Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey
Philip Day looks at Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey. In 1830, Mr Gelston founded his eponymous company in Belfast. Philip looks at the company’s history and provides his thoughts on this particularly blended Irish whisk(e)y.
As we rapidly approach the holiday season and people are combing social media, newspapers and magazines for present suggestions, for many people styles of whisk(e)y can be confusing, so let’s keep it simple – buy a decent blend!
Today I’d like to offer the following suggestion: Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey, made from a blend of locally sourced Irish malted barley and grain that is triple distilled for smoothness, then matured in the finest quality ex-bourbon oak casks.
The combination of triple distillation in addition to the finest ingredients and cask ageing creates an elegantly smooth yet expressive whiskey with rich flavours that can be savoured neat, over ice or mixed into a long refreshing drink.
Gelston’s Old Irish Whiskey was founded in 1830 by Samuel Gelston, a prosperous wine and spirits merchant based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He had a shop located in Corporation Street in the city and his Gelston’s Old Irish Whiskey became very popular. After the death of Samuel in late 1869, Henry James Neill (Harry) purchased the company and expanded the scale of the business; the popularity of the whiskey and its distribution significantly, both in Ireland and in overseas markets.
Harry successfully ran the business until his death in 1891, when the business moved to another H.J. Neill of the next generation. However, like many Irish whiskey brands, Gelston’s disappeared as sales slumped as a result of Prohibition in the USA during the 1920s.
Johnny Neill, a fifth generation descendant of Harry J Neill revived the Samuel Gelston’s brand and yet again it is developing a worldwide following.
Johnny Neill has also created such brands as the Whitley Neill and Marylebone gins, and today, Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey sits within the wider Halewood Artisanal Spirits portfolio, who continue to work closely with Johnny to bring the historic Samuel Gelston’s brands back to life with a range of exceptional cask finish and rare aged single malt Irish whiskeys.
(For more information on these other whiskeys see the Samuel Gelston’s website.)
Let’s look at Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey in more detail:
Tasting Notes (Supplied by Samuel Gelston’s):
COLOUR: Light Golden
NOSE: Delicate with a little dry spice, hints of fruit and hard candied sweets.
PALATE: A little spicy with a smooth honeyed mouth coating and a little grain and nut.
FINISH: A long and elegant finish, leaving you wanting to drink more.
ABV: 40%
SIZE: 70cl
Personal tasting notes (Official sample kindly provided by Samuel Gelston’s Distillery through Burt Greener Communications)
NOSE: Delicate aromas, hints of oak and a pear drop sweetness.
PALATE: A dry but smooth mouth feel, honeyed with distinctive citrus notes. There’s also a hint of vanilla and burnt caramel.
A gingery note, together with a biscuity, nutty taste provides a spicier element.
FINISH: A lengthy smooth finish.
Perfect for mixing long drinks or whiskey based cocktails. So if you enjoy your whiskey with a mixer this won’t fail to disappoint.
AWARDS: San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver 2021
AVAILABILITY: From most High Street retailers, specialist whisky shops or on-line.
RRP: £20-25
The Samuel Gelston’s name is synonymous with quality and innovation.
Since 1830 the company has been ageing, blending and bottling Irish whiskeys of the highest quality and innovating with exceptional cask finishes. Their whiskey ranges from young Malts and Single Pot Stills all the way up to 28 Year Old Single Malt, from Sherry Cask to Rum Cask to Pinot Cask finishes – the height of innovation and experimentation.
(See website for further information.)
Their motto has remained the same over time – ‘Honour, Honesty and Integrity!’
Contact details:
Address: Halewood Artisanal Spirits
First Floor, Tennyson House,
159 – 165 Great Portland Street,
LONDON, W1W 5PA
Telephone: +44 (0)151 480 8800 (Customer services)
Email: info@hjneill.com
Internet: https://samuelgelstons.com
Facebook: @SamuelGelstons
Instagram: @samuelgelstons
References:
(Official sample kindly provided through Burt Greener Communications)