Roe & Co Irish Whiskey is a relatively new addition to the Irish whiskey scene but has quickly gained a reputation for its smooth, modern style and exceptional quality. Created by Diageo, one of the world’s leading spirits companies, Roe & Co is named after the historic George Roe Distillery in Dublin, which was once one of Ireland’s most famous distilleries. The brand was launched in 2017 with the aim of bringing a new, contemporary approach to Irish whiskey, while paying homage to the rich tradition of Irish distilling.

Key Characteristics of Roe & Co Irish Whiskey:

• Blended Irish Whiskey: Roe & Co is a blended Irish whiskey, crafted by blending single malt and single grain whiskeys. This blend is then aged in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and a special selection of sherry casks, which help add complexity to the spirit.
• Maturation Process: The whiskey is matured in first-fill bourbon casks, which impart smoothness and rich vanilla sweetness. After the initial aging, it’s finished in sherry casks to enhance the fruitiness, spice, and depth of flavour, giving it an added layer of complexity and richness.
• ABV: Roe & Co is bottled at an ABV of 45%, which is slightly higher than the typical 40%, offering a bit more depth and intensity while still remaining smooth and easy to drink.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose of Roe & Co is warm, inviting, and aromatic, with a blend of vanilla, caramel, and honey. There’s a noticeable fruitiness that comes through, with apples, pears, and a hint of citrus zest, alongside a subtle touch of spice from the oak.
• Palate: On the palate, the whiskey is smooth and creamy, with an upfront sweetness of honey and caramel. The influence of the sherry casks is evident in the form of dark fruit notes like raisins and dried figs, as well as a light spice from the oak, which adds complexity. There’s also a hint of vanilla, almond, and a touch of maltiness, creating a well-rounded flavour profile.
• Finish: The finish is medium-long, with the fruit and vanilla flavours lingering, alongside a soft, warm spice from the oak. It’s smooth, clean, and satisfying, with a gentle sweetness that fades slowly.

Best Ways to Enjoy:

• Neat: Roe & Co is smooth and well-balanced enough to be enjoyed neat, allowing you to appreciate its delicate layers of flavour.
• With a Splash of Water: If you prefer to open up the flavours a little more, adding a few drops of water can enhance the fruity and spicy notes, making it lighter and more refreshing.
• On the Rocks: Roe & Co can be served on the rocks for a chilled, refreshing experience, especially on warm days. However, because of its smooth texture, it’s best to avoid too much ice, as it might dilute the flavours.
• In Cocktails: Roe & Co is highly versatile and works well in a variety of cocktails, such as an Irish Coffee, Whiskey Sour, or even a simple Old Fashioned. Its smooth, rich profile with the added complexity of the sherry cask finish makes it a great base for whiskey cocktails.