Atxa Ibar 8 Year Whisky, Basque Country

Martín & Manuel · Blood & Sand · river valley

A Basque highland whisky from an historically well-established distillery, revitalized by Gabriel Acha in 2002 with products like Pacharán and Vermut. The barley is sourced from local malteries, building this 8-year blend with 25% malted and 75% unmalted barley. In lieu of peat, heather roots provide the green smokiness. Ibar is distilled in a bona fide Hervé & Moulin copper pot still in Álava, followed by aging in freshly charred Iberian oak casks. Nervión River filtered water completes the down-proofing before bottling.  Touch saline and nutty, integrated smoke, soft leather, a rich palate of sweet grains and spices. – a revelatory take on Scotch malt whiskey with Basque terroir – masterful.