At my last masterclass at the International Whisky Festival, Jessie Lynch delved into the concept of bonding, which was once a prominent practice in Ireland. Bonders were responsible for blending and bottling the whiskeys, as many distilleries did not do this themselves. The bonders typically purchased the new make spirit from the distilleries and aged it in their own bonding warehouses.
Based on the various whiskeys that J.J. Corry has in their warehouse, which they also refer to as their “Library of Flavours,” they have brought different types of whiskey to the market worldwide.
Core Range
The masterclass began the tasting with the three core expressions. First up was the Cliffs of Moher. This is a blend of malt, grain, and pot still whiskey aged in ex-bourbon barrels from Kentucky and ex-sherry barrels, which provide beautiful citrus notes with vanilla and honey. We then moved on to The Hanson, which has been aged in various barrels that previously held American whiskey from the states of Kentucky and Tennessee. Notes of roasted fruit greet you, perfect for summer 2025.
The final one in the core range was The Gael. This is composed of the older stock in the warehouse from sherry and bourbon barrels. It offers a delicious full flavor with rich influences from the wood.
Bonders Editions
The Bonders Editions are the special bottlings that J.J. Corry releases in collaboration with, for example, specialty bars or importers.
The first two Bonders Editions are a set. The first was the Lazy Dog, an 8-year-old whiskey finished in PX sherry casks. Its counterpart was the Quick Brown Fox, which had a finish in Oloroso and Amontillado casks. It was wonderful to experience the differences between the finishes.
The last of the Bonders Editions was a future Single Cask release that will be bottled in collaboration with Tradeinspirits for the Dutch market. This release is expected to be available in early 2025. It is a cask strength bottling with the whiskey finished in an Oloroso cask. Truly amazing.
-
J.J. Corry Cliffs of Moher – Blend of Single Malt, Pot Still Grain Irish Whiskeys – RRP 64,99Please login to see prices. -
J.J. Corry The Gael Blended Whiskey-RRP 79,99Please login to see prices. -
J.J. Corry Hanson Whiskey – RRP 54,99Please login to see prices. -
J.J. Corry The Pig’s Elbow Irish Style Dry Gin – RRP 44,99Please login to see prices.
