The Cheshire IPA Cask Special Release: Where Brewery Meets Distillery
Limited to 1,248 Bottles | Ex-IPA cask finishing | Jester IPA beer influence | 46% ABV | Combining two passions in one expression
Key Product Information
- Distillery: Weetwood, near Tarporley, Cheshire
- Region: Cheshire, England
- Type: English Single Malt Whisky
- ABV: 46% (92 proof)
- Volume: 70cl (700ml)
- Maturation: STR ex-bourbon quarter casks
- Finishing: Ex-IPA casks (Jester IPA)
- Character: Tropical, citrusy, accessible
- Filtration: Non-chill filtered
- Natural colour: Yes
- Limited Edition: 1,248 bottles only
- Innovation: Beer-whisky cask collaboration
Tasting Notes
Nose
Zesty citrus and fresh herbs with pineapple and tropical fruit. The subtle hop influence brings bright, vibrant aromas that complement the whisky's natural character.
Palate
Sweet biscuit backed by light mango and green apple. Creamy vanilla provides smoothness, while the IPA finishing adds unique tropical hop flavours and citrus brightness.
Finish
Easy-drinking and accessible with lingering hop character. The tropical fruit notes fade gently, leaving creamy vanilla and a hint of the distinctive Jester IPA influence.
What Makes The Cheshire IPA Cask Special
- Brewery-Distillery Innovation: Unique collaboration combining 30+ years of brewing expertise with whisky-making craftsmanship
- Jester IPA Influence: Six quarter casks previously held Weetwood's most full-flavoured beer, imparting hoppy character to the whisky
- Extremely Limited: Only 1,248 individually numbered bottles in smart presentation tubes
- Two Passions Combined: Represents the perfect marriage of beer and whisky-making skills in one vibrant expression
- Tropical Innovation: Creates unique tropical and citrus hop flavours impossible to achieve through traditional whisky maturation alone
- Easy Accessibility: Despite innovation, remains approachable and easy-drinking for all whisky experience levels
Perfect For
Whisky Enthusiasts Who Enjoy:
- Innovative finishing techniques
- Tropical and citrus flavours
- Beer and whisky crossovers
- Limited edition releases
- Accessible, easy-drinking styles
Occasions:
- Unique gift presentations
- Craft beverage appreciation
- Collector's showcase pieces
- Summer social gatherings
- Brewery-distillery celebrations
How to Enjoy The Cheshire IPA Cask
Neat
Best served at room temperature in a Glencairn glass to appreciate the unique tropical hop character blending with traditional whisky flavours.
With Water
A splash of spring water can enhance the citrus notes and reveal additional tropical fruit complexity from the IPA cask finishing.
Food Pairing
Excellent with spiced dishes, tropical fruit desserts, hop-forward cheese, or grilled pineapple. The beer influence pairs beautifully with brewery-inspired foods.
About Weetwood Brewery & Distillery
Since 1992, Weetwood has been perfecting the art of brewing exceptional beers from their Cheshire countryside location. The addition of distilling in 2018 created unique opportunities to combine their dual passions. The Cheshire IPA Cask represents this innovation perfectly using six quarter casks that previously held their mighty Jester IPA beer to finish whisky, creating flavours impossible through traditional methods. This brewery-distillery collaboration showcases how established brewing expertise can revolutionise whisky finishing, creating vibrant expressions that honour both crafts.
Understanding English Whisky Innovation
English whisky's regulatory freedom allows for creative innovations like beer cask finishing. With over 60 distilleries now operating across England, many are exploring unique finishing techniques that would be impossible in traditional whisky regions. The Cheshire IPA Cask demonstrates how English distillers can leverage existing expertise from other beverage industries to create entirely new flavour profiles, pushing the boundaries of what whisky can become while maintaining approachable character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes The Cheshire IPA Cask different from regular The Cheshire?
A: The Cheshire IPA Cask is finished in quarter casks that previously held Jester IPA beer, adding tropical and citrus hop flavours. This creates unique beer-whisky fusion flavours impossible through traditional maturation.
Q: Is The Cheshire IPA Cask suitable for those who don't like beer?
A: Yes, The Cheshire IPA Cask is described as easy-drinking and accessible. The hop influence is subtle and adds tropical fruit character rather than bitter beer flavours, creating a smooth, approachable whisky.
Q: How do IPA casks affect the whisky?
A: The IPA casks previously held Jester IPA beer, which imparts tropical and citrus hop character to the whisky. This creates unique flavours of pineapple, mango, and fresh herbs that complement the whisky's natural sweetness.
Q: What is Jester IPA?
A: Jester IPA is Weetwood's most full-flavoured beer, known for its hoppy character and tropical fruit notes. Using casks that held this beer allows the whisky to absorb these distinctive flavour compounds during finishing.
Q: Will there be more IPA Cask editions?
A: This is currently a limited special release of 1,248 bottles. While Weetwood may create similar experimental expressions in future, each release is likely to be unique and limited, reflecting their innovative approach to whisky-making.
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