Billion dollar baby
This year, the Irish whiskey sector celebrates a very significant anniversary – 700 years. According to Drinks Ireland, in 1324, the Red Book of Ossory was written by the then bishop, Richard Ladrede, and published in Kilkenny. The Red Book holds the earliest recorded recipe for distilling whiskey, used then for medicinal purposes as the Black Death ravaged Europe. This is the first instance that distillation is mentioned in Ireland, and therefore we can celebrate 700 years of our distilling tradition in 2024. The Red Book of Ossory, is now available for public display at St. Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny. This offers an insight into medieval Ireland and Irish whiskey. It is no wonder that Irish whiskey has such a universal appeal as consumers trust in the hundreds of years of expertise that our distilleries draw from.
Setting the standard for excellence
Fercullen Irish Whiskey continues to set the standard for excellence. Powerscourt Distillery proudly announces that Fercullen Single Malt has been awarded a Gold Outstanding medal and an impressive 98 points at this year’s IWSC. This accolade is a testament to the exceptional quality of the whiskey produced at Powerscourt Distillery since its inception in 2018. Remarkably, this is the first Single Malt whiskey distilled in Wicklow in over a century. Fercullen’s non-age statement Single Malt stands proudly alongside other category winners, including Knappogue Castle 12 Year and Bushmills 30.
Originating from the iconic Powerscourt Estate, Fercullen aims to inspire a new legacy of whiskey-making for future generations. By combining the purest Wicklow Mountain water and locally grown barley with their expert craftsmanship, Fercullen creates a whiskey that embodies the true spirit of Wicklow. Under the guidance of award-winning master distiller Paul Corbett, Fercullen has established itself as an unrivalled leader in Irish single malt.
Fercullen strives to be recognised as the premier Irish single malt. Triple distilled in copper pot stills at Powerscourt Distillery and exclusively matured in ex-bourbon barrels, Fercullen allows the true nature of the spirit to shine. Drawing authentic inspiration from its unique location, this single malt whiskey exceeds expectations. Celebrate the extraordinary with every sip of Fercullen Irish whiskey.
For those who appreciate their single malt, the latest edition, Fercullen Cask Strength Single Malt, offers an even more intense experience at 56.6% ABV. Available at all good retailers, it is the ultimate expression of single malt excellence.
For more information about Powerscourt Distillery and its award-winning whiskeys, visit www.powerscourtdistillery.com. For trade, please enquire about Fercullen through Barry and Fitzwilliam.
Whiskey bonding
In 1852 brothers Patrick & Henry Egan established P&H Egan Ltd, quickly becoming one of Ireland’s foremost merchant houses encompassing a range of commercial endeavors including importing, malting, brewing and of course, the blending and bottling of Irish Whiskey. The family legacy of whiskey bonding was born has practiced the art and science of whiskey bonding – sourcing, aging, finishing and marrying the finest whiskeys from the four corners of Ireland. The family’s history and connections to Ireland’s whiskey distilleries is what sets them apart, providing the foundations for one of the world’s most awarded independent Irish whiskey portfolios.
Bonder’s Blend is a stunning marriage of four distillates with four different barrel finishes. Accolades this year include Gold medals from San Francisco World Spirits and Global Irish Whiskey Masters.
Endeavour is a triple distilled single malt whiskey pushed to achieve its full potential via finishing in four separate barrel programs. Accolades include gold medals from Tokyo Whisky & Spirits and Ascot plus double gold at San Francisco World Spirits, SIPS and John Barleycorn Awards.
Fortitude is a special single malt whiskey matured in sherry casks for the ultimate, flavorful experience. Accolades this year include gold medals from New York International Spirits, Tokyo Whiskey & Spirits and John Barleycorn Awards.
Conviction is a purposeful marriage of powerful single malt and single grain whiskies, finished in XO Cognac casks for 10 years. Accolades this year include gold medals from Tokyo Whisky & Spirits, Ascot, New York International Spirits, John Barleycorn Awards and the Global Irish Whiskey Masters.
Renewable spirit
Nestled in the village of Ahascragh in the heart of County Galway, Ahascragh Distillery is Ireland’s first eco-distillery as it is powered exclusively by renewable energy.
While waiting for the ‘newborn’ Ahascragh spirit to mature, the Ahascragh team has launched the Family Bond series of hand-selected releases. These special releases, although not distilled in Ahascragh, are partly matured, finished and blended by Ahascragh Distillers and bottled at the distillery home in the West of Ireland. The Family Bond series includes Uais Irish Whiskey and Clan Colla Irish Whiskey.
Uais the triple blend is a unique fusion of pot still, single malt and grain whiskeys, aged in ex-bourbon and Virgin Oak casks. The Uais bottle is made from the most eco-friendly materials possible; 100% recycled glass and recycled paper for the label with a sustainable wood-stopper and a biodegradable vegetable-based seal.
Clan Colla Irish Whiskey is a celebration of The Three Collas. Caireall Colla Uais, Muiredach Colla Fo Chrí and Aed Colla Menn, three brothers who conquered and ruled over most of Ireland, with Colla Uais becoming Ard Rí: The High King of Ireland in the 4th century. The multi-award-winning range now comprises a variety of aged Irish whiskey releases including Clan Colla 11 Year Old Blend finished in bourbon, Oloroso Sherry, and peated casks; and Clan Colla 7 Year Old Single Grain finished in Panamanian Rum casks.
All the Ahascragh distillery brands are available to buy online at ahascraghdistillery.com as well as range of gift hampers to suit all occasions.
On the edge of the Atlantic
Founded in 2016, Clonakilty Distillery is a family-run, award-winning distillery that makes Clonakilty whiskeys, Minke gin and Minke vodka. Clonakilty grows its own barley by the Galley Head lighthouse on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as sourcing from local farmers to produce its exceptional “Clonakilty Single Pot Still” Irish whiskey. Matured in ex-Bourbon, Amontillado and Oloroso sherry casks, this expression presents flavours of sweet vanilla and kiwi, complemented by notes of caramelised pear and dark chocolate.
Head distiller Oisín Mulcahy said: “The elements harmonise to deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and a full-bodied character, leaving subtle notes of caramel and citrus peel on the finish.”
Clonakilty includes its own award-winning single pot still whiskey in all of its blends, which significantly elevates the taste and flavour profile. Clonakilty’s “Galley Head” range of 40% abv whiskeys include the red label single pot still blend and the blue label single malt. Both whiskeys offer exceptional quality and value for the consumer, as does the slightly stronger 43.6% abv “Double oak” and “Port cask” single pot still blends.
In keeping with its values of authenticity and sustainability, Clonakilty grows its own barley, and matures, finishes, blends and bottles its own spirits. With its 16,000 square metres of warehousing, blending and bottling facilities, it fully controls its own supply chain, ensuring the highest standards of quality and flexibility.
In 2023 Clonakilty Distillery was awarded Gold Membership of Origin Green, the world’s only national food and drink sustainability programme. Later that year, it won the most Sustainability Distillery Award at ProWine, Singapore.
Clonakilty has won numerous awards for the quality of its spirits, including World’s Best Irish New Make Whiskey for three of the past five years, and Worlds Best Varietal Vodka for Minke Vodka in 2023.
Boann and Rye River Brewing Company collaborate for limited whiskey release
Boann Distillery and Rye River Brewing Company have collaborated to create The Whistler “Fisher in the Rye” Doppelbock Rye Cask Finish – a limited whiskey release of 6,000 bottles.
This will be the County Meath Distillery’s fourth craft beer brewery collaboration, following partnerships with Boyne Brewhouse, O’Hara’s, and Lough Gill.
The unique whiskey creation, which features a striking label design of a Kingfisher, involved several distinct steps to prepare the casks, and mature and age the whiskey.
Rye Whiskey casks were initially used to age a sweet malty beer, The Orator, from Rye River Brewing Company in Kildare.
The Doppelbock beer, known for its rich flavour profile, was lagered in these casks for six months infusing the casks with toasted and slightly sweet notes.
After the beer was removed, the casks were then filled with a blend of single grain and single malt whiskeys. The youngest whiskey in this blend is an 11-year-old single grain with the oldest being a 17-year-old single malt. These whiskeys had already undergone maturation in rye casks for six years, adding a layer of rye spice and complexity to their flavour profiles.
For the final stage the whiskey blend was aged further in the Doppelbock beer-seasoned rye casks for 18 months where it absorbed the residual beer notes from the casks, leading to a harmonious melding of sweet, spicy, and malty flavours. “The Whistler Doppelbock Rye Cask Finish represents a fascinating fusion of beer and whiskey-making traditions, resulting in a distinctive spirit that will appeal to connoisseurs of both beverages,” said Peter Cooney of Boann Distillery.
“The result of this creative process is a whiskey that offers a multi-dimensional and memorable tasting experience.”
As part of the launch, Boann Distillery will be giving away 50 limited edition poster prints of the Kingfisher illustration via social media.
The Whistler “Fisher in the Rye” Doppelbock Rye Cask Finish retails at €54.95 for a 70cl bottle and can be purchased on boanndistillery.ie.
Tasting notes @ 43% abv
Nose: Creamy fruits are followed by an enticing cedar spice with a hint of clove.
Palate: A rich mouthfeel with malty timber notes unravelling into poached pear and roasted almonds.
Finish: A long and complex finish with cracked black pepper lingering.
McConnell’s brings Irish whiskey back to Belfast
Just four years after the revival of McConnell’s Irish Whisky, the brand celebrates a landmark year with the opening of its new distillery and visitor experience at the Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast. This state-of-the-art facility marks a pivotal milestone in the brand’s storied journey, celebrating its return to Belfast and restoring the city’s legacy as Ireland’s whiskey capital.
Set within the historic walls of the 19th-century former prison, the distillery is more than a production facility -it’s a tribute to the McConnell’s history and a commitment to its future. With a capacity to produce 500,000 litres of pure alcohol annually (approximately 4.2 million bottles), this development strengthens the brand’s global footprint, spreading its cherished spirit to every corner of the world.
McConnell’s commitment to rekindling the age-old craft of distilling is proudly displayed in their new facility, now the largest of its kind in Belfast. At the heart of this revival is a dedicated distilling team whose expertise and passion seamlessly blend tradition with modern innovation. This approach celebrates Belfast’s whiskey-making heritage while paving the way for the city to become a global leader in the industry, ensuring the craft endures for future generations.
At the new distillery, visitors can witness the complex process of making triple-distilled single malt Irish whiskey, from milling to mashing and fermentation to distillation. The venue also features a dedicated visitor experience where guests can delve into the rich heritage of McConnell’s while enjoying gourmet coffee, food, and exclusive retail offerings.
Interested in visiting McConnell’s Distillery & Visitor Experience? Learn more here https://intl.mcconnellsirishwhisky.com/mcconnells-distillery/
Premium batch
The Busker Small Batch Whiskeys are double matured by using a limited number of casks accurately selected by the team in Royal Oak Distillery, Co. Carlow. These exclusive releases are the best expression of what the Royal Oak Distillery has to offer within the premium category.
The first in this collection was released in late 2023, is the multi award-winning Single Pot Still Small Batch. Double aged in Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks, and non-chill filtered to preserve the taste and aromas. Tasting notes include fruit notes, raisins, sultanas, prunes and figs, warming spice ginger and cinnamon. Long, smooth and mellow finish. On the nose, the Single Pot Still gives leathery, profoundly rich, complex, robust, fresh pipe tobacco, aromatic, rounded and perfectly balanced aromas. Best enjoyed neat, or on the rocks.
The Small Batch Single Pot Still has won gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, silver at the World Whiskey Awards 2024, and 93 points in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2023.
With a new take on the packaging side, the Small Batch Single Pot Still is corked, and has the Royal Oak Distillery embedded into the glass, this new look will be what we see for the Busker Premium Single range later this year. The Busker is proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Just a glass of good whiskey
West Cork Whiskey began when three lifelong friends took a chance, worked hard and didn’t stop until they had built one of Ireland’s largest distilleries making some of Ireland’s best whiskey. It started in 2003 in the back room of one of the lads’ houses in Union Hall and now they have a team of 140 people from around the local area working with them.
It’s important to them that what they’re doing helps their community and leaves something for West Cork. They’re fiercely independent and have fought to stay that way and to keep the lights on too at times. In more
The core range is made up of West Cork Bourbon Cask matured, Black cask and the new Maritime range
What started in 2003 in the back room of a house in Union Hall has now grown to a team of 140 people
ways than one, they’re out on the edge in West Cork, just south of the Golden Vale, they use only Irish barley, delivered every day. Maritime aging… yeah they’ve a bit of that going on. For them, it’s about taste.
There are times when all you want is a glass of good whiskey. That’s the whiskey they make.
They’re not like the big brands or the small crafty ones. They’ve gotten to a place where it’s just about what goes in the bottle. And people are starting to pick that up. They’d never say they’re a better whiskey than anyone else’s. But they’re as good as the best of them.
The core range is made up of West Cork Bourbon Cask matured, Black cask and the new exciting Maritime range which sells out in outlets across the country especially for gifting because of its unique packaging.
World’s most awarded Irish whiskey producer
At Teeling Whiskey they are dedicated to bringing new, and innovative flavours to Irish Whiskey. Inspired by both traditional and unconventional techniques in distillation and maturation, they create small batch bottlings of true character never tasted before, raising the bar for Irish whiskey with over 600 international whiskey awards. As the first new distillery in 125 years they are bringing whiskey back to Dublin, capturing the true heritage of Dublin distilling with a modern twist. Teeling Small Batch is their unconventional approach to creating a premium blended Irish whiskey.
With layers of unique flavour influenced by unconventional cask maturation techniques, Teeling Small Batch can be consumed neat, over the rocks or in a premium whiskey cocktail like an Irish Coffee, Whiskey Sour or an Old Fashioned. Distilled in the heart of Dublin, this is a whiskey crafted with hand-selected casks of grain and malt whiskey that are initially fully aged in ex-bourbon barrels, and then married together in Central American Rum casks for up to 12 months for a unique, dried fruit profile. 46% ABV, non-chill filtered for that full flavour experience.
On the nose our Teeling Small Batch has floral and herbal notes, with hints of vanilla, rum raisin notes, and all spice. On the palate, bursts of creamy vanilla sweetness give way to a dried fruit, raisin and apricot character and slight tingling spice. The finish is long and warming with lingering sweetness, spice, and oak notes.