This whiskey is the result of collaboration between two cousins - Samuel Gelston’s owner, Johnny Neill and Sam Neill, actor and vineyard owner, who is based in New Zealand. It sees the cousins bringing together the two sides of the family, whilst also merging the brilliant flavours and aromas of the two hemispheres.
The whiskey has been triple distilled and matured for 19 months in ex-bourbon casks, before spending a further 21 months maturing in Sam’s French oak casks, which had previously held his prestigious Central Otago Pinot Noir.
Johnny Neill has said about this whiskey:
“The Neill family have been making quality spirits for generations. My Great, Great-Grandfather Harry Neill set up the successful McCallum Neill & Co in Australia in 1851, and Percival, one of his younger brothers set up Messrs Neill & Co in Dunedin in 1882 - Percival was Sam Neill’s Great Grandfather.
“Sam and I have continued this legacy in our respective sides of the world – I’ve been focused on the creation of artisanal spirits using local ingredients, whereas he has dedicated nigh on 30 years winegrowing super premium pinot noir. For the first time in 150 years, we’re bringing together the expertise from both sides of the family – the result being an incredibly exciting sweet, honeyed and very inviting Single Pot Still Whiskey”.
Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Nose: Oily malt and banana ice cream, with summer berries and hints of wood spice.
Palate: Red fruit sweetness and touches of dry red grape skin, with jammy berries and building baking spices.
Finish: Homemade blackcurrant jam lingers alongside vanilla sweetness.
40.0%
United Kingdom
