A revolution shook the whisky category in 2020: Waterford Distillery! Led by the renowned Mark Reynier, the project reemphasized barley, at the heart of the final aromatic profile of a single malt, thanks to an ambitious triptych of Terroir, Traceability, and Transparency. Inspired by the greatest winemakers and the formidable richness of the Irish terroir, coupled with elite and cutting-edge production methods, the distillery created a buzz with ranges praised by critics and enthusiasts alike.

Notably, the Arcadian Series range, worked on with non-conformist and iconoclastic farmers whose values and lifestyles are centered on respect for the land and the pursuit of true flavors rather than harvest yields. After the Organic Gaia and Biodynamic Luna editions, Waterford continues to innovate with Heritage, limited editions made from barley varieties whose cultivation had been halted in favor of higher-yield varieties.

However, the aromatic profile of these historical varieties adapted to the Irish terroir is unique and deserves to be rediscovered. Waterford has partnered with the Irish Ministry of Agriculture and the Minch Malt malting company to “recreate” these varieties, starting from 25 grams each time.

The first edition is named Hunter, a variety introduced in 1959 by Dr. Herbert Hunter and cultivated for two decades before being abandoned, causing sadness among many Irish breweries and distilleries that missed its flavorful profile. Harvested in 2018 at Donoughmore farm, the barley was malted and then distilled in 2019.

The resulting single malt is intense, with a very original lemony character, complemented by notes of candied fruits (prune porridge, orange cake) and delicate spices (clove), enhanced by a rustic and salty touch.