Fota Wildlife Park. End-of-March Visit

Fota Wildlife Park. 

End-of-March Visit

Pics: 31.03.2025

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I'd love to be out there!

Hay Rhino

Peacock Gold

Mara

Lemur lunch

Lemur Lift

Baby 'roo

Bye for now, shorty.

Ireland's Fercullen 15, from The Powerscourt Distillery. Crowned World's Best Grain at World Whiskies Awards

The Whiskey Wire

(other spirits may appear!)

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press release

Ireland's Fercullen 15, from The Powerscourt Distillery, 

Crowned World's Best Grain at World Whiskies Awards

Powerscourt Distillery is delighted to announce a major achievement: its Fercullen 15 Single Grain Whiskey was awarded the title of World’s Best Grain at the World Whiskies Awards Global final in London last night, March 26 ^th 2025.

This win represents a significant milestone for Powerscourt Distillery. Having secured the title of Ireland’s Best Grain Whiskey in Dublin in February this year, Fercullen 15 progressed to the global stage, competing against the best regional grain whiskies from around the world. To emerge victorious and claim the World’s Best Grain title is a powerful recognition of the exceptional quality and craftsmanship invested in Fercullen.

This prestigious award is more than just an accolade; it is global acknowledgement of the dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence demonstrated by everyone at Powerscourt Distillery. The Fercullen 15 Year Old Single Grain Whiskey, celebrated for its distinctive flavour, remarkable smoothness, and outstanding quality, now stands as the world’s best – a testament to the distillery's mastery. This win elevates Fercullen and Powerscourt Distillery to a leading position in the whiskey industry, thus confirming the Wicklow-based Distillery amongst the finest in the world.

Master Distiller Paul Corbett expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, "Winning this award is a significant milestone for Fercullen. It reflects our commitment to excellence and our passion for producing world-class whiskey. We are honoured to be recognised on such a prestigious platform and are excited to continue sharing our exceptional whiskey with the world."

 

Head of Brand and recent Hall of Fame inductee, John Cashman added, “Grain whiskey is an often-underrated style of Irish whiskey, its softer notes and general sweet tones appeal to a wide audience and lends itself to finishing in exceptional casks like the Madeira we selected for this release. We are thrilled to be named Best in the World”.

         

The World Whiskies Awards is renowned for its rigorous judging process, which includes blind tastings by a panel of industry experts. This award highlights Fercullen's dedication to maintaining the highest standards in whiskey production and our unwavering commitment to quality.

 

For more information about Powerscourt Distillery and its award-winning whiskeys, visit www.powerscourtdistillery.com

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press release

JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY UNVEILS NEW JAMESON TRIPLE TRIPLE MARSALA CASK EDITION

Triple distilled and triple cask matured, the world’s most awarded whiskey* introduces a Sicilian twist to the Jameson family, exclusive to Global Travel Retail

Jameson, the world’s most awarded* and bestselling Irish whiskey, is delighted to introduce its latest travel retail exclusive to the family, Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition. 

Offering a fresh take on the classic Jameson style, this limited release features hand-selected Marsala casks from Trapani, Sicily for the first time in a Jameson expression, resulting in a whiskey so smooth that it must be a Jameson.  

Building on the success of the Jameson Triple Triple range – including Málaga Cask Edition and the more recent Chestnut Cask Edition – this new, limited-release is matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels, Oloroso Sherry casks, and now Marsala casks, delivering a rich depth of flavour and an extra drop of smoothness, perfect for whiskey-curious travellers.

Crafted from American white oak, known for its contribution of sweet vanilla and clove spice notes, these Marsala casks are hand-selected from the renowned Florio Winery in Sicily. They are then seasoned with Marsala wine for two to three years, absorbing rich flavours of apricot, toffee apple, walnut and woodland spices. These freshly emptied casks are then transported to Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland, where they meet Jameson's triple-distilled whiskey, adding a layer of exciting complexity to the final result.

Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman comments: “This limited release of Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition is a wonderful example of how we continue to innovate while staying true to our tradition of triple distillation and meticulous cask selection at Midleton Distillery. This expression provides a unique opportunity to showcase the rich flavour contribution from these exceptional casks within the Jameson family, and we are excited for everyone to try it.”

This latest addition to the Jameson family highlights the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship while offering travellers a unique connection to Sicily. Bringing a fresh perspective to Jameson’s triple cask maturation process with its rich history and distinct character, Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition will be available for a limited time, making it the perfect excuse to book that new adventure. 

Bottled at 40% ABV, Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask Edition is available exclusively in global travel retail, with an RRP of $45.50 / €39.50 / £37.

Explore online here:  Midleton Distillery Collection

Tasting notes:

Nose: Fresh and vibrant fruit led aromas including dried apricot, banana, and kiwi while woodland spices and hints of walnut add further depth and flavour, complementing the sweet vanilla and caramelised brown sugar.

Taste: Rich and full with notes of toffee apple, vanilla, and chocolate dipped walnuts, accompanied by notes of exotic fruits with a subtle hint of ginger spice.  The oak’s soft tannins work in balance with the fruits and spices, creating a wonderfully balanced whiskey.

Finish:  Lasting finish in which the fruits and oak are the first to fade, allowing the gentle spices linger until the very end.

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Redbreast 12 Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV

Sip into the heritage of Irish whiskey

Redbreast 12, a delightful and much praised Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, has complex spicy and fruity aromas with toasted wood notes evident. On the palate, it is fully flavoured and complex, silky smooth with a harmonious balance of spicy, fruity, sherry and toasted notes. And those flavours linger long in the aftertaste. Its time spent maturing in Spanish oak Oloroso sherry butts has enhanced its colour, aromatics and flavours.

A terrific sipping whiskey, it’s a popular choice for whiskey enthusiasts and is considered one of the best examples of the Irish pot still tradition, and, as you’d expect, it is widely available. My glass in The Canopy (Castlemartyr Resort) cost €12.50. Midleton Distillery sells it for €70.00 per 700 ml bottle, and it is also available online.

By the way, did you know that the tour of Midleton Dfistillery (where Redbreast is produced) has been much revamped in recent years. So if you’d like to taste Redbreast and other famous whiskeys at source, you can get all the info you need here. 

Very Highly Recommended. 

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Killowen Rum & Raisin Single Malt Irish Whiskey 55% ABV

“A stellar release from Killowen Distillery” (Celtic Whiskey)

Sourced Bradleys Hip Flask Club. Generally available £56 (€67.45).

Using inputs from sunny Jerez in Spain and the equally sunny islands of the Caribean, the little Killowen distillery worked their acknowledged mastery (with their renowned worm tub condensers doing its business, as always) in a less than sunny island to produce this Rum and Raisin, a minor masterpiece of Irish Whiskey. 

The casks included were Bourbon for ageing, the finish applied in Dark Rum Casks and PX sherry casks. The influential malt, sourced from the neighbouring GND County Louth,  engaged superbly with Sherry flavours of dried fruits and raisins and the tropical elements of the rum.

Those dried fruits and the rum notes get to star in a smooth, velvety texture. It is quite complex in terms of aromas and flavours. It can be enjoyed neat - add a few (yes, a few) drops of water, as ABV is 55%. Mixologists seeking to add something different to their creations have cottoned on to it, and you'll find it in a variety of serves.

All this from what has been called Ireland’s smallest distillery, one that you may visit in its scenic location in the Mourne Mountains. Read more here.   Brendan Carty of Killowen Distillery will be in Cork next month for the Cork Whiskey Festival. Read more, including tickets, here. 

Very Highly Recommended

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Chivas Regal Extra 13 Sherry Cask Selection

40% ABV

Chivas Regal Extra 13 Sherry Cask Selection is a premium Scotch whisky that is known for its rich and complex flavour profile. Colour, aroma, and flavour have been enhanced by its time in Oloroso sherry casks, and its character has improved with depth and sweetness.

In the mouth, you sense notes of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, the influence of sherry casks giving toffee, butterscotch, and dark chocolate. The finish is smooth and lingering, with a warm sweetness that invites additional sips. There are also notes of the traditional peat but nothing extreme. This is a very balanced whiskey, very drinkable indeed.

Chivas Regal pairs well with various mixers, but it can also be enjoyed neat. For a classic option, consider adding a splash of water or serving it on the rocks to fully appreciate its flavours. Alternatively, you can experiment with ginger ale or soda water. Another delightful way to enjoy Chivas Regal is in a classic cocktail like The Godfather, especially if crafted with Joe’s Amaretto.

While it's excellent neat or on the rocks, it can also be included in cocktails that benefit from its rich flavours. I recently enjoyed it in a Godfather cocktail with Joe’s Amaretto.

Back in the 19th century, John and James Chivas were always pushing the boundaries of what was expected. In their Aberdeen Emporium, they imported different spirits and spices from across the globe, fascinated by a world of flavour. This Chivas Extra 13 Sherry Cask Selection is a rich yet sweet whisky that adds a deeper layer of flavour to the luxurious Chivas house style, continuing the spirit of that 19th-century Emporium. Please note that this Sherry Cask is just one of a portfolio of differently finished Chivas 13.

Highly Recommended

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Mitchell’s Green Spot Leoville Barton Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey 46% ABV

A special edition that sees Green Spot hit greater heights

Widely available at about €75.00 per bottle

(Bought mine flask full via Bradley's Hip Flask club) 

A unique limited release that won gold in the Irish Whiskey Masters in 2021, 2022, and 2023! Green Spot Chateau Léoville Barton was initially matured in traditional sherry and bourbon casks and then finished in the Bordeaux winery’s oak casks, adding an exciting new dimension to this Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey already renowned for its excellent quality. 

Indeed, that oak influence, while never overly bearing, may be noted in the aromas, flavours and finish of this marvellous whiskey. The basic Green Spot itself is a favourite here, and this edition takes it to a stellar level.

In June 2015, the Château partnered with Irish Distillers Midleton Distillery and Dublin-based Wine and Whiskey Merchants Mitchell and Son to create a Bordeaux wine finished expression of the iconic Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. 

Mitchells are part of Irish whiskey history while and the Château Léoville-Barton has made its mark on the Bordeaux wine story. Their 2015 collaboration here has been hugely successful with this edition winning World’s Best Single Pot Still Whiskey (at the World Whiskies Awards).  Today, the Château is managed by Anthony and Lilian Barton, descendants of the pioneering ‘Wine Geese’ winemaker Thomas Barton, who established his legacy in 1725.

Very Highly Recommended

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BLACKWATER IRISH WHISKY ‘THE FULL IRISH’ 48.5% alc/vol, 50cl bottle, Limited Edition. €55.00

Head Distiller John Wilcox says: ‘refined, complex and bold.’

“This blend contains every permissible grain (barley, malt, wheat, oat, rye and maize), and it shows in the aromas and in the mouth, a serial (excuse the pin) and beautiful contact with the senses. And this Blackwater blend also looks well, in its shiny foxy robe. With the elevated ABV, a drop or two of water will work its usual magic.

No wonder it has been collecting accolades since its launch in 2024.

Quite possibly one of the finest blended Irish whiskeys I’ve ever been lucky enough to try. …A bold and rather brilliant release from the Blackwater Team.’ Business Post

‘One of the most interesting whiskeys unveiled at Whiskey Live 2024. This release … showcases the 3 styles of Irish whiskey .…’ Irish Whiskey Magazine

Blackwater themselves say: This blend rocks. What’s in the bottle? 45% Blackwater produced single malt, 45% Blackwater produced pot still (both five years old) and 10% seven-year-old grain whiskies, finished in stout casks from local Hopfully Brewing Company.”

As with all Blackwater products, it’s not chill-filtered or coloured. Aged in bourbon barrels before finishing in the Hopfully casks. It is a limited edition.

Very Highly Recommended

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The ageless Farmgate Café, Cork City, a destination dining venue for decades

The ageless Farmgate Café, Cork City

THE FACT IS THAT FAR­M­GATE FOOD IS AGE­LESS … GREAT STAFF, GREAT VALUE*

Cod & Peperonata

The Farmgate Café, located on the balcony of the bustling English Market, has become a favourite in Cork over the past 31 years due to several key elements: exceptional local produce on the plate and in the glass, consistently high standards in the kitchen, and friendly, efficient service. 

The Farmgate name was established in 1984 by Maróg O’Brien when she opened her restaurant and country store in Midleton (now relocated to Lismore). A decade later, Maróg’s sister Kay joined her, and together they created the café in the English Market in the heart of Cork city.

Orange cake and juicy cherries

Farmgate, from day one, embraced much of what is unique and tra­di­tional to Cork and still does; anyone for Tripe & Onions, with Drisheen, with Ladysbridge potatoes. Those potatoes (balls of flour) still come from Ladysbridge in East Cork and feature across the menu, including in the superb Lamb Stew.

While Farmgate has its roots in the past, it embraces the new influences present in the dynamic multicultural food market of this port city. For instance, last week, I tried the Pan Roast Cod, which was served with broccoli, mashed potatoes, and peperonata. I doubt that Peperonata made many appearances on Cork menus back in 1994.

By the way, I had a general idea of what Peperonata was, but I looked it up to confirm. It is an Italian vegetable stew made from red bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. Peperonata can be used as a sauce for pasta or served as a side dish to meat and fish. It may also be included in a ragù. The key to preparing Peperonata is slow-cooking the ingredients, which allows the flavours to blend, creating a rich, savoury taste with a slightly sweet undertone from the peppers. It certainly complemented the beautifully cooked piece of cod.

The cod was one of the day’s specials; others were Eoin O’Mahony Sausages (from the market) and a Tomato and Basil Soup with goat’s feta. They start serving lunch at 12.15, though some of the more substantial dishes aren't available until 12.30 pm

Across the table, my colleague enjoyed their Free-range Supreme of Chicken, Fennel and Lemon Sauce, Boozy Fig. This is on the regular menu, while the cod was one of the day’s specials. Again, the chicken was very well cooked, full of flavour and ensured that two well-satisfied customers exited the market.

But not before sharing a dessert, the beautiful Orange Cake with poached cherries and Yogurt. A super combination - loved those juicy cherries - and Very Highly Recommended. I’ll have to go back again to try the more traditional Bread and Butter Pudding (with custard) and also the Apple Tart with Cream! Aside from the lunch offering, it’s also a great spot for grabbing a cuppa and a pastry if you want something less substantial.

Chicken

The Farmgate’s drink lists include local craft beer (Eight Degrees and 9 White Deer) and ciders (including specialities by Killahora and Nohoval and also the superb non-alcoholic Stonewell Cider). No Irish wines yet, but they still keep it close to home with carefully chosen European wines.

While dining, you might notice some frames on one wall displaying what looks like handwriting—perhaps poems? Indeed, this unique feature is the “Poetry Wall”. The initiative, created by Gerry Murphy, a poet, and Kay Harte, showcases a distinctive collection of poems from Cork, Irish, and international poets. The Café commissioned these works in 2005 to celebrate Cork's designation as the European Capital of Culture.

Info on menus, opening times and more here

*  Sun­day Times 100 Best Restau­rants 2020