Skellig Atlantic Aged Small Batch Irish Whiskey 700ml

Skellig Six18 Distillery takes its name from Skellig Michael, the remote monastic island off the coast of County Kerry famous for its 618 stone steps, a symbol of resilience the distillery has built into its brand identity. Located in Cahersiveen along Ireland's rugged Skellig Coast, the distillery draws on its remote Atlantic setting and abundant soft water supply to produce a small range of limited-edition whiskeys, including its Six18 Step Collection and this Small Batch bottling. The name pays tribute to the region's history of maritime trade, when ships carrying sherry from Jerez routinely passed the Skellig Rocks on their way to European ports.

Skellig Atlantic Aged Small Batch is a blend of pot still and grain Irish whiskey, with the pot still portion contributing structure and spice to the final profile. The whiskey begins its maturation in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, with individual barrels hand selected from the distillery's maturation warehouse, situated close enough to the ocean that the Atlantic air is credited with shaping the whiskey as it ages. It is bottled at 40% ABV, a small-batch approach that keeps production tied closely to the distillery's coastal Kerry location.

The nose offers honeyed sweetness layered with candied PX sherry notes, while the palate is smooth and balanced, carrying dried fruit, honeyed oak, and a touch of dark chocolate alongside the spicier character contributed by the pot still whiskey. The finish is warm and gently spiced. That richness makes it an easy match for a whiskey sour, and its sherried sweetness also comes through nicely in a simple whiskey and ginger ale.