Decades-Old Irish Whiskey and Portuguese Madeira Wine Join Forces in $800 Collector’s Box

(Photo: Boann Distillery)

Boann Distillery and Justino’s Madeira are collaborating from over a thousand miles across the Atlantic Ocean to deliver a bespoke collector’s box.

Now on sale for €812 ($884), the box set includes The Whistler 21-Year-Old Single Malt Madeira Finish and Justino’s 20-Year-Old Madeira Malvasia, each of which pays homage to the other by way of cask aging. Themed after the sun and the moon, the unlikely pairing aims to uncover two sides of the same coin.

The project first took shape when Boann co-founder Peter Cooney acquired an “expensive parcel” of the 21-year single malt. Looking to up the ante, Cooney partnered with the Portuguese Madeira producer to reserve a pair of Malvasia casks previously used to finish Cognac. The casks were first used to finish a batch of 20-year Justino’s Madeira, then to finish Boann’s single malt for 18 months.

Renowned for its dry nutty flavor, Madeira wine seems like a natural pairing for typically sweet and malty Irish whiskey. The biggest difference within the box set comes courtesy of the ABV; while The Whistler is bottled at 109 proof, Justino’s clocks in at a modest 39 proof.

“The pairing of two noble products recognized around the world demonstrates the best that each of them has to offer and represents a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and a shared passion for craftsmanship,” Justino’s Madeira general manager Juan Teixeira said in a news release. “We are on a constant quest for innovation, so to partner with Boann and Amorim on this project is such an honour.”

Rounding out the Portuguese influences, each bottle is topped off with a cork made by Amorim Top Series, who crafted wine-soaked toppers from the spirit’s Madeira cask staves. Those eager to purchase the set can find it on the Boann Distillery website.

Tasting Notes, Via the Brands

The Whistler 21-year-old Madeira Cask Finish Single Malt Single Casks

• Nose: “A savory and vibrant nose, with wonderful hazelnuts and caramel on approach, followed by enticing apple blossom and vanilla aromas, with a touch of fresh herbs in the background.”
• Taste: “A rich and decadent palate, with spiced cracked pepper on entry, followed by delightful peaches and cream, backed by savory umami undertones.”
• Finish: “A long, chewy, and satisfying finish, with a unique and fresh minerality, truly showcasing the characteristics of the island of Madeira.”

Justino’s 20-year-old Malvasia Colheita 1999 Madeira Wine Single Cask

• Nose: “Elegant and complex aroma. Tobacco, candied orange peel, pine, resin and spices on the nose.”
• Taste: “Suggestions of spices like black pepper, caramel, toffee, tea leaves and toasted caramel on the palate with a good acidity balanced by a nice sugar content.”
• Finish: “Overall, it is medium sweet with a long and quite interesting salty finish.”

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