Craft Irish Whiskey's The Donn Achieves Remarkable Recognition at IWSC 2026

Craft Irish Whiskey's The Donn shines at IWSC 2026

In a remarkable showcase of quality and craftsmanship, The Donn, a Single Malt from Craft Irish Whiskey, has been awarded Gold Outstanding at the prestigious 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Scoring an impressive 98 points, The Donn stood out among more than 1,300 whiskies evaluated from around the globe, placing it joint second overall, with only one whisky achieving a higher score. This accolade also secured The Donn the title of highest-ranking Irish whiskey in its category, making it the only Irish representative to earn Gold Outstanding this year.

The triumph of The Donn is part of an ongoing successful journey for Craft Irish Whiskey, reflecting a consistent international recognition over three consecutive years. This includes honors such as Single Malt Whiskey of the Year at the USA Spirits Ratings in 2024, Whisky of the Year at the Asia Spirits Ratings in 2025, and most recently, Single Malt Whiskey of the Year at the London Spirits Competition in 2026, along with double gold recognition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Jay Bradley, the founder and Master Blender of Craft Irish Whiskey, expressed his pride in these achievements, stating, "What makes these results meaningful is their consistency." He highlighted the importance of multiple judging panels across continents coming to similar conclusions about the whiskey's quality under blind-tasting conditions.

Although The Donn is relatively young at 6.9 years old, this whiskey delivers flavors typically associated with significantly older spirits. The secret to its remarkable profile lies in its unique maturation process, attributed to a progressive cask journey rather than simply aging in wood. The maturation begins in ex-bourbon casks, followed by Tawny Port, and then transitions through deep-stave toasted virgin Hungarian oak and various styles of Pedro Ximénez sherry. The additional variations in barrel sizes and controlled underfilling further enhance the spirit, speeding up flavor integration and creating a complex profile.

IWSC judges have described The Donn as having an enticing opening aroma characterized by zesty fruit notes intertwined with hints of cola and spice. This initial impression leads into a rich palate featuring treacle, raspberry, and wood notes, while the finish brings delightful flavors of apple, red velvet cake, ginger, and chocolate—all leaving a sweet and lingering impression.

Craft Irish Whiskey is dedicated to redefining premium Irish whiskey through a focus on flavour-driven maturation rather than relying solely on age statements. By integrating traditional distilling techniques with modern, data-informed practices, the company prioritizes cask selection, barrel sizes, and tailored maturation methods to capture each whiskey at its flavor peak.

The Donn's journey is a testament to Craft Irish Whiskey's innovative approach and commitment to quality. With its recent accolades, it is clear that The Donn is not just a whiskey; it's a compelling narrative of flavor, tradition, and excellence in the spirits industry.

For more information about Craft Irish Whiskey and its remarkable range of products, visit craftirishwhiskey.com.