Preliminary flavor profiling indicates a core flavor across soil series consisting of a malty, nutty, died fruitiness with a lingering clove spice. However, when analyzed separately, these soil series express unique aromas that may be indicative of a broader terroir. Seafield – sandy stoneless drift – exhibited fruity, floral, and grassy flavors with an ethereal sweet taste, Clonroche – fine loamy drift with siliceous stones – exhibited malty, cereal, and grainy flavors with a more robust sweetness compared to Seafield, Elton – fine loamy drift with limestones – exhibited earthy, feinty, herbal flavors with an oily, pepper finish.

Figure 1. Combined sensory analysis of Waterford Distillery new-make spirit from three distinct soil series (Seafield, Clonroche, and Elton) across three years (2016, 2017, and 2018).