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Irish Whiskey Awards set for November 11th

The Irish Whiskey Awards 2021 are set to go ahead at the Powerscourt Distillery in Enniskerry, County Wicklow, on Thursday November the 11th, Covid-19 permitting.

 

Entries are now being accepted for this year's Irish Whiskey Awards which will take place at Powerscourt Distillery, County Wicklow, on Thursday the 14th of October, Covid-19 permitting.

Entries are now being accepted for this year’s Irish Whiskey Awards which will take place at Powerscourt Distillery, County Wicklow, on Thursday the 14th of October, Covid-19 permitting.

The awards, now in their eighth year, comprise 12 categories:

  1. Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey (11 Years & Younger, including Non Age Statement)
  2. Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey (12 Years & Older)
  3. Irish Single Malt Whiskey (11 Years & Younger, including Non Age Statement)
  4. Irish Single Malt Whiskey (12-15 Years)
  5. Irish Single Malt Whiskey (16 Years & Older)
  6. Irish Blended Whiskey (Non-Age Statement)
  7. Irish Blended Whiskey (Age Statement)
  8. Irish Blended Whiskey (Limited Release)
  9. Irish Single Cask Whiskey
  10. Irish Cask Strength Whiskey
  11. Irish Grain Whiskey
  12. New Irish Whiskey (only distilleries open 3-6 years can enter and it must be distilled on site)

The whiskey with the highest overall score becomes Irish Whiskey of the Year.

Judging of the awards took place earlier this Summer where organisers Celtic Whiskey posted out several hundred blind tasting packs to members of the Celtic Whiskey Club, Irish Whiskey Society Dublin and Dingle, Cork Whiskey Society, Waterford Whiskey Society, Kilkenny Whiskey Guild and Belfast Whiskey Club.

Unfortunately, entries and judging of the white spirits, liqueurs, beer and bar categories did not go ahead this year due to a lack of resources and Covid-19 restrictions but will look to resume in 2022.

All results have now been audited and verified by Serghios Florides, Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Irish Whiskey magazine.

The Irish Whiskey Awards have been created by Celtic Whiskey Shop which also runs Whiskey Live Dublin and Celtic Whiskey Fest.

“We were very disappointed to cancel last year’s event due to Covid-19,” said Managing Director Ally Alpine, “We feel now that we’ve some clarity for restrictions easing and very hopeful to go ahead with this year’s event under (almost) normal circumstances. We look forward to recognising the emerging and established producers in the industry and raise much-needed funds for our charity partner Mary’s Meals.”

Last year, due to Covid-19, the Irish Whiskey Awards were unable to go ahead. However, producers and consumers rallied together to submit and bid on rare bottles on Celtic Whiskey’s sister site, Celtic Whiskey Auction. A total of €10,953 was raised for Mary’s Meals which helps feed children in impoverished areas of the world.

For many, this year’s Awards might be their first large indoor gathering since the beginning of Covid-19 and the organisers want to ensure that everyone feels as comfortable as possible while attending this event.

Therefore face-coverings are to be worn at all times, while on the coach, taking part in the tour and whilst walking around the venue. Masks can be taken off when seated and/or eating/drinking.

The organisers also insist that all attending have their EU Covid Vaccination Certificate which will be scanned by a member of staff on arrival. Unfortunately, there will be no exceptions.

Drinks Industry Ireland magazine is the event’s trade partner.

Tickets for the event cost €60 (or €70 if you wish to avail of a coach transfer to and from Dublin City Centre). As in previous years tickets are extremely limited and will be sold through Celtic Whiskey Shop via an allocation so please e-mail hannagh@celticwhiskey.com to register your interest. As always, all proceeds raised from the event go to the event’s charity partner Mary’s Meals.

 


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