Boann unveils first Double Solstice Whiskey
Boann Distillery has today (18 December) released its first double Winter Solstice whiskey from its Meath distillery, with the limited-edition Oak King and Holly King bottlings available exclusively from boanndistillery.ie.
Boann Distillery MD and founder, Pat Cooney, says the triple Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey release marks a huge opportunity for the Drogheda-based operation to grow its international business
Boann Distillery has marked the Winter Solstice with the release of its first-ever double bottling, the sixth chapter in its annual Winter Solstice whiskey series and a significant milestone for the Meath-based producer.
The 2025 release comprises two Single Pot Still Irish whiskeys, unveiled ahead of Boann’s annual Winter Solstice tasting event taking place this evening (18 December). For the first time, the distillery has released two expressions simultaneously, designed to be experienced side by side.
Inspired by ancient pagan mythology, the pair tell the story of the Oak King and the Holly King — eternal rivals who, according to tradition, battle at each Summer and Winter Solstice for control of the year. The Oak King reigns over the brighter months from Winter to Summer Solstice, while the Holly King governs the darker half of the year.
“This is the first time we’ve released two Winter Solstice whiskeys together, and it felt right to let them speak to one another,” said Pat Cooney, founder of Boann Distillery.
“The Oak King and Holly King represent the turning of the year itself. That sense of rhythm, balance and return sits at the heart of this series.”
Both whiskeys are bottled at cask strength, with natural colour and non-chill filtration — hallmarks of Boann’s Winter Solstice releases — and were matured entirely on site in Meath in sherry casks sourced from Montilla, Spain.
The Oak King Amontillado has been matured for four years in an Amontillado hogshead, chosen to reflect the warmth and structure associated with the lighter half of the year. Its mashbill comprises 40% malted barley, 55% unmalted barley, 3% oats and 2% rye.
The Holly King Oloroso, matured for five years in an Oloroso hogshead, delivers a deeper, darker profile aligned with the winter season. Its mashbill consists of 55% malted barley, 40% unmalted barley and 5% oats.
Adding to the release’s symbolic significance, the back labels feature Ogham script translating to Rí Darrach (Oak King) and Rí Cuilinn (Holly King), anchoring the whiskeys in Irish language and mythology.
Each bottle retails at €120, with a paired presentation available for €210. Both are available exclusively via www.boanndistillery.ie
In another first for the Winter Solstice series, guests attending the tasting event will have the opportunity to sample Amontillado fortified wine directly from cask alongside the whiskeys, offering insight into the influence of the wood and wine on the final spirit.
The release also comes ahead of a public consultation scheduled for January on proposed changes to the Irish whiskey Geographical Indication, which could permit greater mashbill diversity within the Single Pot Still category — a move that would bring modern regulations closer to historic Irish whiskey practices.
Tasting notes
The Oak King – Amontillado (Cask No. 214778, 60.2% ABV)
Soft butter, cream soda, fresh hay and chamomile on the nose. A sweet, expressive palate of caramelised butter, fudge and vanilla, with hints of smoke and toasted wood. Warm, lightly spiced finish with toffee apple and gentle chocolate notes.
The Holly King – Oloroso (Cask No. 2217, 62.1% ABV)
Campfire smoke, leather and dark forest fruits on the nose. A rich palate of caramel, toffee and strawberry jam, underpinned by earthy tannins and savoury depth. Long, smoky finish with spice and gingerbread warmth.
