Irish Whiskey News & Stories

I read once that whiskey is one of the only products where the industry seemingly goes out of its way to exclude potential customers.  Don't add water.  Don't use ice.  Don't mix with Coke.  That brand is garbage.  Depending on who you are drinking with everyone has probably come across some degree of snobbery while drinking whiskey.  If being honest many of us have may have exhibited some degree ourselves from time to time.  One item that receives critical attention is the controversial use of the term "smooth", particularly when describing Irish Whiskey. The IWSA prides ourself on not taking...

A good article by Eric Twardzik which appeared in Bevvy June, 1, 2021 Passing through your local Irish whiskey aisle, you may see bottles labeled “Single Pot Still.” It would follow that said whiskey was simply distilled in a singular pot still—right? Well, wrong, but we don’t blame you. Irish single pot still is in fact a separate, legally defined category of whiskey whose differentiating factor has more to do with mash bill than still. This is rather confusing, so to break down its history and definition we’ve enlisted the aid of Woody Kane, who works as an ambassador and visitor center...

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...