Occupying an unusual position in the Irish Whiskey industry, Hyde Whiskey is a family business with a long history in the alcohol business of Ireland.

While most distilleries focus on distillation and production on-site, Hyde takes a different approach, sourcing new-make spirit from some of Ireland’s most prestigious single malt and single grain distilleries and focusing their attention on the maturation, ageing it in their bonded warehouses.

To celebrate a heritage brand and a unique perspective for Irish Whiskey Month, we sat down with Scott Farrow, importer, and distributor for Hyde here in Australia to learn more about the brand and find out what makes it such an interesting dram!

^{Photo: Some of the Irish locals checking out this quality drop - Hyde Whiskey}

1) Tell us the story of Hyde whiskey, how did it come about?

Hyde is a family-owned business with a long history with the alcohol industry in Ireland. They’ve been publicans (bar owners) since the 17th century, with Tinker’s Cross bar in West Cork before selling it in 1962. During those years they dabbled in wine as well, but they were always most famous for having top quality Irish Whiskey served behind the bar, sourcing from exceptional local distilleries. Today, while they no longer own the bar, they still are known for top drams with Conor Hyde continuing the legacy by bonding (maturing) and bottling some of the finest spirit being produced in Ireland.

2) Hyde sources new make from two other Irish distilleries made to specifications and it's matured on-site at Hyde's bonded warehouse - why have they gone down this path of production vs setting up their own stills?

Hyde have sourced their whiskey from more than 2 distilleries. They are focussed on pursuing their family tradition of being 'Bonders' and they feel that as an independent bottler they are able to create expressions through their use of unique wood programs. This includes barrels such as the recent ex Greek wine casks (a red tannic style of wine called Xinomavro), or the use of Dark Caribbean rum casks which was pretty new to Irish whiskey just 5 or 6 years ago.

Hyde are a fiercely independent family-owned business and setting up a distillery costs vast amounts of money, which would force them to seek partners and investment. That’s why they decided to play to their strengths and expertise as Bonders which allows them to be really creative as well as remain independent. 

^{Photo: Family owned for generations - Conor Hyde with nephew Peter}

3) What types of casks do they use and where are they sourced from?

They use a huge array of wood! Ex Kentucky bourbon casks, dark Caribbean rum casks, burgundy casks, oloroso sherry, stout, Greek wine, port - with many more to be announced and released around the world. Hyde source their casks both by visiting the regions they look for wood from as well as through a curated list of great cask suppliers from around the world.

4) TWL is featuring the Hyde No.7 1893 Single Malt Sherry Cask in March as part of our Irish Whisky Month. How is it made and where are the casks coming from?

The whiskey you are featuring was sourced from West Cork distillers and is 100% malted barley (not pot still) matured for at least 6 years, most of that time at the Hyde Bonded Warehouse. It is quite a traditional Irish single malt, being triple distilled. Hyde have sourced the whiskey at a very young age and then used their own Oloroso sherry casks to fully mature it in sherry rather than a finish. The deep colour and rich oloroso sherry notes are a sherry cask lovers delight and are sourced from a bodega in Cadiz, part of the Andalusia region of Spain.

^{Photo: Hyde Whiskey No. 7 Sherry Cask Matured (TWL Featured Whiskey for March 2022)}

5) Do you have any fun stories to share from working with Hyde?

Whiskey in general is fun for me so it’s always fun working with any of our partners! The Hyde family have been consummate professionals and an absolute delight to work with over the years. They have been incredibly supportive of the work we have been doing here and we can't thank them enough.

6) For whisky drinkers new to the Irish Whiskey category, do you have any tips to share about how it's best enjoyed?

Like all whisk(e)y experiences I say enjoy it however you like. In Australia the Irish whiskey category has been flying a bit under the radar whilst the rest of the world have been discovering the delights of their spirits. You will find Irish whiskey can deliver so many opportunities to find fabulous products with age statements at incredibly great price points. 

If you've ever travelled to Ireland, you'll be aware of their incredible hospitality and joy in having a drink with friends new and old. I would suggest that everyone should look to this experience as a way to enjoy whisk(e)y and share a glass with friends while sharing stories, having a laugh and listening to music. In Ireland they call it the Craic. Look up the definition, gather your friends around and get involved! 

For those looking to score themselves a bottle of Hyde Whiskey - visit here.

Big thanks again to Scott Farrow / Wonderland Drinks who are the importers of Hyde Whiskey to Australia.

Happy St Patricks Day and Slainte!