Glendalough Single Cask Canteiro Aged Madeira Cask Finish Irish Whiskey
Glendalough Single Cask Canteiro Aged Madeira Cask Finish Irish Whiskey is a 42% ABV single grain Irish whiskey in a 700mL bottle from Glendalough Distillery in County Wicklow — the "Valley of the Two Lakes." Aged a minimum of three years in first-fill bourbon casks, then an Oloroso sherry cask, it is finished in Madeira wine casks matured by the traditional canteiro method in Madeira's warm climate, and bottled non chill-filtered. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 42%
- Size: 700mL
- Style: Single grain Irish whiskey — Single Cask range
- Aging: Min. 3 years first-fill bourbon casks → Oloroso sherry cask (~6 months) → Canteiro-aged Madeira wine cask finish
- Distillery: Glendalough Distillery, County Wicklow, Ireland
- Finish: Non chill-filtered; small-batch
From Wicklow to the Canteiro Lofts
Glendalough's Single Cask range is built on finishing — and this one goes somewhere few Irish whiskeys go. After bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, it rests in Madeira wine casks matured canteiro-style: the traditional Madeiran method of aging wine under heat in warm lofts, which bakes deep dried-fruit character into the wood. On a light, sweet single grain base, the effect is dramatic. It earned Gold at the 2023 Meiningers International Spirits Awards. Explore more Glendalough and Irish whiskey.
Tasting Notes
Per the official distillery notes: a nose of rich sultanas, exotic fruit, mango, pineapple, orange zest, and marmalade; a light, lively taste — rich and rounded with raisins, dark cherry, and plum, vanilla and sweet grains with peppercorn spice; a finish of dark stone fruit, oak spices, and a slight nuttiness.
How to Enjoy
Neat, to let the Madeira finish show — or with a splash of water to open the tropical fruit. A natural pick for the Irish whiskey drinker ready to move past the standard blends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is canteiro aging?
Canteiro is the traditional Madeiran method of maturing wine in casks under heat in warm lofts — it concentrates deep dried-fruit, nutty character in the wood, which the whiskey then absorbs during finishing.
Is Glendalough Single Cask a single malt?
No — it is a single grain Irish whiskey, from Glendalough Distillery's Single Cask range. Single grain whiskey is typically lighter and sweeter than single malt.
What awards has it won?
It won Gold at the 2023 Meiningers International Spirits Awards (Whiskey category).
Single grain, Madeira-finished, award-winning — order the Glendalough Single Cask online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.