The Silkie legend makes her way to Australia

The newest additions to Dan Murphy's Irish whiskey range, The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey and its sister, The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey, are smoky and quite unlike what we have come to expect from our friends in Ireland.

Founder and distiller, James Doherty, of the Donegal distillery, Sliabh Liag Distillers, says it is an almost forgotten style of Irish whiskey.

“My aim in creating this collection was to evoke a smoky hue that harks back to a pre-prohibition time, when Donegal’s characteristic style was famed for warming, earthy flavours. This means Silkie is richer than the lighter Irish whiskeys most Australians are used to. We’re confident this will delight local drinkers, whether they are new or seasoned whiskey fans,” says Mr Doherty.

He says as Irish whiskey production grows, the distilleries are moving out from the cluttered Dublin streets and are now dotted through Ireland’s regional villages and hills. He says that this regionality means consumers can expect to see new textures, profiles and greater diversity when it comes to an Irish Whiskey drinking experience.

Where Jameson, Bushmills and Redbreast have led the Irish Whiskey scene for decades, Tullamore Dew, Slane and Teeling are all increasing their outputs. The number of regional Irish distilleries is also on the rise.

“There is more depth and diversity, an increase in and movement to regionality,” says Mr Doherty. “There are a whole lot of new guys doing interesting things.”

Donegal is a region of outliers, says Mr Doherty proudly, “wild, raw, untamed and battered by the Atalantic”, describing Silkie as “an unconventional Irish Whiskey”.  

All the same, The Legendary Dark Silkie was awarded Best Blended Irish Whisky in San Francisco last year. It is approachable, affordable and a “soft drinking, big flavour and big alcohol” liquid that works neat, on ice or as a cocktail mixer.

Silkie is named after the legendary maidens who would emerge from the sea in seal-like coats to capture the hearts of Donegal’s fishermen. There are two expressions currently available - The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey and The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey both with an ABV of 46 per cent. The Legendary Silkie Midnight due for release later this year.

The USA is the primary export market for the Silkies, followed by Australia, the UK and Canada. Australia is one of the fastest growing markets for Irish whiskey globally, with sales doubling from 2016 to 2020.

The Legendary is $74.99, while the Dark is $79.99

The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey retails at $74.99 and The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey retails at $79.99. Both at Dan Murphy's.