We are proud to announce that The Donn has been awarded Whiskey of the Year at the 2026 London Spirits Competition, achieving an exceptional 96 points and securing Double Gold.
At just six years old, it has now achieved three consecutive “Whiskey of the Year” titles across leading international competitions, London (2026), Asia (2025), and USA Spirits Ratings (2024), outperforming significantly older expressions and challenging traditional perceptions of age and quality.
At Craft Irish Whiskey, our approach is guided by barrel craft, maturation techniques and a focus on flavour, not age. The Donn is a clear reflection of this philosophy. From the moment it was distilled, the whiskey has been carefully managed through a bespoke maturation journey.
Its journey begins in ex-bourbon barrels, before evolving through a curated sequence of casks, including Tawny Port, deep-charred toasted virgin Hungarian oak, and multiple sizes of Pedro Ximénez sherry. Each cask is selected and timed with intent, allowing us to shape the whiskey’s character through controlled interaction between spirit and wood.
Rather than relying on time alone, we focus on how the whiskey develops within each cask.
The Donn presents a bold and layered profile, with notes of dark fruit, spice, and toasted oak, complemented by a smooth, lingering finish. It is a whiskey that stands apart not only for its craftsmanship, but for the experience it delivers in the glass.
Commenting on the award, our Founder and Master Blender, Jay Bradley, said: “This is a whiskey we have guided from the moment it was distilled to the day it was bottled. Every cask, every fill, every decision has been made to shape flavour, not follow convention. To see The Donn recognised at this level for three consecutive years is a strong validation of that approach.”
The London Spirits Competition is one of the most respected events in the global spirits calendar, judged by leading industry professionals including master blenders and senior buyers from companies such as Bacardi, Diageo, and Pernod Ricard. Entries are assessed not only on quality, but also on value and real-world consumer appeal, making this recognition particularly meaningful.
This award reinforces our commitment to pushing the boundaries of Irish whiskey. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, we continue to explore new ways of creating exceptional spirits that resonate with both critics and consumers around the world.
As global demand for premium Irish whiskey continues to grow, The Donn represents both our ambition and our belief in what the category can become. This latest accolade is not just a milestone for us, but a reflection of the evolving future of Irish whiskey.
We are proud to announce that The Donn has been awarded Whiskey of the Year at the 2026 London Spirits Competition, achieving an exceptional 96 points and securing Double Gold. At just six years old, it has now achieved three consecutive “Whiskey of the Year” titles across leading international competitions, London (2026), Asia (2025), and […]
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