Irish Whiskey News & Stories

The IWSA enjoyed a wonderful virtual tasting on Friday June 4th with Donal O'Gallachoir from Glendalough Distillery.  Ahead of the event, participants were provided a beautiful tasting box which featured a tasting mat, branded Tuath Glass, distillery pin, and three 50ml whiskies, all from Glendalough Distillery.                  IWSA members from 17 different states across the USA participated in the 90 minute event led by Donal.  Three samples representing 3 styles of Irish Whiskey were presented and discussed: 1) Double Barrel  This Single Grain variety aged in both bourbon and sherry casks for 4 years is...

ADAM O'CONNELL MARCH 25, 2021  Independent bottlers are an important part of the whiskey industry. But in Ireland, they nearly died out because of a lack of distilleries. Now reviving this great tradition W.D. O’Connell Whiskey Merchants with a range of distinctive single cask bottlings. I’m sure most of you have enjoyed some independently-bottled whiskey in your time. The appeal is clear. Bottlers have the freedom to procure new make spirit and aged stock from various distilleries and apply personal preferences to maturation, finishes, bottling strength, as well as additional colouring and chill-filtration. Indies can showcase lesser-known or lost distilleries, or offer a different side...

The changing face of Irish whiskey 16/03/2021 by WSET Global As we approach St Patrick’s day, many of us will raise a glass of Irish whiskey with friends either in person or across the internet. But, to paraphrase the great Irish poet W.B. Yeats, the contents of that glass may be about to change, change utterly. Up until quite recently, many whiskey connoisseurs have tended to be slightly dismissive of Irish whiskey, pigeon-holing it as mostly light, smooth, and inoffensive. Some of these opinions may have had some merit, but now a resurgent Irish whiskey sector is enthusiastically pulling the rug...

Join us for a virtual review of Slane Irish Whiskey on Thursday April 1st at 8pm eastern.  Experience the cráic of a group review tasting led by the crack IWSA team. Rather than just a written or video review that you watch on your own, we wanted to make this a more inclusive experience with other IWSA members.  While not required, those participating will be encouraged to participate with thoughts and discussion about the whiskey.  This is intended to be the first in an ongoing series which will focus on different whiskies. Slane Irish Whiskey is a triple casked blend from the...

The IWSA is excited to host a virtual tasting on Friday April 23rd at 9pm eastern with special guest Padraic Coll of Clonakilty Distillery.  During the tasting event we will sample three 50ml whiskies representing the core range from Conakilty Distillery.  The cost of the event is $35.  Free Shipping.  Whiskey kits containing the 3 samples will be sent to IWSA members signing up for the event.  Purchase deadline is Sunday April 4th to ensure on time delivery of the whiskey kits (see below, glass/tray not included).   The Clonakilty Distillery opened in 2018 along the Wild Atlantic Way in Clonakilty town, County...