Irish Whiskey News & Stories

Things have been happening along the Causeway Coast.  Bushmill's distillery has issued a number of significant news releases over the past couple of months. During 2021, Bushmills brought several limited, super premium offerings to market as part of the Causeway Collection.  This was welcome news as many have been hoping for a brand revival now that Casa Cuervo owns the distillery.   The latest announcement is the pending release of the newest addition to their range of single malt offerings.  A 12 year old single malt will be added to the permanent range along with the 10 year, 16 year, and...

The 2021 Irish Whiskey Awards were held on November 11th at Powerscourt Distillery.  This was the eighth year for the awards which saw them return in person to an Irish distillery.  Previous award shows were held at Jameson, Dingle, and Kilbeggan to name a few.  Voters were comprised from various whiskey clubs in Ireland.  Results were compiled from blind tastings and announced at the Powerscourt Distillery event. The winners of the 2021 Irish Whiskey Awards are as follows: Overall Winner- Irish Whiskey of the Year 2021Best Irish Whiskey of the Year – Celtic Cask 1999 – Tríocha a Cúig – 35...

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...