Craft Irish Whiskey's The Donn Achieves Remarkable 98 Points in IWSC 2026
Craft Irish Whiskey is making waves in the whisky community with its award-winning single malt, The Donn, which has recently secured an impressive score of 98 points in the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2026. This notable achievement places The Donn at the second spot among over 1,300 whiskies assessed globally, with only one whisky surpassing its score. Remarkably, The Donn stands out as the highest-rated Irish whiskey at this prestigious competition and was the sole entry in its category to earn the coveted Gold Outstanding medal.
Jay Bradley, the founder and master blender of Craft Irish Whiskey, expressed pride in The Donn's consistent recognition across international platforms. This latest accolade marks another milestone in a series of honors garnered over the past three years, confirming the quality and craftsmanship behind The Donn. In addition to the IWSC achievement, The Donn was also awarded Single Malt of the Year at both the USA Spirits Ratings 2024 and the Asia Spirits Rankings in 2025, further solidifying its standing in the global spirits arena.
At just 6.9 years old, The Donn surprises connoisseurs with profiles often attributed to much older whiskies. This remarkable flavor development is due to a carefully orchestrated maturation process, which involves a unique approach to barrel aging instead of relying solely on age indicators. After maturing in barrels previously containing bourbon for an initial phase, The Donn transitions into Tawny port casks, followed by Hungarian oak barrels that are heavily toasted, and finally, it culminates in various types of Pedro Ximénez sherry. The use of different barrel sizes, along with controlled partial filling, contributes significantly to the whisky's flavor integration, enhancing its complexity and richness.
Judges from the IWSC noted that The Donn opens with vibrant and fruity aromas of cola and spice, leading into a rich palate characterized by flavors of molasses, raspberry, and wood. Additionally, subtle hints of apple, red velvet cake, ginger, and chocolate emerge beautifully in a sweet and lasting finish. This sensory journey showcases the depth and intricacy of The Donn, reflecting Craft Irish Whiskey's commitment to excellence.
Craft Irish Whiskey aims to redefine premium Irish whiskey by focusing on aromatic aging processes that amplify flavors rather than merely considering age as the primary factor. Marrying traditional distilling craftsmanship with data-driven techniques, the company emphasizes careful barrel selection, size considerations, and tailored aging processes to ensure each whisky reveals its most compelling flavors at their peak.
The accomplishments of The Donn not only highlight the quality of Craft Irish Whiskey but also position it at the forefront of the global whisky market, appealing to enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The brand continues to explore new avenues for innovation while maintaining a strong dedication to its roots and heritage, promising a bright future for this exceptional Irish whisky.
For further information, inquiries can be directed to Craft Irish Whiskey through their official email at [email protected] or by phone at 020 8077 3632. Their official website is available at craftirishwhiskey.com, providing more insights into their offerings and philosophy.
Jay Bradley, the founder and master blender of Craft Irish Whiskey, expressed pride in The Donn's consistent recognition across international platforms. This latest accolade marks another milestone in a series of honors garnered over the past three years, confirming the quality and craftsmanship behind The Donn. In addition to the IWSC achievement, The Donn was also awarded Single Malt of the Year at both the USA Spirits Ratings 2024 and the Asia Spirits Rankings in 2025, further solidifying its standing in the global spirits arena.
At just 6.9 years old, The Donn surprises connoisseurs with profiles often attributed to much older whiskies. This remarkable flavor development is due to a carefully orchestrated maturation process, which involves a unique approach to barrel aging instead of relying solely on age indicators. After maturing in barrels previously containing bourbon for an initial phase, The Donn transitions into Tawny port casks, followed by Hungarian oak barrels that are heavily toasted, and finally, it culminates in various types of Pedro Ximénez sherry. The use of different barrel sizes, along with controlled partial filling, contributes significantly to the whisky's flavor integration, enhancing its complexity and richness.
Judges from the IWSC noted that The Donn opens with vibrant and fruity aromas of cola and spice, leading into a rich palate characterized by flavors of molasses, raspberry, and wood. Additionally, subtle hints of apple, red velvet cake, ginger, and chocolate emerge beautifully in a sweet and lasting finish. This sensory journey showcases the depth and intricacy of The Donn, reflecting Craft Irish Whiskey's commitment to excellence.
Craft Irish Whiskey aims to redefine premium Irish whiskey by focusing on aromatic aging processes that amplify flavors rather than merely considering age as the primary factor. Marrying traditional distilling craftsmanship with data-driven techniques, the company emphasizes careful barrel selection, size considerations, and tailored aging processes to ensure each whisky reveals its most compelling flavors at their peak.
The accomplishments of The Donn not only highlight the quality of Craft Irish Whiskey but also position it at the forefront of the global whisky market, appealing to enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The brand continues to explore new avenues for innovation while maintaining a strong dedication to its roots and heritage, promising a bright future for this exceptional Irish whisky.
For further information, inquiries can be directed to Craft Irish Whiskey through their official email at [email protected] or by phone at 020 8077 3632. Their official website is available at craftirishwhiskey.com, providing more insights into their offerings and philosophy.
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