The first rule of the Kult: You do not talk about the Kult. The second rule of the Kult: You DO NOT talk about the Kult. Third rule: If someone yells “stop,” goes limp, or taps out, the tasting is over. Fourth rule: Only one bottle per person. Fifth rule: One bottle at a time, fellas. Sixth rule: No shirts, no shoes. Seventh rule: Tastings will go on as long as they have to. And the eighth and final rule: If this is your first night at the Kult, you have to drink.

Remember: It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything, and in the Kult, we’ve stripped away the mundane to focus on the extraordinary. This isn’t just about drinking whiskey; it’s about embracing the chaos and finding order in the shared love of an exceptional dram.

Okay, this isn’t exactly Fight Club, but it’s as special as it gets in the world of whiskey. The Kult is a sanctuary for those who crave exceptional drams, the thrill of discovery, and the bond of a shared passion. We enjoy the finest whiskies and the craic that comes with them. Each bottling is a journey, each sip is a new adventure. So while we may not be throwing punches, we’re definitely making an impact—one bottling at a time.

After much anticipation, the highly awaited Kult cask is finally here for our lively and enthusiastic community. While the Blackberry Rum cask has certainly sparked interest, the Kult cask is the true gem we’ve all been eagerly awaiting. Brendan has finally brought it to fruition. Interestingly, there’s a special connection between this Kult cask and the Blackberry Rum bottling, adding an exciting twist to the story.

For those not in the know, the Kult isn’t just a whiskey club; it’s a circle of rogues who appreciate the finest nuances of whiskey. Though it began humbly on Facebook, the Kult has evolved into a clandestine gathering of enthusiasts who savour not only great whiskey but also the rich, spirited craic that comes with it. This is where great minds and great people meet over even greater drams, where each bottle tells a story, and every member is part of an extraordinary journey.

Within the Kult, there’s a shared understanding of what whiskey truly is and what it isn’t. Without rehashing the same points, it’s clear that the Mixed Mash Bill, which this whiskey is, isn’t exactly what it appears. It’s an Irish pot still, pure and simple. Yet, adhering to the strict guidelines of the Irish Whiskey Technical File, it can’t be officially recognised as such. The word ‘Barántúil’—meaning authentic—emblazoned across the bottle, however, gives it a profound sense of authenticity.

Anyway, on to the whiskey. This is a 3-year-old whiskey that has been aged as follows: 3 years in an ex-peated GND bourbon cask, 6 months in an ex-Kult blackberry rum cask, and 2 months in an ex-8-year-old Cooley cask. The result? Hopefully something unique that speaks to the heart of what the Kult is all about: pushing boundaries and creating something extraordinary from the unexpected.

Killowen Kult Barántúil KD088

Price: £92 (now sold out…)

ABV: 61.12%

Nose: Petrichor, and lots of it, there’s also some lemon sherbet and lime zest. Almost a briney and quite salty note to it as well, likely a product of the open told and wild fermentation at the foots of the Mournes. Herbal too, hints of aniseed and blackberry boiled sweets.

Palate: herbal hits almost instantly, there’s a slight numbing of the tongue as a result! Aniseed and clove all over, with some peppermint that you could chew through. There’s some spicy red grapes and cinnamon raspberry tart. Lots of boiled sweets and blackberry jelly. Sweetness throughout, in particular with runny honey.

Finish: Lots of heat and warmth coming through in buckets. There’s a chili warmth and a prickliness too.

Conclusion

The debut of the Killowen Kult cask is an undeniable triumph. What truly stands out is the unmistakable Killowen DNA. Having sampled numerous Barántúil expressions, the signature traits are now effortlessly recognisable, even harking back to the Two Stacks’ three pillars.

This DNA manifests through a distinctive herbal and spicy profile—a robust blend of clove, cinnamon, peppermint, and subtle aniseed. The addition of blackberry rum cask maturation brings an extra layer of complexity, creating a very nice mix. The delightful flavours of grapes and raspberry tart further enhance it making this a real coup!

The accolades speak for themselves. Fresh off a triumphant haul at Belfast Whiskey Week, Killowen has garnered ‘Best Distiller,’ ‘Irish Whiskey Experience of the Year,’ and ‘Assistant Distiller/Blender of the Year.’ These honours are a testament to the dedication and hard work invested over the past two years.

The coming years will be crucial for Brendan as he navigates what currently feels like an unsinkable ship. There’s speculation about introducing a 70cl bottle, which would certainly please those missing the extra 20cl. Additionally, it raises the question of how the Killowen DNA would evolve with an extra year or two of maturation. This prospect is both intriguing and exciting, and it’s worth considering whether this is on Brendan’s radar.

Score: 8/10