Powers Irish Rye Whiskey

Powers Irish Rye Whiskey is a distinctive and relatively new expression from the renowned Powers Irish Whiskey brand, launched in early 2023. What makes it particularly noteworthy is that it's crafted from a 100% Irish rye mash bill, a departure from the more common use of malted and unmalted barley in traditional Irish pot still whiskey and the prevalent use of corn in Irish grain whiskey. This makes it a unique offering in the Irish whiskey landscape and a point of interest for those familiar with American rye whiskeys.   

Key Features:

• Irish Origin: Produced at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland.   
• Mash Bill: 100% Irish rye, grown in Co. Wexford.
• Distillation: Triple distilled in column stills, a less common method for single pot still style whiskeys but utilized here for this specific grain.
• Maturation: Aged for approximately 4 to 5 years in a combination of American oak casks: virgin oak, refill virgin oak, first-fill ex-bourbon, and refill ex-bourbon.   
• ABV: Bottled at 43.2% ABV (86.4 proof).   
• Non-Chill Filtered: Yes, to retain its full flavor profile.   

Tasting Notes (based on various sources):

• Nose: Offers aromas of burnt orange, maraschino cherries, and toffee banana, with warm notes of freshly baked rye bread, buttered croissants, and charred oak. Robust spices of clove, white pepper, and ginger are met with sweet vanilla and earthy sugar cane aromas.   
• Palate: Presents flavors of candied ginger with orange peel, clove spice, and peppermint. Caramelized apples with brown sugar, sweet cereal, and red liquorice notes build, balanced by vanilla and charred oak.   
• Finish: Satisfyingly long, with a prickle of chili oil that lingers alongside honey-glazed fruits and hardy cereal undertones.   

Overall Impression:

Powers Irish Rye is an intriguing and well-received whiskey that offers a unique take on rye. By using 100% Irish rye and a combination of American oak casks, it achieves a balance between the characteristic peppery spice of rye and a surprising level of sweetness and fruitiness, often found in Irish whiskey. It's considered a flavorful and complex spirit that stands out in the Irish whiskey category and may appeal to both Irish whiskey enthusiasts and fans of American rye looking for a different expression of the grain.   

Awards:

• Best Irish Rye: World Whiskies Awards 2025.   
• Rated 92 points by Whisky Advocate.   
• Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

These accolades highlight the quality and innovative nature of Powers Irish Rye.