Connemara Peated Single Malt (Early 2000s Edition)

A pioneering early-2000s bottling that revived the tradition of peated Irish whiskey, offering a smooth, smoky profile unique to Ireland.

At-a-Glance:

Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region: Cooley Distillery / Ireland

Category: Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Age / Vintage / Bottled: Non Age Statement (NAS) / Bottled early 2000s

ABV & Size(s): 40% / 70cl

Cask/ Treatment: Matured in oak casks (Likely ex-Bourbon)

Intended channel: General Release

Packaging: Standard glass bottle.

1. Historical Context

The Connemara Peated Single Malt, produced at the Cooley Distillery, holds a significant place in the modern history of Irish whiskey. For decades, Irish whiskey had universally moved towards unpeated production, distinguishing itself from the smoky character of most Scotch whisky. Connemara was founded with the express mission to revive the tradition of peated Irish whiskey, a practice that was historically common before the 20th century when peat (or turf) was the readily available fuel source for drying malted barley in Ireland.

The early 2000s bottling of this NAS Original expression represents the successful launch and establishment of the brand. Connemara's innovation was in marrying the characteristic triple distillation (which ensures smoothness) with the smoky, earthy character typically associated with Islay or Highland Scotch. This unique fusion gives the whiskey a distinctly different profile from its unpeated Irish counterparts, making it a pioneer in its field.

The brand's success was immediate, evidenced by its accumulation of over 20 awards at major international spirits competitions. This early bottling, often carrying the simple NAS label, is a tangible piece of the genesis of modern peated Irish whiskey. While the core 40% ABV/70cl bottling remains the standard today, the early 2000s vintage is valued for its provenance from the initial production runs of this revolutionary liquid. The brand is now globally recognised and remains the only widely available peated Irish single malt.

2. Technical Specification & Variant Map

The Connemara Original bottling is defined by its accessible strength and peated nature, which is its primary technical selling point.

2.1 Documented variants

The core specifications for the original release are consistent:

• Standard Strength: 40% ABV. This is the standard strength for the original NAS release.
• Standard Volume: 70cl.
• Age Statement: Non Age Statement (NAS) Original. Age-stated variants (e.g., 12 Year Old) exist but are separate expressions.
• Market: General Release, sold globally as an accessible peated malt.

Variant Matrix:

2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist

• Exclusivity Markers: The bottle is clearly identified as the Original NAS expression. Collectors should look for the 40% ABV/70cl standard.
• Liquid Provenance: The liquid must exhibit a peated character, distinguishing it from standard unpeated Irish single malts.
• Lookalikes: Must be distinguished from the higher-strength, discontinued Turf Mor expression and the age-stated 12 Year Old.

2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes

The liquid is legally a Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey. Irish single malts are typically triple distilled, contributing to the characteristic smoothness that balances the smoke. Whether the liquid is non-chill filtered or features natural colour is not stated by the producer.

3. Liquid Profile

The profile is characterised by a smooth interplay between sweet malt, fruit, and distinctive peat smoke.

Nose: A robust smokiness and peat, intertwined with the freshness of heather and floral hints, complemented by a sweet honeyed aroma.

Palate: The palate delivers a smooth balance of smoky notes, sweet malt, and soft fruit. The peated character is gentle but distinctive.

Finish: The overall character is a unique fusion of traditional Irish smoothness and subtle Highland-style peat.

With water: Not stated by the producer.

5. Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Connemara is produced at the Cooley Distillery in Ireland, established in 1987. Cooley is unique in Irish distilling for its history of innovation, particularly in reviving old styles. Connemara is the flagship of this philosophy, being the first widely available peated Irish single malt. The whisky is triple distilled for smoothness and matured in oak casks, balancing the smoke with the delicate Irish malt character.

6. Sourcing:

• Target formats/eras to prefer: Target bottles that specifically pre-date the major branding and ownership shifts of the late 2000s. The 40% ABV/70cl NAS is the specific liquid for this reference.
• Red flags: Any price significantly above 40.00 GBP for the NAS bottling is likely overvalued, as the standard bottling remains highly accessible.
• Condition thresholds (fill/box): Standard fill level and label integrity.
• Margin/velocity expectations (qualitative): High velocity due to accessible price point. Low margin potential.