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The Donn's Impressive Achievement at the London Spirits Competition

April 2026 marked a significant milestone for the craft distilling industry as The Donn by Craft Irish Whiskey was awarded the title of Single Malt Whiskey of the Year at the prestigious London Spirits Competition. Scoring an outstanding 96 points and receiving the coveted Double Gold medal, this whiskey is making waves not only in Europe but across the globe.

A New Standard in Whiskey Quality

The Donn’s success is particularly remarkable considering its relatively young age of just 6.9 years, shattering the long-held belief that age equates to quality in whiskey production. The Donn is now a champion among spirits, having clinched similar titles at the Asia Spirits Awards in 2025 and the USA Spirits Ratings in 2024. This achievement emphasizes a shifting paradigm where taste, rather than age, takes precedence in whiskey appreciation.

Innovative Cask Management

Craft Irish Whiskey employs a progressive cask journey for The Donn, tailoring the maturation process to maximize flavor at each stage. The whiskey begins its maturation in ex-bourbon barrels before progressing to a thoughtfully orchestrated selection of casks, including Tawny Port, toasted Hungarian oak, and various types of Pedro Ximénez sherry. Each transition introduces distinct layers of sweetness, structure, spice, and depth.

The technique is further refined through the utilization of varying cask sizes and controlled under-filling methods. This process enhances oxygen interaction and alters the wood-to-spirit ratio, which accelerates complexity and integration—an approach that stands apart from traditional whiskey production methods. Jay Bradley, the founder and Master Blender of Craft Irish Whiskey, notes, “This is a whiskey I have accompanied from distillation to bottling. Every barrel, every filling decision has been made to mold flavor, not to follow conventions.”

Recognition by Industry Experts

The London Spirits Competition is distinguished for its rigorous evaluation process, featuring some of the top spirits experts globally, including master blenders and senior buyers from luxury brands like Bacardi, Diageo, and Pernod Ricard. Products submitted to the competition are meticulously assessed based on quality, value, and consumer appeal, making The Donn's recognition even more admirable.

Craft Irish Whiskey's Vision

Craft Irish Whiskey is relentlessly redefining the landscape of premium Irish whiskey by focusing on flavor-driven maturation rather than just age statements. By marrying traditional distillation heritage with modern data-driven techniques, the company produces some of the world's most awarded and sought-after Irish whiskeys. Their innovative approach encompasses varying cask sizes, unique wood selections, and customized maturation processes to ensure each whiskey remains at its optimal flavor level.

With its successful debut and rapid ascendancy in the competitive world of spirits, The Donn is a testament to Craft Irish Whiskey’s commitment to quality and innovation. As the whiskey industry continues to evolve, The Donn stands as an archetype of what can be achieved when craft meets creative vision.