Whiskey Wednesday – McConnell’s Irish Whisky
One of Ireland’s oldest whisky brands has been resurrected in Belfast. McConnell’s Irish Whisky has a long rich history that began in 1776 when brothers, John and James McConnell, opened their Belfast distillery where they crafted the first recorded Irish Whisky brand.
Through the years McConnell’s Irish Whisky was recognized beyond Ireland when it was exported worldwide, including to American where it was once a popular brand of Irish Whisky. When World War I and then prohibition hit, the distillery was impacted and ended up closing its doors in the 1930s.
Fast forward 90 years to 2020 when the brand has seen a rebirth when Conecuh Brands brought the brand back to market. Distilled in Belfast by the Belfast Distillery Company, McConnell’s Irish Whisky is five-year blend of Irish Malt and Irish Grain Whisky that’s gently rested in Select Bourbon Casks bringing out beautiful undertones of vanilla sweetness. This perfect blend between malted barley & grain has been carefully tried and tested resulting in a new finish to the iconic brand that is bottled at 94 proof.
The timing was perfect in bringing back McConnell’s Irish Whisky as according to Technavio, the global Irish whiskey category will have grown by US $1.54 billion between 2021 to 2026. The category offers an inviting array of whisky, many at an affordable price point.
Served in a Glencairn glass, McConnell’s Irish Whisky pours a yellow gold color. The nose is full of fruits, honey, spice and vanilla. The whisky’s palate offers up spicy pepper, butterscotch, vanilla, and pear. It finishes with a bit of warmth and dry oak notes. McConnell’s Irish Whisky is a bit more flavorful than other Irish Whiskies that are in the low $30 range.
Since its rebirth, McConnell’s Irish Whisky has received a few awards. These awards include Bronze in the 2022 International Wine and Spirit Competition, Silver in the 2022 International Spirits Challenge, and Gold in the 2022 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.
To learn more about McConnell’s Irish Whisky and where to purchase a bottle, visit mcconnellsirishwhisky.com.
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.