With its mission to change the whisky world’s discussion and a focus on terroir, Waterford Whisky and its founder, Mark Reynier, have been making waves since the distillery was established almost a decade ago. Located in a converted Guinness Brewery in Ireland, Waterford Whisky has garnered numerous accolades and awards for its single-farm-originated whiskies since its first release in 2020. With a commitment to showcasing the nuances of barley in whisky production, Waterford works with approximately thirty-five small family farms annually to produce highly sought-after bottles with a TÉIREOIR code that provides in-depth information about their whisky.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect for Waterford Whisky as the Irish whisky market booms. With Irish whisky exports up 22% overall, the United States accounting for 57% of the export market and premium whisky exports responsible for 90% of the market, Waterford Whisky is poised for continued success. Founder Mark Reynier has also been laying the groundwork for the next phase of the distillery’s growth, focusing on cuvée bottlings inspired by the wine world. These new releases are part of Reynier’s mission to challenge the established norms in the whisky industry and continue to push boundaries.
Mark Reynier, the founder of Waterford Whisky, emphasizes the importance of terroir in whisky production and why it matters for drinkers to understand barley’s role in flavor development. Many consumers overlook the significance of barley in whisky, with the focus often being on the wood and aging process. Reynier argues that all of the flavor in whisky comes from the barley itself, which provides over 2,000 flavor compounds to the spirit. By spotlighting the beginning of the whisky-making process, Waterford aims to educate drinkers on the intricacies of terroir and how it impacts the final product.
Reynier attributes Waterford’s success to their commitment to transparency and authenticity in the whisky-making process. Rejecting marketing gimmicks and extravagant titles, Waterford focuses on delivering the truth to consumers. The distillery’s use of brewing technology acquired from the modern Guinness Brewery facility allows them to turn the whiskey-making process upside down, preserving barley aroma, extracting every drop, and controlling fermentation to enhance flavor intensity. By approaching distillation in a unique way and emphasizing the importance of the barley, Waterford has created a complete tasting experience for consumers that sets them apart from traditional distilleries.
Looking ahead, Waterford Whisky is venturing into new territory by introducing cuvées, a concept typically associated with wine rather than whisky. By blending their single-farm-originated whiskies into unique cuvées, Waterford aims to create mind-blowing flavor profiles that challenge consumers’ perceptions of what whisky can be. Inspired by top French winemakers, Reynier plans to expertly blend different terroirs to craft these special cuvées, each highlighting a different aspect of their production process. With plans to release new cuvées annually and continue pushing the boundaries of whisky-making, Waterford is determined to show that whisky is a testament to the land and the ingredients used in its creation.
