Experience the Revival of Legendary McConnell's Irish Whisky at Exclusive Seminar

Experience the Revival of McConnell's Irish Whisky

On May 14, 2025, a special seminar celebrating the visit of McConnell's Distillery's CEO, John Kelly, will be held at the trendy BAR FIVE Arrows in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This event commemorates the revival of McConnell's Irish Whisky, a legendary brand that has not been available in Japan.

Event Overview

Dear WHISKY is collaborating with the McConnell's Distillery in Northern Ireland to present this exciting seminar. Starting at 6 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM), participants can join both in person and online. Those attending virtually will receive a tasting kit in advance to enjoy the experience from anywhere.

One of the highlights of the event will be the opportunity to taste the award-winning McConnell's 5-Year Sherry Cask Finish, which recently won the Gold Medal at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2024. Participants will also taste the yet-to-be-released McConnell's 20-Year Old, among other whiskies produced by the distillery.

To make the experience even more enticing, all attendees will receive complimentary mini bottles (50ml each) of both McConnell's 5-Year and McConnell's 5-Year Sherry Cask Finish with their ticket purchase!

Ticket Information

The seminar will accommodate 25 in-person guests and 100 spots for online attendees. The registration deadline for the online ticket is set for May 7th at 11:59 PM, so make sure to secure your involvement early!

- On-site Ticket: 5,000 JPY (Includes a welcome drink and seminar)
- Online Ticket: 3,000 JPY (Includes seminar access and tasting kit)

About McConnell's Distillery

Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, McConnell's Distillery is a newly established facility that turned a former prison, known as Crumlin Road Jail, into a state-of-the-art distillery, shop, and bar since starting whisky production in April 2024. With roots tracing back to 1776, McConnell's Irish Whisky carries a rich history, making it one of the oldest brands in the region.

The original Belfast Distillery, which produced McConnell's, closed in the 1930s due to Prohibition in the U.S. However, after nearly 100 years, John Kelly has successfully revived the brand, reinstating its legendary status in the world of whisky making.

Meet John Kelly, CEO

With over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, John Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as CEO. After a 22-year career at Diageo, where he managed sales and marketing across Ireland, Europe, and the Middle East, Kelly took the helm of McConnell's Distillery in 2021. His focus is now on producing exceptional Irish whisky that embodies the distillery's storied past.

Event Features

Attendees at the venue will enjoy a welcome drink featuring McConnell's 5-Year whisky, while online guests will receive their welcome drink package before the event. The tasting kits for online attendees will be shipped promptly, and during the live stream, there will be a Q&A session with the creators, providing an interactive experience for whisky enthusiasts.

The seminar promises engaging discussions about the tradition and flavor of McConnell's Irish Whisky, allowing participants to delve deep into its fascinating history alongside John Kelly's insights.

Event details are as follows:

- Location: BAR FIVE Arrows, 6F, Imaza Building, 1-13-1 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023
- Date: May 14, 2025
- Time: Doors Open at 5:30 PM, Seminar Begins at 6:00 PM

Don't miss your chance to experience the revival of McConnell's Irish Whisky. We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of whisky discovery!

About Dear WHISKY

Dear WHISKY aims to connect whisky makers, enthusiasts, and consumers around the globe. We provide exclusive interviews with distillers, comprehensive whisky resources, and event coverage to share the passion of whisky with people worldwide. Our multilingual content enriches the global whisky community, inviting enthusiasts to experience remarkable whisky events and insights.