Aqua Vitae 2002 Cooley 22 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Irish Whisky

Aqua Vitae 2002 Cooley 22 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Irish Whisky is an exceptional long-aged Irish single malt distilled at Cooley Distillery in 2002 and matured for 22 years before being bottled in 2025. Released as part of Aqua Vitae’s The Grand Fruit Gala – Blossom of Orange and Grapefruits series, this single cask showcases the intensely fruit-driven character for which mature Cooley has become increasingly sought after. Matured in a Port barrel and bottled at a natural cask strength of 54.8%, the combination of vibrant citrus, ripe fruit and mature oak makes this a distinctive and highly collectible example of aged Irish whiskey.

Distillery: Cooley Distillery
Bottler: Aqua Vitae (AqV)
Series: The Grand Fruit Gala – Blossom of Orange and Grapefruits
Age: 22 Years Old
ABV: 54.8%
Cask Type: Port Barrel
Cask Number: 144988
Outturn: 243 Bottles

Aqua Vitae is an independent bottler known for sourcing distinctive single casks and presenting them through highly individual releases that combine whisky with striking artistic concepts. This bottling forms part of The Grand Fruit Gala, with its Blossom of Orange and Grapefruits theme reflecting the bright, citrus-led personality of the spirit. The decision to bottle the whisky from a single Port barrel at full cask strength and without chill filtration or added colouring allows the mature Cooley spirit and its unusual cask influence to remain at the forefront.

Tasting Notes:
An intensely fruit-driven nose opens with fresh grapefruit, orange peel and ripe yellow fruits, developing into raspberry, blueberry and red orchard fruits alongside polished leather and mature oak. The palate is rich and oily, carrying juicy citrus and berry sweetness with layers of honey, chocolate, gentle spice and the deeper fruit character imparted by the Port barrel. Grapefruit remains beautifully prominent throughout, bringing freshness and balance to the whisky’s mature profile. The finish is long and expressive, with lingering orange peel, baked apple, subtle cocoa, seasoned oak and gentle leathery notes leaving a wonderfully complex combination of vibrant fruit and mature Irish whiskey character.