Waterford Gaia Edition 1.1 The Arcadian Series 50% 2016

Professional reviews

Words of Whisky (87)

:

The youth is mostly noticeable on the somewhat aggressive palate, but otherwise this is another well-rounded, impressive showing from Waterford.
Nose
The barley and cereal notes are omnipresent, always lurking. Hints of droopy honey enhance the sweet floral notes, but vanilla, orange zest, mush bananas and raw sugar stand out as well. A whiff of chalk as well, with some lingering spicy notes in the back row.
Taste
Thick, oily and spicy. A fair amount of oak and heat, with cloves and pepper vying for attention. Cherries, quinces, pear skin and dried apricots restore the balance.
Finish
Pretty dry, but sweet and with notes of port-stewed pears in the end.

BOW (87)

Organic Gaia 1.1. is the first release in the 'Arcadian Series'. This series represents farmers Who do things differently; inspiring growers whose ethos and way of life respect the land and the ancient ways, pursuing pure flavors over quantity of yields. Named after Gaia, the primeval mother, a personification of Mother Earth herself. An appropriate name for Ireland's first whiskey distilled solely from certified organic Irish barley.
John Mallick, Paddy Tobin, Alan Jackson, Pat & Dennis Booth, Jason Stanley and Trevor Harris took on the challenge of producing Ireland's first organic malting barley. Given the low yield of organic barley, it is important to know that the crops from the different farms are combined as one batch prior to distillation.
Distilled in 2016, bottled in August 2020 and aged for 3 years, 9 months and 20 days. No coloring, no chill filtration or additives.
Nose: Orange peel, figs, seaweed, hay after light rain, salted caramel, peppermint, rose water.
Taste: Spicy notes of pepper on the tongue, cloves, figs, oiliness, cherries, butterscotch, pears.
Finish: Long and spicy oiliness with a little sweetness at the end