to come ashore as beautiful sea maidens or handsome men with enchanting voices, only to eventually return to the sea leaving broken hearts.

I was lucky enough to sample both drams recently. And being a Donegal native myself, I was even more enlivened to get my hands on them.

Soon, Ardara (Ard an Rátha meaning Height of the Fort) will be the new home of Sliabh Liag Distillers, sometime in 2020 according to the website. However, for now it is in nearby Carrick, which is just less than fifteen miles away on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way.

First up I sampled The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey.


A non-chill filtered blend of double and triple distilled single malts. It's bottled at 46% ABV.

Appearance
Light golden colour like that of cod liver oil with plenty of legs on the glass.

Nose
Sweet and mildly smoked. Also noticeable aroma of warm apples.

Taste
A large wave of warmth quickly replaces an initial softness. Zesty fruit as well as further apple notes.

Finish
An altogether pleasant and abiding finish with subtle hints of honey.

Next, I sampled The Legendary Silkie Smokie Irish Whiskey. The Dark Silkie is neither coloured nor chill filtered, which founder and managing director James Doherty is especially proud of.


Appearance
Red lemonade or if you are from Donegal then I would say it is a similar colour to the locally famous 'Football Special', soft drink.

Nose
Achingly sweet and of course more smoke than its predecessor, like the dying embers of a peat briquette open fire. I'm also reminded of Werther’s Original here which is certainly a good thing. Orange peel and apple tart.

Taste
Smooth and refreshing fruits.

Finish
A prolonged and satisfyingly clean finish with a gentle, warm kiss of smoke.

At the time of writing (late July 2020) the first oak cask has been filled at Sliabh Liag. This is a very exciting time for the county as this is the first time since 1841 that legal whiskey distillation has occurred in Donegal.

As well as this there are exciting things happening elsewhere in the fort of the foreigners. With Poitin being produced by Baoilleach distillery in Carrigart. Keep an eye out for an upcoming feature on that in the coming months.

As they say back home... Dún na nGall abú a chairde!
Location: Slieve League, Shanbally, Co. Donegal, Ireland

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