A trio that celebrates heritage, craftsmanship, and bold Irish innovation.

This month’s selection takes you on a journey through three very different expressions of Irish whiskey:
• a historic Belfast revival brought back to life,
• a refined double-oak masterpiece, and
• a modern, flavour-forward cask experiment from one of Ireland’s most creative independent bottlers.

Let’s pour and explore 👇

🥃 McConnell’s 5-Year-Old Sherry Cask Finish — 46% ABV

McConnell’s is one of the oldest Irish whiskey brands, originally established in 1776. After disappearing during the industry’s decline, the brand has been revived in Belfast — honouring its heritage while introducing modern, expressive whiskeys.

This 5 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish adds depth and richness while keeping McConnell’s signature smoothness.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Sweet dried fruits, vanilla, gentle oak
Palate: Smooth and approachable with honey, soft spice, rounded sherry richness
Finish: Medium length with lingering fruit and a touch of nuttiness

About the Brand / Distillery:

The Belfast Distillery Company is restoring McConnell’s to its former status by blending age-old tradition with fresh innovation. Production is currently partnered with leading Irish distillers while their new Belfast distillery is being built in the historic Crumlin Road Gaol — a major milestone for Northern Irish whiskey.

Why We Love It:

It’s the perfect opener — balanced, fruity, and comforting, with a sherry influence that makes it feel more luxurious than its age suggests.

🥃 Writers’ Tears Double Oak — French & American Oak — 46% ABV

From Walsh Whiskey comes one of Ireland’s most elegant and storytelling-driven brands. Writers’ Tears takes inspiration from Ireland’s literary history, crafting whiskeys that are refined, expressive, and full of character.

Double Oak brings together American Bourbon barrels and French Cognac casks, creating layers of sweetness, fruit, and spice.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Vibrant orchard fruits, toffee, toasted oak
Palate: Layers of red berries, sweet vanilla, warm spice; silky smooth
Finish: Long and elegant with fruit and oak spice

About the Brand / Distillery:

Walsh Whiskey is known for elevating traditional Irish styles with premium wood management and world-class blending. Writers’ Tears is celebrated internationally for its sophistication and delicate balance — making Double Oak a favourite among both beginners and connoisseurs.

Why We Love It:

It’s refined and beautifully layered — the kind of whiskey you slow down for. The French oak adds a depth and elegance that stands out in any tasting line-up.

🥃 Two Stacks “Fruit Drops” — Apricot Brandy Cask — 50% ABV

Two Stacks are Ireland’s modern disruptors — known for small-batch releases, bold cask choices, and fearless flavour profiles. They specialise in blended whiskey created with transparency, innovation, and a craft-first mindset.

The Apricot Brandy Cask edition in their “Fruit Drops” series is vibrant, powerful, and packed with tropical fruit character.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Juicy apricots, tropical fruit, floral notes
Palate: Bold and lively; stone fruit sweetness, zesty citrus, energetic kick from the higher ABV
Finish: Bright and memorable with lingering fruit and warm oak

About the Brand / Distillery:

Founded in 2020, Two Stacks blend whiskeys sourced from across Ireland — grain, pot still, and malt — before finishing them in adventurous casks. Their focus on transparency (“whiskey without mystery”) and creative maturation makes them one of Ireland’s most exciting independent whiskey makers.

Why We Love It:

It’s playful, expressive, and unlike anything else in the Irish category. A perfect finale that brings the tasting experience to life with bold flavour and big personality.

Enhance Your Tasting Experience

✔️ Use your flavour wheel to track aromas and build your palate
✔️ Compare how each whiskey expresses sweetness, spice, fruit, and oak
✔️ Revisit each sample after a few minutes — they open up beautifully
✔️ Share your tasting notes with us — we love seeing your journey

Share Your Tasting Moments

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We love seeing how you enjoy your monthly tastings.

Sláinte,

Frankie
Founder — The Tasting Vault