The Art of Whisky: A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Dedication

Discover the art of whisky with McConnell's Irish Whisky and WhistlePig. Learn about the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into creating these exceptional spirits.
The Art of Whisky: A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Dedication

The Art of Whisky: McConnell’s Irish Whisky Opens Art Distillery and Visitor Experience

McConnell’s Irish Whisky celebrated the opening of a new state of the art distillery and visitor experience in the A Wing of the Crumlin Road Gaol. To commemorate this occasion, the McConnell’s team has announced the launch of a 20 year old single malt whisky, the first release from its Old Cromac Collection.

McConnell’s Distillery

This 2024 limited release, named after the original Old Cromac Distillery, which was founded over 200 years ago on the southern side of the River Lagan, will feature only 13 casks globally in 2024. The Old Cromac Collection 2024 release, has been matured for 19 years in ex-Bourbon casks and finished for an extra year in Tawny Port casks with each bottle bearing a unique cask reference and bottle number.

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: Creamy white chocolate with tangy dried strawberry notes, with hints of succulent rice pudding
  • Taste: 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

The total allocation for Northern Ireland is only 375 bottles, with 258 bottles being available to purchase outside of the new McConnell’s Distillery.

WhistlePig’s Badönkadonk

In other whisky news, WhistlePig has released a new 25-year-old single malt called the Badönkadonk. This whisky was distilled at a Canadian distillery and aged for a quarter century in new American oak barrels. The whisky was then brought to Vermont in 2020 for further maturation in Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, and ultimately released as a single barrel expression.

The Art of Whisky

Whisky is an art form that requires patience, skill, and dedication. From the selection of the finest ingredients to the careful aging process, every step of the whisky-making process is a labor of love. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just discovering the world of whisky, there’s no denying the allure of a perfectly crafted dram.

Whisky barrels

So the next time you raise a glass of your favorite whisky, remember the art and craftsmanship that went into creating it. Savor the flavors, appreciate the complexity, and enjoy the experience.