66 NOFFLA NEWS
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NOffLA welcomes new associate member, Sugarloaf Beverages/Istil 38
NOffLA is delighted to announce that new associate member Sugarloaf Beverages is now proudly sharing details of its first release, Istil 38 Pot Still Irish Vodka. Produced in a traditional copper pot still, Istil 38 is made to be enjoyed with thoroughly modern serves Istil 38’s classic vodka is currently being distributed with two different flavours set to be released soon, Pink Berries and Vanilla. Each vodka within the range is specifically designed to be mixed into long drinks and into some of the world’s most loved cocktails. The 500-litre copper pot still selected, strips out any impurities, leaving Istil 38 with a highly finessed quality of liquid. It is slow distilled four times thus leaving the vodka so pure that it needs no further filtration. Using reverse osmosis, the vodka’s ABV is then reduced down to 38% using natural spring water taken from the heart of the Boyne Valley sourced two hundred feet below ground. This lighter ABV also gives the vodka a softer, smoother mouthfeel and a brighter grain character. “We wanted to create a forward-thinking Irish vodka, for people who always seek the
ISTIL 38 KEY FACTS • Istil 38 is produced in Meath with grain spirit in a 500-litre copper pot still. • The ABV is 38%. • 5c from each bottle sold in Ireland will go towards planting native Irish trees. • The RRP is €35. • Available nationwide to the on-trade and also available in all independent off-licenses. best,” says Sugarloaf Beverages managing director Shane Davey. “They know life is short and our time for pleasure and indulgence is even shorter. So, we’ve dedicated ourselves to handcrafting this ultimate vodka. For those whose time is at a premium, we feel Istil 38 is the perfect premium spirit to enjoy it with.”
“Our classic vodka is already being very well received for its rich depth and it’s great to see it being served with lime and soda in some of Ireland’s best bars,” he continues. “Soon we will be bringing out our first two flavours, Pink Berries and Vanilla. Both of which were crafted with great detail to bring maximum flavour to highball serves and the massively popular cocktail, Espresso Martini.” “In terms of sales, vodka is the biggest spirit in Ireland,” he adds. “With Istil 38, our ambition is to show people that we have a premium Irish alternative to the industrially produced multinational vodka brands. We make it by time-honoured traditional means, but our sensibilities for the serves are firmly in the modern era.” Another key element behind Istil 38, is its environmental and sustainability policy. Five cents from every bottle will be donated
My favourite...
In our column outlining members’ favourite tipples, NOffLA members share their expertise on the brands that excite their palates. This month, Richard Browne of Jus De Vine in Portmarnock, Co. Dublin, highlights his favourite picks
Richard Browne is a fan of the latest releases from both Brú Brewery and Slane Irish Whiskey
ShelfLife April 2022 | www.shelflife.ie
There hasn’t been a whole lot of exciting beers or spirits launched within 2022 that have really made me think “wow” and urged me to go back and buy another. It was always a case of trying something new and it just being a ‘one and done’ type of scenario but two that have stood out for me of late have been the new releases from Brú Brewery and Slane Irish Whiskey.
“Echoes” is one of the latest beers to join the Brú Brewery Urban Jungle range of highquality craft beers. Not only is the labelling absolutely fantastic which draws you towards it, it is truly a phenomenal beer. This Double Dry Hopped West Coast IPA is exploding with flavour due to the hops being added during and after fermentation, resulting in tropical fruit notes and a long
Istil 38 is a premium Irish spirit which has been slow distilled four times
to help plant native tree forests in the country it is sold in. Istil 38’s bottle was chosen due to its shape and weight, which meant less CO2 emissions when transporting. As a brand, the group has committed to being a carbon neutral company from the very start of its journey.
bitter finish. One of the best beers Brú and their head brewer Fran have produced. I like my whiskey as much as I like my craft beer and I like to think I balance my love between the two. We all have a go-to beer and for me it’s the same with whiskey, in which my go-to has always been Slane. It’s very easy drinking and suits anyone I give a sample to who is interested in getting into the craze of Irish whiskey. Slane’s latest release celebrates more than 40 years of music at Slane Castle. It is predominantly aged in extra virgin oak and then blended with seasoned barrels and sherry casks that accentuate the toasted oak and vanilla flavours on the palate. This limited edition won’t be on the shelves long, so I highly recommend picking up a bottle from your local off-licence.
