Ireland-based Walsh Whiskey Distillery has launched its 2017 vintage Irishman Cask Strength whiskey at the Tax-Free World Association (TFWA) event in Cannes, France.

The whiskey is a limited edition product, with 3,510 bottles being released in select global markets and travel retail (TR).

The Irishman Cask Strength 2017 is a vatting of single pot still and single malt with 54% alcohol by volume (ABV), and is reported to have matured in first-fill bourbon casks.

Walsh Whiskey Distillery commercial director John Kelly said: “We have chosen to release one of our expressions at TFWA for the first time ever.

“This is because TR is now one of our priority markets as Walsh Whiskey Distillery gears up for 2019 and beyond when we will have greater supplies of our whiskeys, The Irishman and Writers’ Tears, than ever before.

"Each of the company's non-chill-filtered products is uniquely numbered and signed by Waksh Whiskey founder Bernard Walsh."

“2018 will see us stepping up our TR activity and extending our TR footprint internationally, so TFWA and a super-premium whiskey release such as The Irishman Cask Strength 2017 vintage is perfectly timed for us to start getting that message across personally to the TR sector.”

Retailed in the UK market for €125, each of the company's non-chill-filtered products is uniquely numbered and signed by Walsh Whiskey founder Bernard Walsh.

Walsh Whiskey Distillery senior global sales manager Shane Fitzharris said: “This rare cask strength expression is matured and aged in oak bourbon casks, specially selected to showcase the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.

This rare and exclusive release introduces complex notes of woody spices combining with summer fruits. Subtle hints of toasted almonds and bourbon oak are followed by elegant tones of dried fruit and raisins delivering an intense finish bursting with depth and flavour.”

Image: Walsh Whiskey Distillery launched the Irishman Cask Strength whiskey at TFWA in Cannes, France. Photo: courtesy of Walsh Whiskey Distillery.