Glendalough Distillery and Wicklow Wolf return with second collaboration, unveiling two limited-edition beers
Rowdy Rooney, head Distiller at Glendalough Distillery and Quincey Fennelly, managing director of Wicklow Wolf, pictured celebrating the return of their second collaboration, unveiling two limited-edition beer
Glendalough Distillery and Wicklow Wolf have teamed up once again, launching The Deer Stone, a 12.5% Imperial Stout aged in Wicklow oak casks that previously held Glendalough Distillery’s Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. It joins the return of The Still Hand 2026 T, a 15.3% Barleywine aged in Glendalough Distillery’s ex-Oloroso whiskey barrels.
Following the success of their first collaboration, the two Wicklow neighbours have created two distinctive beers that bring together craft beer and Irish whiskey drinkers, giving them a strong, locally rooted option for the colder months.
The Deer Stone takes its name from a hollowed rock in Glendalough, associated with the legend of a doe, a wolf and St. Kevin’s foster child. Its rich roasted malt, dark chocolate and coffee notes meet whiskey warmth, vanilla, toasted oak and hints of dark fruit and spice. Glendalough Distillery uses Irish oak in its Pot Still whiskey casks, with the oak for this collaboration sourced from Greenan Forest near Rathdrum, creating a shared connection to the Wicklow landscape.
The Still Hand 2026 limited edition beer
The Still Hand builds on the success of the original release, with Glendalough’s ex-Oloroso whiskey barrels adding depth to rich caramel, marmalade and dried fruit notes, alongside warming sherry sweetness and toasted oak. Its name draws on Glendalough Distillery’s stills and the legend of St. Kevin’s patient hand.
The Deer Stone comes with a peel-back label that reveals the story of the collaboration inside, giving shoppers something to pick up and explore on shelf.
The release also carries a clear sustainability message, with one Irish oak tree to be planted for every 12 cans of The Deer Stone sold.
Bringing stories to life
The Deer Stone limited editon beer
Ciarán ‘Rowdy’ Rooney, head distiller at Glendalough Distillery, said: “It’s brilliant to be working with our neighbours at Wicklow Wolf again, The Deer Stone legend is part of the story of Glendalough, so it felt right to build a beer around it. We take great care in sourcing our Wicklow oak and selecting the right trees for our whiskey casks, so pairing our Single Pot Still casks with Wicklow Wolf’s brewing skill is a great way to bring that story to life.”
Quincey Fennelly, managing director of Wicklow Wolf, said: “The Still Hand was one of our most talked-about releases last year, so we knew we wanted to brew it again. This year’s barleywine has really taken on even more of the Oloroso depth and barrel character that people liked, and The Deer Stone gives us a rich, decadent imperial stout to sit alongside it. Brewing beer and aging it in casks from our neighbours adds something you can’t get any other way – a true taste of Wicklow.”
The two releases further strengthen the relationship between the neighbouring producers, demonstrating the opportunities that can come from bringing together complementary craft expertise and locally sourced materials.
The Deer Stone (440ml) and The Still Hand 2026 (440ml) will be available from Monday, 9 November. Retailing at €8 per can. Stockists include independent off licences, O’Briens, Molloys, Number 21, Fine Wine, and select Supervalu stores.
