Triple Gold For Clonakilty Distillery at World Whiskies Awards

Oisín Mulcahy, head distiller, and Michael Scully, founder, Clonakilty Distillery

Clonakilty Distillery becomes the first distillery to win Best New Make Whiskey in Ireland, twice

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Clonakilty Distillery is celebrating scooping gold for Best New Make in Ireland for its Single Pot Still Spirit at the World Whiskies Awards 2023. This comes after receiving the same honour in 2020.

Accepting the award at a ceremony at Merchant Taylor’s Guild Hall in London, Michael Scully, Clonakilty Distillery founder, said: “We are proud to be the first whiskey producer in Ireland to win this award twice, and see it as a confirmation that we are on the right path to launching a truly great whiskey in 2024, when we go to market with our single pot still whiskey for the first time.”

On the awards night, the distillery secured two further golds for Best Single Malt (12 Years and Under), and Best Single Cask Single Malt (21 Years & Over) in Ireland.

“Our success is a tribute to the team we have, and for their expertise, craftmanship and dedication to distilling quality spirits,” added Scully. “This good news follows other recent victories, including the recognition of our Minke Vodka as one of the best vodkas in the world, and our Minke Gin as Ireland’s best classic gin.”

AT A GLANCE: Triple Gold Award Details

1. Best New Make & Young Spirit
   https://www.worldwhiskiesawards.com/winner-whisky/category-winner-42425-world-whiskies-awards-2023
   Judges’ Notes:

“The nose opens with a sake-like, fermented rice quality, baked potato and toasted cornflake notes, as well as blanched green beans. The palate leans towards toasted rice milk with fresh almonds and bitter cacao. The finish is light with gentle spiciness.”

2. Best Single Malt 12 Years & Under
   https://www.worldwhiskiesawards.com/winner-whisky/category-winner-42426-world-whiskies-awards-2023
   Judges Notes:

“Black cherries and peaches on the nose build to toffee, raisins and apricots, before brown bread, ripe banana and walnuts arrive on the palate. The finish brings creamy milk chocolate in with gentle floral-like spices.”

3. Best Single Cask Single Malt 21 Years & Over

https://www.worldwhiskiesawards.com/winner-whisky/category-winner-world-whiskies-awards-2023

Judges Notes:
“Apple crumble, cinnamon spice and gingerbread give a wonderful introduction to a sweet nose, which builds with tangerine, pineapple and blackcurrant on the palate. The finish features a dusty liquorice and mezcal-like funk.”

For more information, head to, Facebook:@clonakiltydistillery, Instagram:@clonakiltydistillery, Twitter:@clondistillery #clonakiltydistillery, #whiskey #worldwhiskiesawards, #worldsbestdrink.

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