Hyde releases two new Irish whiskeys

County Cork-based producer Hyde has launched two Irish whiskeys, The Éiregold Special Reserve Blend and Hyde No. 11 The Peat Cask.

Both 700ml bottlings are matured in American white oak, ex-Bourbon casks. No. 11 is branded with the year 1949 across the label, paying homage to Ireland's first president, Douglas Hyde, who died in 1949. The non-chill-filtered limited edition expression has been aged for eight years. It is said to be smoky on the nose, offering notes of pear, apple and hints of dried fruits. Also boasting a sweet palate of honey and toasted oak, the whiskey features a biscuity malted-grain flavour. The finish gives way to a rich, creamy and full-bodied taste, and the spirit sits at 43% ABV. The Éiregold Special Reserve is triple distilled in a copper pot still in County Cork, and aged for a minimum of four years. On the nose, the liquid presents a balance of spicy and sweet Bourbon-like notes, as well as infusions of cinnamon and clove. The palate includes hints of robust grain spice, vanilla, charred oak and black pepper, while the finish is long and smooth with a combination of oak and barley. The 40% ABV Special Reserve retails for RRP €29.99 (US$35.59), while No. 11 is available to purchase for RRP €49.99 (US$59.33). The whiskeys can be bought in the UK from Ocado and Master of Malt, and in Ireland from irishmalts.com. Earlier this year, Hyde Irish Whiskey won a Gold medal for The Éiregold Special Reserve Blend in The Spirits Business' Irish Whiskey Masters 2021. We recently uncovered 10 of the best expressions from our recent blind-tasting competition of Irish whiskeys.