Irish whiskey brand Samuel Gelston’s has released a new single pot still expression matured in Jurassic Park star Sam Neill’s Pinot Noir casks.
The new bottling is the result of a collaboration between Gelston’s owner Johnny Neill and his cousin, New Zealand-based Sam Neill.
The triple-distilled whiskey was aged for 19 months in ex-Bourbon casks, before undergoing a second 21-month maturation period in French oak casks that previously held actor Neill’s Central Otago Pinot Noir wine.
Bottled at 40% ABV, the whiskey is said to have aromas of strawberry, nutmeg and tropical fruit, leading to blackcurrant, spice and jammy notes on the finish.
Johnny Neill, owner of Samuel Gelston’s Irish whiskey, said: “The Neill family have been making quality spirits for generations. My great-great-grandfather Harry Neill set up the successful
McCallum Neill & Co in Australia in 1851, and Percival, one of his younger brothers, set up Messrs Neill & Co in Dunedin in 1882 – Percival was Sam Neill’s great-grandfather.
“Sam and I have continued this legacy in our respective sides of the world – I’ve been focused on the creation of artisanal spirits using local ingredients, whereas he has dedicated nigh on 30 years’ winegrowing super-premium Pinot Noir.
“For the first time in 150 years, we’re bringing together the expertise from both sides of the family – the result being an incredibly exciting sweet, honeyed and very inviting single pot still Irish whiskey.”
