Grattansbrook, CO. KILDARE

Grattansbrook is on the flat, fertile flood plain of the River Barrow near Athy, Co. Kildare, a stone’s throw from our maltings. Andrew Bergin’s family have farmed here for 9 generations. Following the Farming for Nature protocol, managing the land to bring biological benefits, combined with the productive Elton Series soils derived from limestone, this makes for a fine lowland terroir.

Appearance: Yellow gold, with teardrop oils that may not meet the bottom of the glass. 

Nose: Red apple, marzipan, cocoa powder, raisins, rolled barley, green tea, mint leaf, white grapes, fresh soil, green foliage & brown sugar.

Taste: Spiciness that reminds me of Chinese Five Spice; orange & lemon zest, toffee shards, barley sugar, lemon sherbet & banana.

Finish: The heat from the spice gives way to dryness, which then brings on a lovely oiliness at the end.

The fields at Grattansbrook are split by the busy N78 road that heads into Athy. We start by a hedgerow, which leads away to the west of the farmyard; the bees and birds are busy here, and there’s a nice breeze blowing through. We head north west, further away from the road and into more open space before doubling back to a corner where three fields meet. There are more trees here which stir as the breeze picks up. From here and heading back towards the busy road we find a stream in a gulley flowing north. It’s another little world totally hidden by the overgrowth.