KNOCKROE, CO. KILDARE

East of the River Barrow, Kenneth Ashmore’s rolling lowland farm, Knockroe – An Cnoc Rua, Red Hill – stands on the Bo Choill Road east of Maganey, which runs towards the old town of Castledermot. In an ancient landscape scattered with Bronze Age remnants, the well-drained and quick-drying sandy loams, derived from limestone, make for good tilling in the early spring – ideal for a long barley growing season.

Appearance: A yellow gold with oily legs that grip the glass like a free mountain climber.

Nose: Dried flowers with fern and sage, dry hay , warm lavender, buttery, dried tea, porridge, milk chocolate, toasted bread, grapefruit, cloves, fudge and ripe banana.

Taste: Cloves, black pepper, ginger, custard, tobacco, malty, soft spices, citrus peel, blood orange, dark chocolate and lemon posset.

 Finish: A gentle oily spice that leaves a hint of ginger and lemon.