Discover the perfect harmony of tradition and innovation with Keeper's Heart Irish + American Rye Whiskey, a masterful blend that unites the smooth elegance of Irish grain and single pot still whiskeys with the bold spice of American rye. Crafted with precision by world-renowned Master Distiller Brian Nation, this 86-proof spirit tantalizes the palate with notes of candied ginger, vanilla, lemon zest, and stewed fruits, rounded out by a soft charred oak finish and lingering spiced caramel. Awarded Blended Whiskey of the Year in 2024, Keeper's Heart delivers a sophisticated yet approachable drinking experience that celebrates the best of both whiskey worlds. Perfect for savoring neat or elevating your favorite cocktail, this unique fusion is a must-try for whiskey enthusiasts and curious palates alike.
Process & Profile
Keeper's Heart is expertly crafted using a meticulous seven-step process, starting with milling high-quality grains, followed by mashing, lautering, and fermentation. The whiskey undergoes triple pot distillation, a hallmark of Irish whiskey-making, ensuring a smooth, refined spirit. The liquid is then aged in both ex-bourbon barrels and new American oak, facilitating the rich interplay of flavors. Finally, blending combines the deep character of American rye with the bright, floral notes of Irish grain whiskey for a distinct flavor harmony.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: A vibrant explosion of bright floral aromas, baking spices, and a hint of candied ginger.
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Palate: A delightful interplay of sweet and zesty flavors such as candied ginger, vanilla, lemon zest, and stewed fruit. Subtle hints of sweet biscuits and freshly charred oak round out the experience.
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Finish: Long and smooth, with lingering notes of spiced caramel and a touch of herbaceous sweetness that leaves a satisfying warmth.
What Makes It Special
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A Fusion of Traditions: Keeper's Heart blends Irish pot still whiskey, Irish grain whiskey, and American rye whiskey to create a completely new style.
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Masterful Craftsmanship: The whiskey is the result of over 140 blend iterations, perfecting a balance between the creamy, floral Irish notes and the robust, spicy rye flavors.
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Award-Winning Recognition: Keeper's Heart has earned multiple accolades, including Blended Whiskey of the Year (2024 Bartender Spirit Awards) and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
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Versatility: Designed for enjoyment in various forms, it excels whether sipped neat, on the rocks, or as the base for cocktails, making it suitable for all occasions.
How to Enjoy
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Neat or On the Rocks: Savor its intricate layers of flavor in their purest form.
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Classic Cocktails: Perfect for updating traditional whiskey-based drinks like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, where its sweet and spiced profile shines.
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Creative Pairings: Given its baking spice and citrus notes, it pairs beautifully with desserts like lemon tart or spiced shortbread.
A New Standard in Whiskey
Keeper's Heart Irish + American Rye Whiskey is more than a drink; it's an innovative celebration of cross-cultural craftsmanship. Whether you're a whiskey novice or a seasoned connoisseur, this blend offers something truly memorable with its unique mashbill, expertly developed flavors, and smooth finish. A must-try for anyone looking to explore the evolution of whiskey!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Keeper's Heart Irish + American Rye Whiskey unique?
Keeper's Heart blends the smooth qualities of Irish Grain and Pot Still whiskies with the bold, spicy character of American Rye whiskey. This fusion offers a distinctive tasting experience with bright floral notes, baking spices, candied ginger, and a long finish of spiced caramel and charred oak.
What does Keeper's Heart Irish + American Rye Whiskey taste like?
The whiskey features a complex profile with notes of candied ginger, vanilla, lemon zest, and stewed fruits. The finish is characterized by spiced caramel and charred oak, creating a balanced and lingering flavor.
Who is the Master Distiller behind Keeper's Heart Whiskey?
Brian Nation, formerly of Irish Distillers, is the Master Distiller for Keeper's Heart. With decades of expertise in crafting world-class Irish whiskies, he brings his experience to create a unique blend that celebrates both Irish and American whiskey traditions.
What awards has Keeper's Heart Irish + American Whiskey won?
This whiskey has won numerous accolades, including "Blended Whiskey of the Year" at the 2024 Bartender Spirit Awards and double gold medals at prestigious competitions like the San Francisco and New York International Spirits Competitions.
How should I enjoy Keeper's Heart Irish + American Rye Whiskey?
Keeper's Heart offers versatility, making it perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as a base for cocktails. Its smoothness and bold spice allow it to shine in a variety of preparations.
What is the alcohol content of Keeper's Heart Irish + American Rye Whiskey?
This whiskey is bottled at 43% alcohol by volume, or 86 proof, delivering a balanced drinking experience.
Where is Keeper's Heart Irish + American Whiskey produced?
It is crafted at the O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, using a blend of sourced Irish and American whiskeys before being meticulously blended by experts like Brian Nation.
What is the production process of Keeper's Heart Irish + American Rye Whiskey?
The whiskey undergoes a meticulous process, including triple pot distillation for the Irish whiskey components and aging in carefully selected barrels to achieve its unique flavor profile. Blending expertise ensures the perfect balance of Irish whiskey smoothness and American rye spice.
What is the price of Keeper's Heart Irish + American Whiskey?
The pricing may vary by retailer, but it is generally available for around $34.99, offering an exceptional quality-to-price ratio.
Are there restrictions on shipping Keeper's Heart Whiskey?
Yes, Keeper's Heart cannot currently be shipped to certain U.S. states, including Alabama, Alaska, and Utah, among others. Shipping restrictions should be checked before placing an order.
How long is Keeper's Heart Irish + American Rye Whiskey aged?
The whiskey's components are aged for at least four years, ensuring a depth of flavor while maintaining balance and smoothness.
Can Keeper's Heart be used in cocktails?
Absolutely! Its unique blend of Irish and American characteristics makes it an excellent choice for classic or innovative whiskey cocktails.