Velvet Cap Irish Whiskey
Velvet Cap Irish Whiskey is an 80 proof (40% ABV), 750mL blended Irish whiskey from Blackwater Distillery in County Waterford, Ireland — a small-batch blend of malt and grain whiskies rested after blending in a selection of bourbon, port, and stouted rye casks to marry. The "Triple Cask" finish gives it a luscious, layered character, and it ships in a presentation tube inspired by jockey silks. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL (⚠️ confirm US SKU — Ireland SKU is 70cl)
- Style: small-batch blend of malt and grain Irish whiskies
- Finish: Triple Cask — rested in bourbon, port, and stouted rye casks
- Origin: County Waterford, Ireland — Blackwater Distillery
- Age statement: none (NAS)
A Toast to the Steeplechase
Velvet Cap is named for the velvet caps worn by jockeys in Irish point-to-point racing — a sport born in 1752 when riders raced "from steeple to steeple" between two Cork churches, giving the world the word "steeplechase." Blackwater Distillery revived the brand with a drinker's philosophy, in CEO Peter Mulryan's words: a whiskey "to be savoured, not stashed away on a shelf." The distillery's own notes describe candied banana, honey, dark stonefruit, and almond on the nose, with a luscious mouthfeel of vanilla, plum, and agave on the palate; WhiskyCast's Mark Gillespie rated it 90 points. Explore more Irish whiskey and the Blackwater Distillery collection at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Candied banana, honey, dark stonefruit, and almond (distillery).
Palate: Luscious and oily — vanilla, plum, and agave with malty depth.
Finish: Fruity and lingering with toasted caramel and cooked fruits (WhiskyCast).
How to Enjoy
Neat in a tulip glass to catch the triple-cask layers. It also makes a silky Irish coffee or a smooth whiskey highball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Triple Cask" mean?
After blending, the whiskey is rested in a selection of bourbon, port, and stouted rye casks to marry the flavors.
Is Velvet Cap a single malt?
No — this expression is a small-batch blend of malt and grain Irish whiskies (the Bordeaux Cask and Peated Sherry Cask Velvet Caps are separate single malts).
Why is it called Velvet Cap?
For the velvet caps worn by jockeys in Irish point-to-point horse racing, a sport dating to 1752.
What size is the bottle?
The Ireland SKU is 70cl; the US SKU is listed here at 750mL, pending bottle confirmation.
An Irish blend built for drinking, not collecting — order Velvet Cap Irish Whiskey online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.