Always a highlight in the Irish whiskey calendar, the ninth Irish Whiskey Awards took place on 10th November in Pearse Lyon’s Distillery, in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties.
Attended by over 120 guests including brand and industry representatives, and whiskey enthusiasts from all over Ireland and a small number from abroad.
The evening was introduced by Ally Alpine followed by introductory speeches from the late Dr. Pearse Lyons son Mark Lyons and by his brother John Lyons. They spoke about the success of Irish whiskey and the monumental efforts to restore the former church premises that is now home to the Pearse Lyon’s Distillery.
This year’s guest speaker was Gerard Garland, Irish Distillers Whiskey Ambassador. With over 20 years experience in the Irish whiskey sector, Ger recalled his early days as Brand Ambassador and how his role developed over the years. He praised the industry for their contribution to bringing Irish whiskey to the status it has achieved and welcomed the many entrants into the sector.
The entries this year were judged by members of eight Irish whiskey societies from all across the country and the results were audited by William Lavelle, Head of the Irish Whiskey Association.
Congratulations to Ally Alpine and the team at Celtic Whiskey Shop and also to all the staff at Pearse Lyon’s Distillery who hosted the wonderful event.
Also worthy of mention is that proceeds from the event went to the charity partner Mary’s Meals, an organisation that feeds over two million children every day globally.
Overall Winner – Irish Whiskey of the Year 2022
Best Irish Whiskey of the Year – Dunville’s 21 YO Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Cask No. 1197.
Other categories:
Whiskey Liqueur
Winner: Muldoon Whiskey Liqueur
Gold: The Whistler Irish Honey Whiskey
Gold: St Patrick’s Orange Whiskey Liqueur
Cream Liqueur
Winner: St Patrick’s Irish Cream Liqueur
Gold: Merrys White Chocolate Irish Cream Liqueur
Gold: Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur
Poitin
Winner: Boann ‘New Born’ New Make Spirit
Gold: Micil Heritage Poitín
Gold: Bán Poitín
Vodka
Winner: Zesty Citrus Vodka
Gold: Istil 38 Pot Still Vanilla Vodka
Gold: Istil 38 Pot Still Vodka
Gin
Winner: Silks Irish Dry Gin
Gold: Sling Shot Gin
Gold: Method & Madness Gin
Best Other Irish Spirit
Winner: Aqua Vitae
Gold: 1848 Apple Brandy
Single Pot Still 11 Years and Under
Winner: Two Stacks Polorais II- Red Ice Wine Finish
Gold: Writers’ Tears Single Pot Still
Gold: Old Comber Single Pot Still
Single Pot Still 12 Years and OverWinner: Redbreast 15 YO
Gold: Powers John’s Lane 12 YO
Gold: Redbreast 12 YO
Single Malt 11 Years and Younger
Winner: Dunville’s 10 YO PX
Gold: Croithlí, Coillín Darach Oak Series – Quercus Robur
Gold: Shortcross Peated Single Malt
Single Malt 12 – 15 Year Old
Winner: Jack Ryan Finisher’s Touch 12 YO
Gold: Pearse Lyons ‘Founder’s Choice’ 12 YO
Gold: The Irishman 12 YO
Single Malt 16 Years & Older
Winner: Dunville’s 20 YO Oloroso Sherry Cask
Gold: Fercullen 21 YO
Gold: Clan Colla 20 YO PX Finish 46%
Blended No Age Statement
Winner: Micil Inverin Small Batch
Gold: Foxes Bow
Gold: Michael Collins ‘The Prediction’
Blended Age Statement
Winner: Jameson 18 YO
Gold: McConnell’s 5 YO
Gold: Pearse Lyons ‘The Original’ 5 YO
Blended Limited Release
Winner: Teeling Small Batch Collaboration – Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple
Gold: Jameson Black Barrel Proof
Gold: Fercullen Estate Series ‘The Italian Gardens’
Single Cask 11 Years & Younger
Winner: Teeling Single Pot Still Chestnut PX Cask No. 29842
Gold: The Whistler P.X. I Love You 9 YO
Gold: Green Spot Greek Wine Cask
Single Cask 12 Years & Older
Winner: Dunville’s 21 YO Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Cask No. 1197
Gold: Powers 15 YO Single Cask No. 10099
Gold: Dunville’s 20 YO Temple Bar PX Sherry Cask No. 1651
Cask Strength
Winner: Redbreast 27 YO Single Pot Still
Gold: Shortcross Rye & Malt Cask Strength
Gold: St. Patrick’s Cask Strength
Single Grain
Winner: Celtic Cask Daichead a Dó (42) 2009 Anima Negra Cask
Gold: The Bridge Single Grain- Killunure Release
Gold: Egan’s Vintage Grain
New Irish Whiskey
Winner: Pearse Lyons Genesis Release
Gold: The Busker Single Pot Still
Irish Whiskey Magazine is the worlds only publication dedicated to sharing authentic insights into the exciting world of Irish whiskey. Why not subscribe to our Digital Subscription and get access to our whole digital back catalogue or sign up for our Print Subscription and get 4 issues shipped directly to your door.
