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The Donn: Best Single Malt Whiskey of 2026

The world of whiskey has a new champion—The Donn by Craft Irish Whiskey has been awarded the title of Best Single Malt Whiskey of the Year at the 2026 London Spirits Competition. Scoring an impressive 96 points and achieving a Double Gold medal, this exceptional spirit has not only set a new standard but has also defied the conventional wisdom surrounding whiskey aging.

At just 6.9 years old, The Donn has made waves in the industry, successfully claiming three consecutive titles for Best Whiskey in the World across various prestigious competitions: London (2026), Asia (2025), and the USA Spirits Ratings (2024). This achievement highlights the whiskey's ability to outperform competitors that are significantly older, challenging long-held beliefs that age is synonymous with quality.

Crafting Perfection through Innovation

The creation of The Donn is a testament to Craft Irish Whiskey's innovative approach to maturation, prioritizing flavor over age statements. Unlike traditional whiskey-making methods that often rely on age, The Donn's unique character emerges from a carefully orchestrated journey through various casks. This process begins in ex-bourbon barrels and transitions through an array of specific wood types, such as Tawny Port, deep-stave toasted virgin Hungarian oak, and diverse styles of Pedro Ximénez sherry.

Each movement between casks is meticulously planned, infusing the whiskey with additional layers of sweetness, structure, spice, and complexity. This method is further refined by employing different barrel sizes and controlled underfilling techniques, enhancing oxygen interaction and adjusting the wood-to-spirit ratio to cultivate depth and integration in the flavor profile.

A Personal Touch

Jay Bradley, the founder and Master Blender of Craft Irish Whiskey, has been intimately involved in The Donn's development from its inception to its bottling. According to Bradley, "This is a whiskey I've guided from the moment it was distilled to the day it was bottled. Every cask, every fill level, every decision was made to shape flavor, not follow convention."

The recognition received by The Donn at the London Spirits Competition serves as validation of the philosophy behind its creation—prioritizing innovative flavor profiles over traditional practices, which often overlook the nuances of maturation.

Judging Criteria

The London Spirits Competition is distinguished for its rigorous judging process, featuring leading global spirits experts, including master blenders and senior buyers from industry giants like Bacardi, Diageo, and Pernod Ricard. Entries are evaluated based on quality, value, and real-world consumer appeal, making The Donn's accolades even more significant.

About Craft Irish Whiskey

Craft Irish Whiskey is leading a renaissance in premium Irish whiskey, focusing on flavor-driven maturation in contrast to conventional age-oriented marketing. The brand combines traditional distilling techniques with modern, data-led methods, producing some of the most acclaimed Irish whiskeys on the global stage. Their innovative approach encompasses a variety of cask sizes, unique wood selections, and custom maturation techniques designed to optimize the flavor potential of each whiskey.

A New Era in Whiskey

Craft Irish Whiskey's The Donn stands not only as a remarkable spirit but also as a symbol of a transformative journey in the world of whiskey production. As it continues to garner accolades and reshape industry perceptions, it invites connoisseurs and newcomers alike to rediscover the rich tapestry of flavors that modern Irish whiskey has to offer. The future looks bright for both The Donn and its creators as they lead the charge in defining what excellence in whiskey truly means.