Irish Whiskey has had a troubled history over the past 200 years or son. From being the best-selling whiskey in the world in the 1800’s to being reduced to only 3 working distilleries in the latter half of the 20th century. Now, however, Irish whiskey is experiencing a revival of fortunes with new distilleries popping up left right and centre. One of the most unique is Waterford Distillery, founded by Mark Reynier using his 40 years of experience working in Burgundy before helping to resurrect the iconic Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, where he established the Botanist Gin, Port Charlotte and Octomore single malts. Waterford are focussed on the ‘terroir’; the influence of soil type and microclimate on the raw ingredient, the barley, and thus the flavour of the finished product itself.
Working closely with Irish farmers in the southeast of Ireland to source the best barley with an emphasis on organic and biodynamic practices. Specialist milling, brewing and distillation techniques create refined spirits to be placed into carefully selected casks for maturation. With no added colouring or chill filtration Waterford ensure they can create the most naturally flavoursome single malt whiskey. At Bon Coeur we carry three of these incredibly unique whiskies: Argot, Gaia and Luna.
ARGOT is a vibrant and enthusiastic whiskey bringing together several Single Farm Origins layered together creating complex notes of ripe stone fruits, green foliage, cereal grains, and winter spices, all tied together with light peat smoke that is unique to this whiskey.
GAIA 1.1 is the first organic Irish whisky as certified by the Organic Trust, having met rigorous production regimens and audits. A viscous whiskey with an amazing purity and precision. Notes of fig rolls, grapefruit, orange zest, cherry and liquorice with a long and complex finish.
Eccentric to some, regenerative to others, biodynamic agriculture goes beyond the ordinary ecological mindset. Drawing upon ancient lore of lunar cycles & exotic preparations, it seeks to charge soils with vitality & barley with vibrancy. LUNA is a whiskey made with Ireland’s only biodynamic barley, and produces a rich, oily texture with notes of fruit, fresh soil, lemon drizzle cake, cloves, almonds, milk chocolate, wet stones, spring breeze, and a touch of fresh mint tea.
