Peter Foley, Hook Head, Co. Wexford

Ned and Megan nipped out to meet Martin Foley's son, Peter, on the wilds of Hook Head - with a bottle of Hook Head - on Ireland’s southern coast, 10 miles from the distillery; so close that Oliver Cromwell vowed to take Waterford ‘by hook or by crook’ in the 17th century. Here Martin & his son Philip Foley grow barley on clay/loam soils derived from limestone, belonging to the Elton series. Exposed to the full range of salt-laden storms, sea mists & ocean breezes, it’s an extreme maritime terroir - as you can probably see.

The provenance of our barley, where and how it is cultivated, is therefore key. Taking proven principles from Islay a giant step further, we have an unprecedented 97 Irish farms, some organically-run, growing barley on distinct soil types. With a pioneering digital logistical system keeping track, each farmer’s crop is harvested, stored, malted and distilled separately. Thus we can capture in spirit each farm’s terroir, that subtle character shaped by micro-climate and soil. Individuality and integrity from field to barrel.

The goal of this precision, provenance with total traceability, is to provide us with an unparalleled library of maturing, nascent single malt whisky as each farm’s barley is distilled, one per week throughout the year.

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