The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is responsible for some of the most exclusive whiskeys on earth. Indeed, we recently set the world record for the most expensive whiskey ever sold: The Emerald Isle—an unparalleled collector’s piece that can never be replicated. But we know as well as anyone that whiskey must do much more than sit pretty on a shelf. Its primary purpose is to be enjoyed; cherished amongst friends and family.
The Donn is a compelling point in case. It’s our most accessible bottling to date, packaged and priced to be enjoyed as our version of an everyday dram. It encompasses a meticulously married array of Irish Single Malt, with a deep sherry influence, served at an exacting 46.1% ABV. Rich and creamy textures define its mahogany-hued body, nosing with figs and prune, nestling across the palate with candied orange peel and cinnamon spice.
A relative newcomer to our portfolio, the 2023 release has already been recognised as the “World’s Best Irish Whiskey” winning the Master Medal at the 2023 Drinks Business and Spirits Business Autumn Blind Tasting. The esteemed palates of the International Wine and Spirits Competition were equally mesmerised by the sublime liquid, noting its “incredible complexity that balances through to the finish.”
Yes, The Donn has a way of winning over the adoration of just about anyone who sips it; a superior example of how careful cask curation can develop fine flavours, even amongst whiskeys which are perceived as “younger.” The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s Founder and master blender Jay Bradley, is a firm proponent of the fact that age is merely a number—not a guarantor of quality. Just as you might find 50 and 60 year old scotches that fall flat and muted in the mouth, so, too can you nurture a seven-year-old spirit to a sensational end.
For this release, Bradley began with the highest quality Irish Single Malt on the market, entering it into ex-bourbon barrels for four patient years of primary maturation. The liquid was subsequently re-racked into Tawny Port Pipes, then transferred back into heavily toasted ex-bourbon casks, before a final submersion amongst a series of PX barrels, ranging from 64 to 225 litres in size. If that sounds like a labour-intensive odyssey, that’s because it was. Yet each and every turn was necessary to arrive at the adventurous pour you uncork today.
The cork in question is actually worthy of praise in its own right. It sits under a hefty obsidian enclosure, topping a sleek bottle with sharp, bevelled edges. As with any release from The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., The Donn uses Irish mythology to shape its unique bottle, merging design, taste and storytelling to create disruptive whiskey differentiation. The Donn’s elegant decanter has been created by our award-winning team of designers, led by world renowned artist Tiago Russo. You’ll never receive anything less from us.
And with The Donn, you couldn’t wish for anything more.
In celebration of World Cocktail Day on Monday 13th May, we partnered with Michelin-star Restaurant 1890 in iconic London venue The Savoy, to present to you The Emerald Noir cocktail, featuring our Single Malt, The Donn. A mysterious and elegant creation by Head Bartender Janis Muzikants, this cocktail is a masterful blend of cream sherry, cherry […]
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Dominates the John Barleycorn Awards Our ultra-premium Irish Single Malts The Devil’s Keep 2023 Edition and The Donn steal the show and sweep the board to win top honours at one of the industry’s most revered awards ceremonies. As the ultra-premium whiskey domain scales new heights, The Craft Irish Whiskey […]
Set in the tranquil Yorkshire Dales, AA’s 2022/2023 Hotel of The Year Grantley Hall boasts luxury accommodations, stunning spa and wellness facilities, as well as a multitude of dining options, including Michelin-star Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall. Chef Patron Shaun Rankin creates culinary masterpieces with seasonal menus, including locally sourced and foraged ingredients, to maintain […]
After tasting a half-filled 40-litre Pedro Ximénez finishing cask in 2020 that had hyper-evaporated to less than half, our founder Jay Bradley knew that this liquid was the best whiskey he had ever tasted. With thousands of whiskeys tasted and scored throughout his career, this was head and shoulders above them all. From running and […]
On the 12th of December, we enjoyed a fantastic evening of Michelin-star dining, with a menu curated by Chef James Sommerin, including The Donn Dish Infusion. After just one taste of The Donn, James knew that the well-rounded depth of our whiskey would pair perfectly with the venison of the Game Season. Found in the […]
This ultra-rare release of luxury Irish whiskey, limited to 333 bottles, is a culmination of artistry and devotion that has spanned decades. The Devil’s Keep 2023 Edition embarks on a maturation journey that weaves through hand-selected casks, each contributing to the tapestry of tastes that define this creation, revealing a unique tale of how Irish […]
We kicked off the 2023 Game Season with a fantastic evening at Whatley Manor, a quintessentially British manor house nestled away in the Cotswolds, renowned for its Green Michelin-starred food, luxurious guest accommodation, and conscious sustainable practices. Hosted in the private Green Room, an intimate group of 16 guests were seated to enjoy an unforgettable […]
At The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., we’re incredibly passionate about craftsmanship and excellence in hospitality experiences. Earlier this year, we presented the inaugural Exceptional Cocktail List award at The Michelin Guide Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2023, and last week, our team traveled to Valencia, as the Official Whiskey of the World Partner at […]
With many prioritising quality over quantity, the ultra premium spirits category is on the rise. But what marks an ultra premium whiskey from the rest and why is it worth the extra expense? In this article we look at what it takes to craft a spirit worthy of the name – ultra premium – including […]
After our successful sponsorship of the plate Handicap Chase at last year’s Cheltenham Festival, we’re returning once again to the home of jump racing. In 2023, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. was announced as the new sponsor of The Prestbury Cup at The Festival™ and we’re delighted to be partnering once more with The Jockey […]