This week we introduce you to one of the best whiskeys to come out of this little island of ours, the amazing Powers John’s Lane Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.
Powers Whiskey, established in 1791, has been one of the true pillars of Irish Whiskey for many generations, much loved by Irish Whiskey drinkers the world over, it’s famous ‘Gold Label’ has often been described as ‘The Irish Whiskey, for Irish Whiskey Drinkers’, and rightfully so!
But it is the 12-year-old, Single Pot Still, John’s Lane by Powers that we are concentrating on today. Celebrating the original Powers Distillery of the 1800’s, where the Quays of the Liffey touched the tenements of Dublin’s Liberties, lies the bustling industrial artery of Thomas Street, and by taking a little stroll down a small cobble street adjacent, leads you to John’s Lane, the original home of Powers Distillery.
With advancing technology and visionary thinking, the folks at Powers Distillery were the true pioneers of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and were very much ahead of their time in many aspects. In 1975 Powers, due to several factors within the industry at the time, moved their operation to Middleton in County Cork where it continues to produce some of the finest Irish Whiskey available today.
Powers launched ‘John’s Lane’ in 2011, as a retrospective celebration of that traditional style of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and as an acknowledgement of the Powers heritage and the importance of the John’s Lane Distillery within the Irish Whiskey World. Aged for 12 years, predominantly in ex-bourbon casks with a little touch of Sherry Cask aging at the end for good measure, Powers John’s Lane has won international whiskey awards consistently over the years and still to this day is considered a benchmark in the world of Irish Whiskey.
As you pull the golden bronze liquid towards your nose, there’s a distinct ‘Mocha’ feel of chocolate and coffee with a touch of citrus. The typical spice palate of pot still lightly tingles on the first sip, with vanilla and toffee apples following. At the back of the palate, that dark chocolate comes through again with a little finish of oak.
If you haven’t guessed already, we are huge fans of Powers John’s Lane here at the Skeff Bar, a perfect whiskey to enjoy on a dark dull wintery night or equally as tasty alongside an indulgent dessert after a meal. Simply, just give it a try, you’ll be happy you did!
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Sláinte
By John Byrne
@craicandculture
