Emerging and established Irish whiskey producers and bars were honoured at the 2019 Irish Whiskey Awards which took place at the Dingle Distillery in Co.Kerry.
Now in their seventh year, the awards span over 20 categories, covering everything from gin to whiskey-barrel aged beers and, of course, numerous styles of whiskey.
After delivering a rousing keynote speech, Colum Egan, Master Distiller for Bushmills Distillery, presented the awards.
Dublin pub Bowe's was among the big winners, picking up the prize for best whiskey bar in Leinster, as well as the coveted title of best whiskey bar in the country.
Walsh Whiskey won the Best Irish Whiskey of the Year prize for their Irishman 17-Year-Old, and also picked up a gold medal for their newly released Writers’ Tears Copper Pot Japanese Mizunara Oak Finish.
It was also a great night for Irish Distillers as they picked up several awards for their Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy (Best Irish Single Pot Still), Jameson Black Barrel (Best Irish Blended Whiskey RRP of €60 or less) Jameson 18 Year Old Bow Street (Best Irish Blended Whiskey RRP of €60 of more), Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength (Best Irish Cask Strength) and Method & Madness Single Grain Virgin Spanish Oak Finish (Best Irish Single Grain).
Dublin's Teeling Whiskey took home Best Irish Single Malt (13 Years & Older) for their Brabazon Volume 1, as well as a gold medal for Dublin Single Pot Still Batch 3 in the Best New Irish Whiskey category.
Another Dublin distillery that took home an award is Dublin Liberties - they picked up a gold medal in the the Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey (13 Years & Older) category for their Keeper's Coin.
Judging of the awards took place in July and August with members of the Celtic Whiskey Club, Irish Whiskey Society, Irish Whiskey Society Dingle Chapter, Kilkenny Whiskey Guild & Cork Whiskey Society as well as two new participating societies; Waterford Whiskey Society and Belfast Whiskey Club. Overseas members of the Celtic Whiskey Club also had the opportunity to purchase sample packs without having to travel to Ireland.
Members of the trade were responsible for blind judging the white spirits, liqueurs and barrel-aged beer categories.
Commenting on the awards, Ally Alpine, Managing Director of Celtic Whiskey Shop and organiser of Whiskey Live Dublin, said, “The Irish Whiskey Awards celebrates the excellence and innovation in the Irish whiskey industry whilst raising funds for our incredible charity partner Mary’s Meals. Tonight’s event will feed 702 pupils every day for a year.”
Business Development Director of the Porterhouse Group and Dingle Distillery, Elliot Hughes, said, “We are delighted to be hosting the Irish Whiskey Awards this year. It is always a fantastic event and we are looking forward to showing people what makes Dingle Distillery and Dingle town, so special.”
The events charity partner, Mary’s Meals — www.marysmeals.ie — feed over 1.5 million children everyday whilst ensuring they attend school. Tickets for the awards were priced at €50 and all proceeds from the night will be donated to sponsor the Kapatomoyo School in Zambia.
Drinks Industry was the event’s media partner and key sponsors include the Irish Whiskey Association and Tuath Irish Whiskey Glass.
