SEPT 2024

Over the last couple of years, we’ve curated a limited number of wine casks for both full and dual maturation. The 2024 Wire Works Wine Series is a trio of dual maturation releases featuring our core, house style lightly-peated spirit. The spirit first laid down in ex-bourbon barrels in 2019 in our on-site warehouse and then transferred to the wine casks in 2023, for a finishing period of 18 months. 

The finish period for these whiskies was set off in the depths of winter 2023. Initially a slow start and then, thanks to the first fill wine barriques, the flavours began to intensify over the subsequent spring and summers. Integrating beautifully over the seasons, each of the wine finishes offers something unique and different. 

The selected oak casks were chosen to suit our core house style of whisky and were all sourced from our long-term suppliers, with the premium, first fill ex-bourbon barrels from Heaven Hill (Kentucky, USA) and the wine barriques from J. Dias & Ca (Porto, Portugal).  

First fill wine casks are generally active and can add significant personality to a whisky. The robust nature of the Wire Works lightly-peated house style is complimented by the selected wine casks, with each of the whiskies showcasing different aspects of complex fruits, spice and subtle smoke. The wine casks are sourced directly from our long-term partners J. Dias & Ca. Dias originally coopered the barriques for their first use in the wine industry; we know the provenance of the wood, the traditional manufacturing processes and have a personal connection with the people who craft them. The Dias cask DNA is a constant in the flavour journey of the 2024 Wire Works Wine Series. 

Visit to Dias Cooperage Porto

Wire Works Madeira  

Madeira wine originates from the Portuguese island of Madeira, crafted from a mix of grape varieties such as Malvasia, Tinta Negra Mole, and Sercial. Following its initial fermentation in oak casks, the wine undergoes a unique aging process known as ‘estufagem.’ This method exposes the wine to alternating hot and cold temperatures, simulating the conditions of extended sea voyages in tropical climates, which speeds up the wine’s maturation and flavour development. This results in a sweet and nutty fortified wine, displaying notes of citrus and dried fruits. 

Wire Works Madeira Finish | 53.6% ABV | 671 Bottles | £75 

Tasting Notes  

Sweet, spicy and oily, with rich orange and apricot, dried fruits and nuts 

Nose:  Wine gums, satsumas, dried apricots, strawberry jam, sultanas, butter icing, hibiscus, fruit salad sweets, candied ginger, Turkish delight. 

Palate: Fresh orange peel, treacle tart, peppermint, eucalyptus, marzipan, pecan nuts, cacao nibs, nectarine, vanilla fudge. 

Finish:  Orange marmalade, cardamon, star anise, milk chocolate, nutmeg. 

Wire Works Moscatel 

Moscatel, a sweet fortified wine from the Douro Valley region of Portugal, made from its namesake grape variety. Once the wine achieves the desired level of sweetness during fermentation, grape brandy spirit is introduced to halt further progress. This mixture, along with the grape skins, is allowed to meld for at least three months, enhancing flavour absorption. Following this, the wine undergoes ageing in oak casks for a minimum of 18 months. 

Wire Works Moscatel Finish | 53.6% ABV | 651 Bottles | £75 

Tasting Notes 

Sweet & oily, with peaches and apricots, orange peel, and crème brûlée 

Nose:  Dried apricots, flaked almonds, icing sugar, orange fondant, fresh cherries, papaya, sultanas, dolly mixture, strawberry laces, floral. 

Palate:  Marzipan, fresh orange peel, gooseberries, elderflower, brandy baskets, peaches and cream, cinnamon buns, Caramac, yoghurt coated raisins, candied ginger, pineapple cubes. 

Finish:  Cranberries, nutmeg, orange marmalade, creme brûlée, sweet chilli. 

Wire Works Amarone Wine  

Amarone, a prized rich and fruity red wine from the Veneto region of northern Italy, is known for its unique Appassimento winemaking method. Grapes are naturally dried for approx. 120 days, rested in stainless vats, and finally aged in American or French oak barriques (or ‘tonneaux’) for at least 12 months. 

Wire Works Amarone Wine  | 54.1% ABV | 662 Bottles | £75 (SOLD OUT) 

Tasting Notes  

Chocolate & mellow spice  

Nose: Blackcurrant cordial, milk chocolate, furniture polish, orange oil, fresh strawberries, candied ginger, wine gums. 

Palate: Sultanas, liquorice, maraschino cherries, clove, cinnamon, cranberries, Turkish Delight. 

Finish: Dark chocolate, icing sugar, strawberry laces, freshly roasted coffee.