The Kinsale Mead Co has released the second of its new, limited edition series of barrel aged meads, the Atlantic Dry Mead – Sauternes Barrel Aged 12% ABV.
This 3 year-old mead is finished dry, crisp and honeyed, matured for the last 12 months in a French oak wine barrel in the meadery to add structure and depth.
This is a fine mead with lingering almond, refreshing citrus and honey notes. Attractive with a bright, silky finish and a lovely balance of sweetness and acidity, dry and clean. There is an initial burst of honey at first, very refreshing, followed by the almond and florals such as honeysuckle and white acacia flowers and a subtle oak.
Their Wild Red Mead – Merlot Barrel Aged was released last month in a move described by wine writer Aoife Carrigy in the Irish Independent as “…upping its impressive game another notch…” and by wine writer, Leslie Williams in the Irish Examiner as “always interesting product…pouring like an aged Saint Émilion in the glass…Quite delicious and rather fascinating.”
“These unique meads have been a year in the making,” said Denis Dempsey, mead-maker and co-founder. “We were tasting them over lockdown and those extra few months in the barrels was a boon.”
“We serve the Merlot Barrel Aged Wild Red at room temperature,” said Kate Dempsey, co-founder and meadstress. “We’ve paired it with pâté on toast, Parma ham and Irish artisan sausages. While the Sauternes Barrel Aged Atlantic Dry shines paired with lemon tart, or cheesecake. For savoury pairings we’re trying a pungent Durrus or Gubbeen cheese or a herby roast chicken.”
“Our beautiful label is inspired by the story of the Wild Geese Irish,” explained Denis. “They emigrated in waves from Ireland to the continent at the end of the Jacobite wars and became soldiers in the armies of France as well as making and trading in wine. Kinsale was a wine port so, in a sense, we are completing the circle, bringing those precious barrels back.”
They have one more barrel aged mead to release later this year.
Merlot Barrel Aged Stockists includes Celtic Whiskey Shop, selected Supervalus, Bubble Brothers, Urru Bandon, 1601 Kinsale, Egans Portlaois, Martins Fairview and Blackrock Cellars, at an RRP of €27.95.
https://www.fft.ie/kinsale-mead-barrel-aged-atlantic-dry-mead/
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