Irish Whiskey Society launches first bespoke whiskey

The Irish Whiskey Society (IWS) has revealed its first exclusive whiskey, available to members only, has been created by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard.

Leo Phelan, president of the Irish Whiskey Society and David Byrne, category development manager Single Pot Still & Prestige Whiskeys Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard

The IWS Single Cask Whiskey is a 17-year-old single pot still whiskey aged in cask number 1038 – an ex-bourbon cask – at Pernod Ricard’s Midleton distillery in Co. Cork.

Bottled at 55.2% abv, the whiskey is made froma mash of malted and unmalted barley that is triple distilled in copper pot stills, giving the liquid a “smooth, creamy outh feel”.

Just 204 bottles have been produced, all for IWS members.

Barry Crockett, master distiller for Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, said: “We are delighted to have collaborated with the Irish Whiskey Society for this unique and exclusive distillation of one of our select aged whiskey casks.

“It was a pleasure for us to partner with the IWS to select and produce a product which celebrates both the best of Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey and our special relationship with them.

“The fact that the whiskey has been selected by its members, for its members, has made the project most enjoyable.”