McConnell's Old Cromac Collection 20yr Single Malt- Irish Whiskey Review
Posted by Irish Whiskey USA on
Christmas traditions are celebrated the world over. Some like wearing ugly sweaters, others baking cookies, and some like watching their favorite holiday movie. A tradition I enjoy is opening a special bottle of Irish Whiskey from the collection to share with family and friends. This year I've selected the McConnell's Old Cromac Collection 20 year old Single Malt.
The Old Cromac Distillery was once one of the world's leading whiskey makers. Built along the River Lagan in Belfast, the legendary distillery was known for its pure, aerated water and McConnell's Irish Whisky until its closure in the 1930's.
Fortunately, a new McConnell's Distillery opened in 2024, built in the repurposed Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast. While their new distillate ages, McConnell's has released a trilogy core range of sourced, blended Irish Whiskys: bourbon cask, sherry finish, and cognac finish. In addition, to honor the legacy of the original distillery, McConnell's released this first special limited edition Old Cromac Collection Irish Whisky in 2024.
I originally sampled this expression at the new Belfast distillery during our IWSA member group trip in 2025 in the presence of their Master Distiller Graeme Millar, who led us through a range of McConnell's releases. It was a lovely expression that inspired me to pick up bottle 132 of 350 at duty free in Dublin airport at the conclusion of the trip.
The single malt liquid has been matured for 19 years in an ex-bourbon cask before a 1 year finishing in a first fill Tawny Port cask. Bottled at cask strength 51.2% abv. The bottle itself is beautifully designed with a beveled glass bottom and metal label fastened prominently on the top front identifying the Belfast location and 1776 original opening date.
Official tasting notes
Nose
Creamy White Chocolate with tangy dried Strawberry notes, with hints of succulent rice pudding.
Palate
Delicate notes of red apple and plum, followed by subtle hints of Spicy White Pepper.
Finish
Finishing elegantly, gracing the palate with a delightful symphony of Kiwi and Grapefruit.
Like a kid who can't wait until Christmas morning to open his gifts,, I'm cracking this bottle open a few days early for purposes of this review. Subtle grape notes are present on the nose and palate with light peppery spice lingering on the long clean finish. This is an elegant sipping whiskey meant for special occasions like Christmas.
Review by A.Dwyer