Roe & Co has announced the launch of its Cask Strength 2021 Edition. This is the third release in the Diageo-owned brand’s Cask Strength series, which reveals the DNA of blended Irish whiskey.
Roe & Co Cask Strength 2021 Edition is a 13-year-old Single Grain whiskey that has been finished in Alligator Char New Oak. The brand opted for Single Grain for this edition to help deconstruct the story of blended whiskey. When the team at Roe & Co bottled the core 106-blend for 2019, a blend of rich malt whiskey and smooth grain whiskey aged in bourbon casks, it was a natural fit to release a unique Single Malt in 2020. Now, it’s being followed by this special release, which continues to celebrate the backbone and makeup of the original Roe & Co 106 blend.
The Alligator Char New Oak casks have been heat treated to such an extent that the wood resembles the texture and graphic of that similar to the skin of an alligator, hence the name. This charring treatment has been applied to New Oak, drawing all the caramelisation and texture to the surface area, which then goes on to influence the character of the spirit laid in the casks. This results in a complexity and depth of flavour, bringing notes of smoky vanilla pods, wood spice and toffee sweetness to the nose. The palate is layered with Jamaican gingerbread and panna cotta, while it finishes with notable hints of white pepper.
“What makes Cask Strength so interesting is the raw DNA of the whiskey,” commented Lora Hemy, Head Distiller at Roe & Co Irish Whiskey. “When you taste this blend, it is as if you’re sampling it straight from the cask. Undiluted, so you can add as much or as little water of your own to find your flavour preference and taste. With the 2021 Cask Strength edition, we’ve chosen to finish this Irish grain in a particularly interesting and unique cask. The grain is well matured and been specifically chosen to finish in these casks to heighten and develop the flavours that already exist in grain whiskey. We’re excited to be releasing this latest innovation, in the lead up to the festive season.”
George Harper, Master Blender for Roe & Co added, “When developing Cask Strength 2021, we wanted to shine a light on the true DNA of the original Roe & Co 106 blend with the Single Grain component, allowing us to explore the tasting notes associated with our current inventory. Different malts and grains all bring their own unique flavour characteristics, as such each have their own positives and make up important building blocks to a blend. The carefully selected Single Grain casks we use are picked for their exceptional flavour and style. With this release we want to highlight and showcase the Grain and the backbone in our 106 blend.”
Roe & Co Cask Strength 2021 is priced at €74 per bottle, and can be purchased via the brand’s official website.
In August, Roe & Co announced the launch of Roe & Co Japanese Sugi. The offering showcases a unique wood type, Japanese Sugi, as well as a maturation process never before seen within the category.