The Hanson
Hanson
Matured in bourbon & American craft whiskey casks sourced from Kentucky, Tennessee and New York. The Hanson is a blend of superior Irish grain whiskeys from a selection of interesting distilleries across Ireland.
MAY IS A GOOD TIME TO TAKE A TENNESSEE ROADTRIP—BEFORE THE STICKY HEAT OF SUMMER.
Louise travelled from Kentucky to Tennessee and then on to New York in search of American craft bourbon casks. All bourbon casks are charred to open up the wood for greater flavour. Bourbon’s very big, bold, intense character leaves plenty of flavour in the barrel for a second fill.
DUB
Jul 2019
Heading back to Ireland Louise took another road trip—a meandering journey across the island to visit young distilleries for the first time and re-visit some older friends on the hunt for new spirit.
Feb 2020
Develop the Hanson flavour profile through continuous blending and testing
This delicate and sweet expression is full of citrus and vanilla notes with nutmeg clove and honey. Perfect with seafood, by itself, or as an after dinner treat with chocolate this versatile whiskey is a true taste of Cooraclare.
Louise travels to the USA in search of casks
MAY IS A GOOD TIME TO TAKE A TENNESSEE ROADTRIP—BEFORE THE STICKY HEAT OF SUMMER.
Louise travelled from Kentucky to Tennessee and then on to New York in search of American craft bourbon casks. All bourbon casks are charred to open up the wood for greater flavour. Bourbon’s very big, bold, intense character leaves plenty of flavour in the barrel for a second fill.
CVG
Heading back to Ireland Louise took another road trip—a meandering journey across the island to visit young distilleries for the first time and re-visit some older friends on the hunt for new spirit.
DUB
As summer blooms across West Clare the new spirit is introduced to the ex bourbon casks from Tennessee, Kentucky and New York. This moment—the beginning of an unusual pairing is always a satisfying milestone in the adventure. Now it's time to let the rackhouse do its work.
As the spirit ages Louise wanted the Hanson to become a blend that brings together the best of Irish grain whiskey (a first of its kind in modern times). A smooth, versatile whiskey that lends itself to cocktails and pairs well with food.
Louise decided that this whiskey with rich, deep bourbon-influenced noted would be named the Hanson after J.J. Corry's son in law.
He was a revenue man in the early 1900s, who coincidentally was responsible for inspecting casks at Kilrush dock. He was known locally as “The Gauger Hanson.” Sometimes a name and a story are just too serendipitous to ignore—and so the Hanson was christened after another old neighbour.
Jul 2020
The Hanson tasting notes
Palate: A lively start with bright, green apples, toasted coconut continuing from the nose. The influence of fresh oak is clear; with rye grass developing to lemon grass.
We distract ourselves from global pandemic lockdowns by focusing on the maturing whiskey. We finalise the Hanson’s recipe through continuous blending and tasting.
Jun 2020
The Hanson—A meticulously balanced, blended Irish grain whiskey aged in Bourbon casks is bottled on the McGaune family farm.
The original Gauger Hanson probably cycled past this place 100 years ago on his way back to Kilrush. He never imagining he would one day be immortalised here in liquid form. Slainte.
Specifications
Nose
Rich and deep notes of vanilla fudge and toasted coconut speak of the bourbon influence. Top notes of griddled pineapple and lime give a fresh zing.
Palate
A lively start with bright, green apples, toasted coconut continuing from the nose. With influence of fresh oak is clear.
Age Profile
5-11 years old
Cask types
American Bourbon
First fill Bourbon
Second fill Bourbon
First fill
Bourbon
Second fill
Bourbon