Lough Ree The Bridge Single Cask - Portaneena Single Grain

Part of the acclaimed The Bridge Series from Lough Ree Distillery, Portaneena celebrates one of the most picturesque locations along the shores of Lough Ree in County Westmeath. Nestled between rolling farmland and the tranquil waters of Ireland’s great midland lake, Portaneena is a place steeped in history, natural beauty, and local folklore.

Its name derives from the Irish Port an Fhíona, meaning “the landing place of the wine”. Local tradition suggests that wine was once brought ashore here by boat for nearby monastic settlements, highlighting the importance of Lough Ree as a historic trade route centuries before modern transport existed. Today, the area remains synonymous with lakeside hospitality, panoramic views, and the renowned Wineport Lodge, whose name pays homage to Portaneena’s historic origins.

This limited-edition release is a superb example of how careful cask selection can shape and elevate Irish whiskey. Distilled at Cooley in 2009, the whiskey began its maturation in a first-fill Bourbon cask, where it spent over nine years developing a smooth and elegant foundation. It was then transferred into an Amontillado Sherry cask for almost three years, adding layers of nuttiness, dried fruit, and complexity. A final maturation of nearly three years in a Pedro Ximénez Sherry cask brought exceptional richness, sweetness, and depth to the whiskey.

The result is a wonderfully expressive 15-year-old Single Grain Irish Whiskey with luxurious sherry influence throughout. Rich aromas of sweet sherry, almonds, dark fruits, rolling tobacco, and leather lead into a palate bursting with juicy raisins, demerara sugar, prunes, and an intensely syrupy texture balanced by lively spice. The finish is long and rewarding, revealing layers of rich dark fruits and warming Christmas spices.

Bottled at 46% ABV as a limited-edition single cask release, Portaneena showcases the artistry of extended maturation and the unique character that defines Lough Ree’s Bridge Series.

Maturation:

• Distilled: 2009
• Distillery: Cooley
• Style: Single Grain Irish Whiskey
• Age: 15 Years Old
• Initial Maturation: 9 Years 2 Months in a First-Fill Bourbon Cask
• Secondary Maturation: 2 Years 11 Months in an Amontillado Sherry Cask
• Finishing Period: 2 Years 11 Months in a Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask
• ABV: 46%
• Limited Edition Single Cask Release

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Tasting notes:
Nose: Sweet sherry, almonds, dark fruits, rolling tobacco, and leather.

Palate: Juicy ripe raisins, Demerara sugar, prunes, and an intensely syrupy mouthfeel balanced by vibrant spice.

Finish: Long and satisfying with rich dark fruits, medium sweetness, and warming Christmas spices.