Entries are now closed for this year’s Irish Whiskey Awards, which will take place at the Dingle Distillery, Co.Kerry on Thursday, 17 October.
The awards, now in their seventh year, span over 21 categories, including best Irish Single Malt, best Irish blended Whiskey and even Best Irish Gin. The whiskey with the highest overall score will become Irish Whiskey of the Year and the bar with the most votes will become Irish Whiskey Bar of the Year.
Last year’s awards , which took place in the new distillery at Slane Castle, saw Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength win the coveted award of Irish Whiskey of the Year, while Dick Mack’s in Dingle won Irish Whiskey Bar of the Year.
Judging took place in July and August by members of the Celtic Whiskey Club, Irish Whiskey Society – Dublin and Dingle, Cork Whiskey Society, Waterford Whiskey Society, Kilkenny Whiskey Guild and Belfast Whiskey Club.
Members of the trade were responsible for judging the white spirit categories as well as the whiskey barrel-aged beers and liqueurs which took place at separate tasting sessions in August.
The event was created by Celtic Whiskey Shop , who are also behind Whiskey Live Dublin and Gin Experience Dublin.
Owner Ally Alpine said, “The Irish Whiskey Awards recognises both the emerging and established producers in the industry and we’re delighted that it has become such an important date in the Irish events calendar.”
The event runs from 5:30-10pm, with a coach departing from Killarney Train Station at 4:30pm. A tour of Dingle Distillery will commence at 5:45pm, followed by a drinks reception and awards ceremony in their warehouse at 7pm.
Tickets, including transport from Killarney and from the distillery to the awards, will be available on September 16th from the Celtic Whiskey Shop on Dawson Street, Dublin 2.
All proceeds will go to their charity partner Mary’s Meals to help feed children in impoverished areas of the world. Strictly over 18s event - I.D. is required.
