The Sheff’s 1852 Whiskey Club was host to the release of their very own whiskey, The Skeff Emporium Single Cask Release last Wednesday. Whiskey conoisseurs were treated to an intimate, but entertaining evening in which The Skeff Emporium stole the show.
As you made your way to the cosy and atmospheric 1852 Whiskey Club, it was hard to not become drawn to the glare from the liquid gold that encompassed the Micil branded glasses.
If all of this wasn’t enough, the Micil Earls Island Old Fashioned cocktail to wet the palate set the tone for the evening. It was a night where whiskey lovers savoured some damn-good whiskey.
The Skeff’s Shane McMahon kicked the evening off by expressing his delight that the time for release was finally upon us. He also reaffirmed The Skeff’s commitment to supporting local endeavours, typified by the Galway based Micil Distillery’s prominent involvement in the curation of this Peated Single Malt Whiskey.
Pádraic Ó Griallais guided those who were lucky enough to be in attendance through the selection of whiskeys on offer. Pádraic’s knowledge, storytelling, and charm was infectious. Ó Griallais is the co-founder of Micil Distillery, and his passion for whiskey is endearing. He held his audience wonderfully, keeping them engaged for the duration of the tasting event.
The tasting began with the Micil Inverin Small Batch. This was a smooth and delicate whiskey which was awarded as the Blended Whiskey of the Year in 2022. Pádraic described this as the “perfect whiskey for people who have peat phobia”.
Moving on to the Micil Earls Island, which was a real hit with the crowd. This single pot still was lively on the pallet and melted on the tongue. There was a fruity tang to it which contributed to the vibrancy in this whiskey. A gentleman in the crowd raised his hand to reveal that the Micil Earls Island was his favourite of the evening.
The last whiskey tasting before the food break came in the form of the Micil Madeira Island. This whiskey was 50% malt and 50% green marley and was a lot more citrus fruit driven. It was described as a “fun whiskey” by Ó Griallais.
After a 15-minute interval, it was time for the main event of the evening. The Skeff Bar Micil Inverin Small Batch Release whiskey was officially unveiled. Shane McMahon could not hold back his excitement as he revealed he was “absolutely delighted” with the finished product.
Micil Distillery’s Pádraic Ó Griallais said: “We want to thank Shane and everyone from the Skeff for their support. We have very high hopes for this whiskey.”
A toast was raised, and a collective “sláinte” permeated through the room. Skeff Emporium’s first dabble onto the tongues of tasters was met with murmurs of satisfaction and nods of approval all around the room.
After a thorough process picking the cask, this whiskey is a delight. With a more intense wood influence, sightly buttery texture, and a hint of pleasant wood spices, the Skeff in association with Micil Distillery have curated an exceptionally well-balanced whiskey that melts onto the tongue. In Pádraic’s opinion, it is “more elevated than the whiskey that won the award in 2022”.
To close the show, we moved onto the final whiskey choice of the night – the Micil Distillery Release. Ruby in colour, spicy, and velvety in texture. This double distilled, 28-year mature whiskey was the perfect kick to end an informative and entertaining night.
The Skeff’s new whiskey is available to order in the 1852 Whiskey Club now. Pop on down for an atmospheric vibe, music, and some good whiskey. You will not be disappointed.
