#Ireland #Dublin #Craft Irish Whiskey #The Donn #IWSC 2026

The Donn: A Remarkable Achievement for Craft Irish Whiskey

Craft Irish Whiskey has recently announced that its Donn Single Malt has received an extraordinary score of 98 at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2026. This achievement places The Donn among the world’s best whiskies, alongside a select few, while also being recognized as the highest-rated Irish whiskey in the competition. This accolade reinforces the distillery’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the whisky-making process.

Exceptional Recognition

At IWSC 2026, The Donn was awarded the Gold Outstanding distinction, ranking second among more than 1,300 whiskies evaluated globally. The only whisky that scored higher was not revealed, emphasizing the competitive nature of the contest. Jay Bradley, the founder and master blender of Craft Irish Whiskey, expressed pride over The Donn's achievement, highlighting the whisky's ability to consistently impress international judges.

This year marks the third consecutive year that The Donn has garnered international acclaim, having previously been named Whisky Single Malt of the Year at the USA Spirits Ratings in 2024, and the Whisky of the Year at the Asia Spirits Ratings in 2025. Additionally, it received Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, affirming its remarkable quality year after year.

The Distinction of Flavor and Maturation

One of the standout features of The Donn is its unique maturation process, which Craft Irish Whiskey attributes to its progressive aging in various barrel types rather than simply relying on age alone. The whisky begins its journey in ex-bourbon barrels before transitioning to Tawny Port barrels, virgin Hungarian oak, and various types of Pedro Ximénez sherry. The controlled filling size and variable barrel dimensions contribute to a distinct maturation process, accelerating the integration of flavors.

The judges at IWSC described The Donn as opening with citrus and cola aromas accompanied by hints of spices, leading to a rich palate of molasses, raspberry, and wood, with notes of apple, red velvet cake, ginger, and chocolate creating a sweet and lingering finish. This complexity in flavor profile showcases the skill involved in crafting The Donn and underlines its leading role in the premium whiskey market.

The Future of Craft Irish Whiskey

As Craft Irish Whiskey continues to define the premium Irish whiskey landscape, it emphasizes taste over age. The company's innovative approach combines traditional distilling methods with modern, data-driven techniques focused on barrel selection and personalized maturation processes. This ensures that each batch of whisky captures the essence of optimal flavor, appealing to a discerning audience. Jay Bradley's vision reflects a forward-thought philosophy, indicating that the maturation process for The Donn is just beginning to tap into its full potential.


In conclusion, The Donn Single Malt's score of 98 at IWSC 2026 is not just a fleeting honor; it marks a significant milestone in the journey of Craft Irish Whiskey. As they revolutionize the whiskey industry, aficionados and newcomers alike can look forward to exploring a spirit that embodies quality, complexity, and a commitment to excellence.