The next chapter for Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey is in a good place. With the recent visit of US President, Donald Trump and his promise to discontinue tariffs on Irish whiskey, the industry is ready to take advantage of this good fortune and spread its wings across the globe as the huge potential of Irish whiskey has yet to be realised

Irish whiskey remains one of Ireland’s most successful premium food and drink exports, with strong demand across established and emerging international markets. Despite a more challenging consumer and trading environment, the category continues to show resilience, supported byongoing investment in distilling, innovation and premiumisation.
Producers are expanding their portfolios across single malt, single pot still and blended expressions, while growing interest in sustainability, provenance and cask innovation is helping to engage a new generation of whiskey drinkers. Against this evolving backdrop, we look at the latest developments, new releases and the trends shaping this dynamic category.

Creating greatness at The  Shed  

Twice ranked one of the orld’s top 20 whiskeys by whisky Advocate, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish whiskey has on multiple prestigious international awards and Best whiskey titles since its inaugural 2017 release. Every precious drop of the exceptionally smooth whiskey is triple-distilled by hand at The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney, a real family owned distillery in the heart of rural Ireland. Because the absolute best quality grain is Irish, only Irish malted barley, barley and Irish barra oats, grown and harvested on Irish family farms, forms the mash bill. It is non-chill filtered and absolutely no flavouring or colouring is added. Slowly matured in delectable Kentucky Bourbon and Sherry Oloroso casks, it is never rushed to a deadline and every expression is aged for a minimum of seven years.

As each cask matures at its own pace, the distiller tastes from every cask, before determining the final caskselection for a truly extraordinary result. After more than ten years of family distilling, The Shed continues to focus on increasingly older whiskey and rare, limited cask finishes, exceptional aged Tawny Port, Marsala and Pinot Noir Expressions already part of the Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish whiskey portfolio. This year also marked an historic milestone for The Shed with the release of their first-ever ten-year old Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish whiskey. Distributed nationwide by Dalcassian Wines & Spirits.

Irish whiskey is experiencing significant growth globally

Seán Noonan, marketing manager, Whiskey Portfolio, Irish Distillers discusses the potential for Irish whiskey growth across the globe

What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for the category over the next five years?

Irish whiskey remains one of the most exciting categories in global spirits, with significant opportunities still ahead. As reported in our most recent financial results, Jameson grew by 9% in markets outside of the US during financial year 2026. As a category, Irish whiskey is performing well in the current global context and is one of few spirits category which recorded market growth (+4%) during 2025. One of the greatest opportunities is Irish whiskey’s accessibility. Its smooth and approachable flavour profile makes it an ideal entry point for consumers exploring whiskey for the first time.

We are increasingly seeing consumers discover the category through a broader range of serves and occasions, from simple mixed drinks like the Jameson, Ginger & Lime to premium sipping experiences with Redbreast and the Midleton Family. At the same time, there is growing global interest in provenance, craftsmanship and authenticity. This presents significant opportunities for premium and prestige Irish whiskeys, including Single Pot Still expressions, which remain one of Ireland’s most distinctive whiskey styles. The challenge for the category will be maintaining momentum in an increasingly competitive drinks landscape. Jameson has become one of Ireland’s best-known global drinks brands.

How are changing consumer tastes, particularly among younger consumers, influencing the way you position and market the whiskey?

Younger adult consumers are looking for brands that are authentic, inclusive and culturally relevant. They want to engage with brands that are part of the experiences and communities they care about, rather than ones which are being simply advertised and promoted. For Jameson, this means continuing to show up in spaces where passion points such as music, sport, creativity and social connection bring people together. While our heritage remains a vital part of the brand, we focus on making Irish whiskey relevant to contemporary consumer lifestyles. We are also seeing consumers embrace simple, accessible serves that fit naturally into social occasions. The continued popularity of serves such as Jameson, Ginger & Lime demonstrate how Irish whiskey can be enjoyed in a refreshing and approachable way, helping bring new consumers into the category. Convenience also continues to influence consumer behaviour, creating opportunities across new formats like RTDs and occasions while maintaining the quality and character associated with the Jameson brand.

Jameson Distiller’s Batch is an award winning whiskey crafted by the master distiller and carefully aged in five different types of oak casks in Midleton Distillery. The result is a whiskey that is equal parts smoothness and complexity.

Irish whiskey has seen a huge increase in the number of distilleries and brands entering the market. How do you view the growth of competition, and what do you think the category needs to do to maintain long-term momentum?

The growth in distilleries and brands is a positive reflection of the strength and attractiveness of Irish whiskey as a category. Greater diversity brings innovation, creativity and investment, while also increasing awareness of Irish whiskey globally. A vibrant category benefits everyone by encouraging more consumers to explore and engage with Irish whiskey. To sustain long-term momentum, the industry must continue to focus on consumer recruitment, education and quality. While enthusiasts may be interested in the details of production and maturation, many consumers are simply looking for a great-tasting product that fits naturally into their lives and social occasions. IWSR 2025 Retail Sales Value growth

Fercullen firmly focused on the future

John Cashman head of brand and NPD, Fercullen at Powerscourt Distillery chats about the changes that have taken place following a challenging period for the brand and what the future holds

What does the Altiva ownership mean in practical terms, and what are the priorities for the next three to five years?

It gives us what we needed most‚ stability, and the capital to back plans we always believed in. Following a challenging period and this new investment, our focus is firmly back on the future: building Fercullen and bringing our portfolio of premium Irish whiskeys to a growing international audience. Over the next three to five years, that means building on the momentum of the World’s Best Grain Whiskey win, growing our own-distillate stock, and making sure the visitor experience matches the quality of what’s in the bottle.

How is Powerscourt responding to softer demand and harder trading conditions, and where’s the opportunity for Fercullen?

There’s no getting away from it‚ the whole sector is adjusting. Demand has softened, there’s excess stock sitting in warehouses across the industry, and international trading has gotten tougher, tariffs included. Our response has been to stay disciplined rather than chase volume: back the whiskeys that are winning on quality, not just adding to the shelf. The opportunity is demonstrating the breadth, quality and diversity that now exists within Irish whiskey‚ Fercullen 15 winning World’s Best Grain Whiskey two years running is recognition of a style that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, and proof that discipline pays off.

How is Powerscourt’s own distillate shaping Fercullen’s future identity and style?

Powerscourt’s own distillate is increasingly at the heart of how we see Fercullen evolving. We began distilling at Powerscourt in 2018, and as those whiskeys have matured, they have given us the opportunity to develop a style and identity that is truly our own. Fercullen Single Malt was an important milestone in that journey, showcasing whiskey distilled here in Wicklow and demonstrating the quality of spirit we can produce. Its success, including a Double Gold and an exceptional 98 points out of 100 at the IWSC, gave us real confidence in the direction we are taking. The next significant step will be the introduction of our own Single Pot Still whiskey. We have deliberately allowed that spirit time to mature and are planning a release using seven-year-old whiskey. Pot still is such an important part of Irish whiskey’s heritage, but our ambition is to express it through the character of Powerscourt and Fercullen.

How do you balance innovation with a clear, recognisable brand identity?

Carefully. Every new release must earn its place‚ it has to say something true about Fercullen, not just fill a gap on a shelf. That’s the thread through the portfolio, from the multi-award-winning Fercullen Falls to Fercullen Single Malt, “The Spirit of Wicklow,” and the smaller caskfinished releases Master distiller and blender Paul Corbett and the team put out. The core stays anchored to one identity: premium, Wicklowrooted, quality led. Innovation for us is about depth, not distraction‚ new ways into the brand without diluting what Fercullen 15 just proved on the world stage.

Which export markets are you most excited about, and what does the next stage of growth look like?

We’re in a good spot already, with Fercullen on shelf across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa, and at home through Barry and Fitzwilliam. Being one of only a select few whiskies worldwide to win back-to-back World’s Best accolades opens doors with importers and on-trade buyers who might not have looked twice before. The next stage isn’t about being everywhere at once‚ it’s about going deeper in the markets that already know us and picking new ones carefully. Same disciplined approach that’s guided the whole comeback.

Named world’s Best Grain Whiskey two years in a row

Irish whiskey has enjoyed extraordinary international growth over the past two decades, but its continued success will depend on our ability to demonstrate the breadth, quality and diversity that now exists within the category. That is why Fercullen 15 Year Old being named World’s Best Grain Whiskey at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards – for the second consecutive year – feels particularly significant. It is one of only a select few whiskies worldwide to win for two consecutive years. A wonderful accolade for everyone involved, but also recognition of a style of Irish whiskey that perhaps does not always receive the attention it deserves.

Grain whiskey has traditionally played an important supporting role in Irish blends. Yet, given sufficient maturation, quality cask management and careful finishing, it can also stand confidently in its own right as a premium whiskey.

Fercullen 15 demonstrates that potential. Produced from corn and malt, matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and with a portion finished in Madeira casks, it combines vanilla sweetness with dried fruit, gentle spice and the elegance that well-aged grain whiskey can deliver. For Powerscourt Distillery, the award also comes at an important moment.

Following a challenging period and subsequent new investment, the focus is firmly back on the future: building Fercullen and bringing a portfolio of premium Irish whiskeys – from the multi-awardwinning Fercullen Falls to ‘The Spirit of Wicklow’, Fercullen Single Malt – to a growing international audience. All Fercullen whiskeys are available in Ireland through Barry and Fitzwilliam.

No smoke without Ardara

The Ardara Distillery, home of Sliabh Liag Distillers, released the 2026 Edition of Ardara Single Malt Irish Whiskey in August 2026 – the second release of the heavily peated Donegal single malt.

To mark the release, the distillery opened its doors for free tours throughout Ardara Show Day, with tastings of the 2026 Edition taking place at the Ardara Show. The 2026 Edition is the second release of Ardara Single Malt, the whiskey created to reclaim a lost part of Donegal’s whiskey heritage: its smoke.

A century ago, Donegal was known for making a smoky whiskey unlike any other. James Doherty, founder of The Ardara Distillery, said: “At Ardara, we’re bringing back smoke. Six weeks before she died, my grandmother gave me the whiskey recipe that had belonged to my grandfather, an illicit distiller in Donegal. By then, the style he had made had almost disappeared. Irish whiskey had become smooth, and the smoky character once associated with Donegal was fading from memory. This whiskey is made his way: heavily peated, all grain in and triple distilled.

“When we released the first Ardara Single Malt in 2025, we took the ambitious step of releasing 10,000 bottles, and we’re delighted with the way that whiskey has performed in Germany, France, the UK and the global Duty-Free market. We’re just about to ship Ardara to the USA. For us, that’s hugely encouraging. It  shows that there is an appetite for  this style of Irish whiskey beyond  Donegal, and that the story we are  telling about the return of smoky  Irish whiskey is beginning to resonate  around the world.”

The 2026 Edition of Ardara Single  Malt Cask Strength, bottled at 60.9%  ABV, brings the same character with  greater intensity: green melon and  husky citrus on the nose, followed  by beignets, honeyed pear, coconut,  leather and rolled tobacco on the  palate. A hint of menthol carries  through to a smoky, earthy finish of  baked apple and raisin.

Curraghmore Whiskey announces 2026 Triple Cask Release and the Annamh Collection

Curraghmore Whiskey is proud toannounce that the 2026 Triple Cask has been available since 1 September, alongside an exceptionally limited Virgin French Oak Single Cask release from the newly launched Annamh Collection. This will include a caskstrength expression for whiskey enthusiasts and collectors and also a  46% abv bottling.  Founded by Richard De La  Poer Beresford, Earl of Tyrone,  Curraghmore Whiskey is deeply  rooted in the historic Curraghmore  Estate in Portlaw, Co. Waterford.

The whiskey is distilled from barley and  oats grown on the prestigious estate.  The triple distilled Single Pot Still  Irish Whiskey brings together three  carefully selected cask influences,  each chosen for their individual layer  of character. These casks were handselected  by renowned master distiller  Noel Sweeney, and harmoniously  blended together to present like  waves on a tropical beach. Notes  of coffee, tobacco, tropical fruits,  mango, pineapple linger with a  cinnamon finish.  Having benefited from an  additional year of maturation  since the 2025 bottling, the 2026  edition offers whiskey drinkers  the opportunity to experience the  continuing evolution of the distinctive  Curraghmore Whiskey expression.

Launching alongside the 2026  Triple Cask will be an exceptionally  limited release of 110 bottles. The  Curraghmore Virgin French Oak  Single Cask from the Annamh  Collection is available in both cask  strength and 46% abv editions.  The Virgin French Oak represents  one of the three individual cask  components that come together to  create the Curraghmore Triple Cask  expression.  This release marks the beginning of  a signature three-part Curraghmore  Single Cask series – the Annamh  Collection.  The Virgin French Oak Single Cask  will be followed by an ex-Bourbon  Single Cask later in 2026, before  the collection is completed with  the release of an Ex-Oloroso Sherry  Single Cask in 2027.

Something special from Dingle Distillery

Introducing Dingle Distillery’s Limited Edition 13 Year Old Single Malt. Thirteen years in the making and drawn from some of its earliest stocks laid down at Dingle Distillery, this is a significant release in their story. With just 1,585 bottles produced worldwide it represents a rare opportunity to experience Dingle Distillery whiskey at an age and maturity never released before. Created by head of maturation, Paddy Foley, this whiskey has been patiently matured in Bourbon casks before receiving an extended 18-month finish in Madeira Malvasia casks. This has shaped a rich and distinctive Single Malt, bringing together dry, sticky dates, dark chocolate and spiced oak complemented by notes of clove and cinnamon. The whiskey culminates in a long, delicately spiced finish, with nutmeg and sugar syrup sweetness refining into orchard fruits and a hint of toasted oak. All Dingle Whiskey is distilled, matured and bottled by Dingle Distillery, County Kerry, Ireland.

How do you want to feel?

Irish whiskey has never been short ofheritage, craftsmanship or character  but, for many consumers, the  category can feel intimidating and  tricky to navigate before choosing  a bottle. New Irish whiskey brand, Ember, is taking the approach of  putting the drinker and the occasion  at the centre of the experience.  Founded by psychology graduate  and lawyer Laura O’Connor, Ember  was born from her observation and  experience – as a whiskey lover,  O’Connor was frequently asked what  whiskey someone should drink. Her  response was not to ask about cask  types or flavour profiles, but: “How do  you want to feel?”, “What mood are  you in?” or “What’s the moment?”  That thinking became the  foundation for Ember, with three  expressions: Bright, Still and Deep.

Rather than expecting consumers to  understand whiskey terminology, the  range is designed to allow them to  choose intuitively – according to their  mood and the moment.  The ambition is not to strip away  the complexity or craftsmanship that  makes Irish whiskey special, but to  decode it and make the category  more accessible. Ember aims to  bridge the gap between whiskey  enthusiasts and those who may have  felt that whiskey “wasn’t for them”.

With its launch, Ember joins a  dynamic Irish whiskey landscape at a  time when the category attracts new  consumers and new ideas. Its moodled  approach offers a perspective on  how whiskey can be communicated,  enjoyed and shared.  For Ember, the question is simple:  how do you want to feel?

Four Seasons in one collection

Irish whiskey continues to benefit  from strong international recognition,  but the category is entering a  more nuanced phase of growth. As  consumers become more discerning,  provenance and heritage remain  important, but increasingly need to  be accompanied by differentiation,  craftsmanship and a clear reason  to trade up.

For Ryan McFarland,  chief commercial & strategy officer  at Drinksology Kirker Greer, this  presents an opportunity for Irish  whiskey to broaden its appeal.  “Consumers today are looking  for more than a familiar name and  a well-established story. They want  to understand what is in the bottle,  where it comes from and what  makes it different. That creates  real opportunity for producers  and blenders to explore flavour,  provenance, cask influence and new  approaches to storytelling.”

Kirker Irish Whiskey is taking that  approach with its Four Seasons  Collection, a series of premium  blends bringing together carefully  selected whiskeys from Ulster,  Connacht, Munster and Leinster. The concept interprets Ireland through its  changing seasons, with each blend  translating the character of winter,  spring, summer and autumn into a  distinct flavour experience. Winter is  rich and smoky, spring fresh and floral,  summer golden and coastal, while  autumn is warming, generous and  spiced. Cask influence from Bourbon,  Oloroso, Madeira and Marsala wood  further shapes each expression.

The collection builds on Kirker’s  all-island blending philosophy,  demonstrating how blending can  be a tool for innovation as well as  consistency. Bottled at 46% ABV  and non-chill filtered, the range sits  at the premium end while remaining  deliberately approachable.  “Blending gives us the freedom  to create distinctive liquid  while showcasing the diversity  of Irish whiskey. For the trade,  that combination of flavour,  provenance and a clear story  creates opportunities to encourage  exploration, premiumise the category  and give consumers new reasons to  engage with Irish whiskey.”

Exceptional spirit

Knappogue Castle is one of the few  names at the heart of Ireland’s great  single malt tradition. With deep roots  in the revival and preservation of  aged Irish single malt, Knappogue has  long been dedicated exclusively to  the style, including some of the rarest  and oldest expressions ever bottled.  Today, Knappogue Castle holds the  largest independently owned reserves  of aged Irish single malt, stewarded  through the great Irish tradition of  whiskey bonding – carefully selecting,  maturing and marrying exceptional  casks over time.

Knappogue captures a distinctly  Irish expression of single malt, built  around exceptional spirit, triple  distillation, careful selection and  patient maturation. The result is  whiskey that is exceptionally smooth,  bright and elegant, while retaining  the depth and complexity expected  of the world’s great single malts.  Cask influence enhances rather than  overwhelms, allowing the quality and  character of the whiskey itself to take  centre stage.  The range showcases that  character through age, from the  vibrant Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old, through the 14 and 16 Year Old expressions, to the exceptional 21 Year Old – demonstrating the remarkable quality and depth of aged Irish single malt.

Knappogue Castle has a clear ambition: to champion one of Ireland’s great whiskey traditions and show the world how the Irish do single malt.

Great flavour is worth waiting for

For this Belfast-Born whisky brand  established in 1776, great flavour is  worth waiting for.  More patient than most,  McConnell’s ages its whisky for five  full years instead of three. Combined  with triple distillation, the result is  a smoother, more balanced, more  approachable whisky with more  flavour that can be enjoyed by all,  whether taken neat, on the rocks, or  served with a mixer or cocktail.

Most importantly, McConnell’s  whisky-making philosophy allows  the distinctive character of each  expression to shine through, from the  warm spice of Oloroso Sherry casks,  to notes of candied citrus brought by  Cognac casks, and the sweet fruity  notes of Bourbon casks. Each whisky  in the range brings something new,  all whilst serving McConnell’s Irish  Whisky signature harmony of flavour.  Achieving that balance takes  precision.

Master distiller Graeme  Millar is meticulous about cask  selection, hand-selecting only the  highest quality casks, including firstfill  bourbon barrels, to ensure every  element works in harmony.  Their commitment to quality has  earned McConnell’s more than 60  international whisky awards. Most  recently, its 20-Year-Old was named  ‘Best Irish Single Cask’ at the 2026  World Whiskies Awards, alongside  ‘Best Irish Whisky’ at the Tokyo  Whisky & Spirits Competition.  Celebrating 250 years, McConnell’s  is proudly bringing distilling back  to Belfast, reviving the city’s whisky  legacy and helping to put Belfast  back on the world whisky map.  Shop the McConnell’s range online  at: www.mcconnellsirishwhisky.com/order/

A grain to glass ethos 

Tipperary Boutique Distillery stands  out as a true leader in the modern  Irish whiskey and spirits movement,  driven by an authentic “grain-toglass”  ethos and practice. Located  on the historic Ballindoney Farm in  the Golden Vale, Tipperary Boutique  Distillery utilise their own homegrown  barley to create world renowned,  award-winning spirits.

This deep connection to the land  ensures unparalleled quality and a  genuine foundation for sustainability.  Innovation thrives at the heart of  Tipperary Boutique Distillery and  the team consistently push creative  boundaries by experimenting with  unique cask maturation profiles whilst  earning top international accolades  for their efforts.

A prime example of this is their  Homegrown 8 Year Old Sherry Cask  Finish which won a Gold Medal in the  Irish Whiskey Masters and delivers  a deep, fruit forward complexity.  Equally intriguing is their Homegrown  Barley Single Malt Mezcal Finish,  which culminates in a layered fruits,  black pepper and distinct aniseed  finish.  Beyond their signature whiskeys,  the distillery shows its versatility  through its exceptional spirits such  as the “The 80” Irish Apple Brandy.  The 80 is a standout release which  captures local flavours via an  inventive collaboration with Con  Traas from the neighbouring ‘The  Apple Farm’.

A firm festive favourite,  ‘The 80’ earned a prestigious silver  medal at the Berlin International  Spirits Competition within two  months of its release, proving that  local craftsmanship can win a global  audience. To explore the full collection  of Tipperary Boutique Distillery  whiskey and spirits, visit their official  website at www.tipperarydistillery.ie.

Whiskey fit for a kingdom 

Wayward Irish Spirits is proud to  launch The Kerry Way Whiskey,  created exclusively for sale in The  Kingdom, which also introduces an  innovative ‘bottle for life’ & recyclable  Refill Pouch format.  Wayward Irish Spirits founder,  Maurice O’Connell says, “We wanted  to create a Whiskey from Kerry, just  for Kerry.”  The Kerry Way Whiskey is an  approachable smooth Port cask  finished blend inspired by Kerry’s  natural beauty, the warmth and  welcome of its people and forged by  its’ ever changing weather. Created by  the team behind the Liberator range  of premium whiskeys, the fruity fig  & berry notes of the Port cask finish  appeals to the tastes of beginners  and connoisseurs alike and is the style  for which The Liberator has become  renowned.

Wayward Irish Spirits founder,  Maurice O’Connell says, “We’ve been  making The Liberator Irish Whiskey  and Lakeview Single Estate Whiskey  here in Fossa since 2018, selling both  nationally and internationally, but  people in Kerry don’t always realise  how local we are. The Kerry Way  Whiskey puts us front and centre in  our home County.”  Not for sale outside The Kingdom,  it will only be available to locals  and Kerry’s over one million  international and domestic visitors.

To assist industry partners with their  sustainability goals, Wayward have  introduced recyclable refill pouches  and only local deliveries. Bottles will  be available in retail outlets as usual  but bars and pubs will get a ‘bottle  for life’ with pouch refills collected by  Wayward for recycling.

Maurice adds, “We’ve always been  conscious of our impact on this  extraordinarily beautiful environment.  My family have been on this land for  900 years and our own Origin Green  verified sustainability plan (for which  we were awarded Gold membership  for 2023) guides our efforts to  protect it.”

“Visitors want local experiences  and tastes that they cannot get  elsewhere. We’re hoping our branding  will be an obvious starting point  for bar staff when asked for a Kerry Whiskey (alongside other local  brands). Sharing the same quality and Port cask DNA as our Liberator range, it’s a natural lead in for them to help customers discover our other  whiskeys. By giving the bar trade  competitive bulk pricing on a quality  local Small Batch product, we aim to  reclaim some of the back bars from the Goliaths, whose financial muscle  dominates.”

On trade pricing on request.  Contact: Maurice O’Connell – 089 422  8836.  Instagram: @waywardirishspirits,  @theliberatorwhiskey Facebook:  @waywardirishspirits www.  waywardirish.com

The Spirit of Sligo 

Launched in 2026, Yeats Irish Whiskey is a new premium Irish whiskey brand  with its roots firmly in County Sligo  and a story inspired by the landscape  and literary heritage of W.B. Yeats.

Its first release, The Lake Isle of  Innisfree Edition, takes its name from  one of Yeats’ best known poems and  reflects the poet’s lifelong connection  with Sligo.  Limited to just 4,000 individually  numbered bottles, the expression  brings together aged single grain  and triple distilled single malt Irish  whiskeys, finished in Ruby Port casks.  Bottled at 43% ABV.

The whiskey opens with notes of  vanilla, honey, toasted oak and red  berries, developing into dark fruit and  gentle spice on the palate, with a long  finish of honeyed sweetness, dried  fruit and oak spice.

Since launching earlier this year,  Yeats Irish Whiskey has been steadily  establishing its presence within  Ireland’s premium hospitality and  retail sectors, including listings in  leading five star hotels and Irish  airport duty free, while the company  is also developing opportunities in  international markets.

For founder Patrick Ward, however,  the ambition is about more than  creating another Irish whiskey brand.  Yeats is intended to tell a distinctly  Sligo story connecting whiskey with  the landscape, culture and heritage  that inspired one of Ireland’s greatest  poets.

The first release has already  received international recognition,  winning Double Gold at the SIP  Awards and a Gold Medal with 91  points at the San Francisco World  Spirits Competition.  With further expressions planned,  Yeats Irish Whiskey is at the beginning  of what the company hopes will  become a distinctive new chapter in  premium Irish whiskey.     

Whiskey on their own terms 

West Cork Irish Whiskey began in  2003 when childhood friends John  O’Connell and cousins Ger and Denis  McCarthy decided to make whiskey  on their own terms. They learned,  experimented and built from the  ground up, while remaining fiercely  independent.

More than twenty years later, that  small beginning has become West Cork Distillers in Skibbereen, Ireland’s  largest wholly Irish-owned distillery, employing over 300 people and sending West Cork Irish Whiskey  around the world. The scale has  changed. The mindset hasn’t.

Irish whiskey must mature for at  least three years. West Cork Whiskey  gives their whiskey a minimum of five.  Those extra years give the spirit  more time with the oak, softening its  edges and developing flavour, balance  and character.  West Cork Original is a blend of  grain, malt and pot still Irish whiskey,  matured in first-fill bourbon casks,  delivering a smooth, balanced  whiskey with notes of malt, gentle  sweetness, citrus, apple and nutmeg.  Five years isn’t about waiting for  the sake of it. It’s about knowing  when something is ready. westcorkirishwhiskey.com  Please drink responsibly!