Aqua Vitae 2001 Cooley 24 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Single Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey

A remarkable expression of mature Irish single malt, Aqua Vitae 2001 Cooley 24 Year Old captures the elegance, vibrancy and extraordinary fruit character that have made older vintages from Cooley increasingly admired among whisky enthusiasts. Distilled in 2001 and bottled in 2025 after 24 years of maturation, this exceptional single cask was drawn from Bourbon Barrel #1693 and released as part of Aqua Vitae's evocative The Grand Fruit Gala – Echo of Grapes series.

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 57.8% ABV, with just 168 bottles produced worldwide, this is an exceptionally limited expression that celebrates the remarkable individuality of long-aged Cooley whiskey.

Distillery: Cooley Distillery
Bottler: Aqua Vitae
Series: The Grand Fruit Gala – Echo of Grapes
Vintage: 2001
Age: 24 Years Old
ABV: 57.8%
Cask Type: Bourbon Barrel
Cask Number: 1693
Outturn: 168 Bottles 

About the Distillery & Bottling

Established in 1987 by John Teeling, Cooley Distillery played a pivotal role in the revival of independent Irish whiskey production. Located on the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, the distillery challenged the conventions of an industry historically dominated by triple-distilled whiskey, developing a distinctive approach to double-distilled single malt production. This method helped establish a recognisable house character, combining a generous malt presence with expressive fruit, depth and texture.

Selected by independent bottler Aqua Vitae for The Grand Fruit Gala – Echo of Grapes, this 24-year-old single malt exemplifies the virtues of patient maturation and thoughtful cask selection. Bourbon Barrel #1693 has allowed the whiskey to evolve gradually, bringing together mature fruit, delicate sweetness and refined oak while retaining the distinctive personality of the original spirit.

Limited to just 168 bottles, this release offers a rare opportunity to explore the sophistication of mature Cooley single malt in its natural cask-strength form.

Tasting Notes

Nose: An elegant and expressive bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, golden apples and juicy pears, accompanied by delicate notes of white grapes, honey and vanilla. Layers of tropical fruit gradually emerge, suggesting pineapple, soft melon and a touch of citrus zest, while subtle floral aromas and lightly toasted oak introduce further complexity. With time in the glass, gentle hints of sweet malt, fresh pastry and seasoned wood lend additional depth to the beautifully fragrant profile.

Palate: Rich, vibrant and wonderfully textured, with an initial wave of ripe yellow fruits, honeyed malt and fresh citrus. Sweet pineapple, orchard peaches and delicate grape-like fruitiness develop alongside creamy vanilla, soft caramel and a gentle suggestion of coconut. The extended bourbon barrel maturation provides an elegant framework of polished oak and subtle spice, allowing the whiskey's naturally expressive fruit character to remain beautifully defined. At 57.8% ABV, the palate retains excellent concentration, balancing generous sweetness with refreshing acidity and a refined, mature structure.

Finish: Long, graceful and beautifully balanced, with lingering notes of orchard fruits, citrus oils and delicate honey gradually giving way to vanilla, toasted oak and soft warming spice. A gentle dryness emerges towards the end, leaving an elegant impression of mature fruit, sweet malt and seasoned American oak.