Waterford Gaia Edition 1.1 Single Malt Irish Whisky (700ml)

This is Irelands first organically certified whisky made using organic, biodynamic and heritage low yield barley that goes back in time before the modern agrochemical industry. Distilled in 2016, grain was sourced from John Mallick, Paddy Tobin, Alan Jackson, Pat and Dennis Booth, Jason Stanley and Trevor Harris. Maturation took place in 42% first-fill American oak, 17% virgin American oak, 23% premium French oak and 18% Vin Doux Naturel wine casks. Bottled non chill filtered at 50% ABV as part of Waterford’s ‘Arcadian Series’. Collectors should note this is a first edition, so likely to go fast.

Other reviews… Satsuma peel, aromatic florals, and a low level of aromatic spices, then fruit syrups and a hint of olive oil on the nose: Its clean and bright, with plenty of sweetness. The citrus, toffee, and salted-caramel sweetness of the palate are disrupted by a shockwave of pepper, leaving tangy peels, hints of nuts, and sour gooseberry in its wake before a finish of citrus and sweet barley.
89 points – whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2020)