Consumers name their favourite Irish whiskeys

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard scooped a host of top awards at the inaugural Irish Whiskey Awards, securing first place in four of the most prestigious categories, including the highly-coveted top prize for ‘Overall Irish Whiskey of the Year’ awarded to its Redbreast 12 Year-Old Cask Strength.

In addition to being named the overall winner, there was further success for Irish Distillers as they took the honours in three other categories including: ‘Cask Strength Whiskey of the Year’ for Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength; ‘Best Blended Whiskey over €50’ for Midleton Very Rare (2013 edition); and ‘Single Pot Still Whiskey of the Year’ for Redbreast 15 Year Old.

The awards, which were presented by the Celtic Whiskey Club in conjunction with the Celtic Whiskey Shop, took place on Friday 4th October at the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin. The whiskeys were nominated, tasted and voted for by members of the public, as well as personnel from the Celtic Whiskey Club and the Irish Whiskey Society.

Writerṣ Tears was named as the Best Blended Whiskey. Writerṣ Tears is a unique old Irish Pot Still Whiskey.  It is a vatting of Single Malt and Single Pot Still whiskeys.  Distilled from 60% malt and 40% Pot Still (no grain).  This triple distilled, non-peated whiskey is matured and aged in American Oak bourbon casks.  It has flashes of apple with hints of vanilla and honey over its distinctive Pot-Still base.

“It’s great to see the tradition of Irish whiskey being honoured in this way and we are delighted to be hailed as the best blended whiskey in such a huge category.  There are quite a lot of excellent whiskeys in this, so it’s fantastic to be chosen.” said Writerṣ Tears' Woody Kane.

Writerṣ Tears is an independently owned family run company with its headquarters in Carlow in the South East of Ireland. This unique brand is produced by the Walsh family who are also responsible for The Irishman Brands.

10 October 2013 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor