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Echlinville success at World Drinks Awards

The Echlinville Distillery is celebrating another successful sweep at the World Drinks Awards with 11 wins across three competitions.

Our whiskeys picked up a total of eight World Whiskies Awards, including five ‘Ireland’s Best’ Category Wins and three Silver Medals. There also ‘Ireland’s Best’ titles for Weavers Spirits in the World Gin Awards and World Vodka Awards.

The latest wins bring Echlinville’s total awards haul to 113 global accolades since our distillery was founded in 2013, and further cements our place at the forefront of Ireland’s spirits renaissance.

The full list of winners includes:

World Whiskies Awards

  • Old Comber Irish Whiskey – Ireland’ Best Blended Whiskey (No Age Statement)
  • Dunville’s PX 10 Year Old Single Malt – Ireland’s Best Single Malt 12 Years & Under – 10 Year Old PX Cask
  • Dunville’s 20 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish – Ireland’s Best Single Malt 13-20 Years
  • Dunville’s PX 10 Year Old Cask Strength – Ireland’s Best Small Batch Single Malt 12 Years & Under
  • Dunville’s PX 22 Year Old Cask Strength – Ireland’s Best Single Cask 21 Years & Over
  • Dunville’s 1808 – Silver Medal
  • Dunville’s PX 22 Year Old Single Malt – Silver Medal
  • Dunville’s 1808 Dick Mack’s East To West Honey & Hemp IPA Finish – Silver Medal

World Gin Awards

  • Weavers Gin – Ireland’s Best Classic Gin
  • Echlinville Gin – Silver Medal

World Vodka Awards

  • Weavers Vodka – Ireland’s Best Varietal Vodka

All of our ‘Ireland’s Best’ Category Winners will now go through to the global final at the World Drinks Awards, competing against other country winners for the title of World’s Best whiskey, gin or vodka.

Dunville’s and Friends of Irish Whiskey single cask for Capuchin Charity Fundraiser

Dunville’s Irish Whisky is supporting the Friends of Irish Whiskey’s annual fundraiser with an Exclusive Single Cask bottling. All profits from the sale of Cask 1765 will go to charities supporting homeless people across Ireland – Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin, Cork Penny Dinners and People’s Kitchen in Belfast.

The special bottling is a 12 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt at cask strength 58.6% abv. It will be available from The Echlinville Distillery from 1pm on Friday 15 December priced £135.

With notes of warm winter spices, stewed stone fruits, toasted nuts and chocolate oranges, Cask 1765 is full of Christmas flavour – the perfect whiskey for the festive period.

Ian Garratt from Friends of Irish Whiskey said: “We are delighted to partner with Dunville’s for our fourth year of fundraising and our second Friends of Irish Whiskey Capuchin Charity single cask bottling. Since 2020 we have raised more than €120,000 to support these amazing charities in their fight to end homelessness and poverty.

“The generosity of the Irish whiskey community never ceases to amaze me, and I know this year will be no different, with the money raised helping to provide much needed food, clothing and support for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

The first 100 bottles from this release will be sold alongside exclusive numbered prints of the bottle by Irish artists Francis Leavey and Orla Walsh. Bottle number one, together with both number one prints, will be auctioned as a complete set at Irish Whiskey Auctions in the New Year.

Jarlath Watson from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey said: “We are honoured to support Friends of Irish Whiskey in their efforts to raise vital funds to support homeless charities in Dublin, Cork and of course our home city of Belfast.

“This is our first 12 year old Palo Cortado cask strength expression, and it does not disappoint. In Cask 1765, our customer will receive an exceptional whiskey full of those warm winter spice flavours that are perfect for Christmas, while also supporting the invaluable work these amazing charities.”

Dunville’s Friends of Irish Whiskey, Capuchin Charity Bottling 2023, will be available from The Echlinville Distillery in-store and online.

Exclusive Dunville’s bottling for The Errigle Inn

The Errigle Inn, Belfast, is home to the latest Exclusive Single Cask Release from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey.

Dunville’s has collaborated with the iconic bar on the city’s Ormeau Road to release cask 1541 – a single cask bottling of 13 year old Irish Single Malt Whiskey with an exceptional Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask finish. Cask 1541 was selected personally by Phil McGurran of The Errigle Inn and bottled at cask strength for the best possible quality and flavour.

275 bottles at cask strength 55.7% abv will be available exclusively from The Errigle Inn on Saturday 25 November 2023 at a special introductory price of £150 per bottle.

Jarlath Watson from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey and The Echlinville Distillery, said: “The Errigle Inn is one of Belfast’s oldest and best-known bars and is full of history, tradition and character. It is a proud part of city’s heritage and has stood the test of time, just like Dunville’s Irish Whiskey. It makes perfect sense for us to collaborate with Philip and his team this exclusive single cask from The Spirit of Belfast.

“With notes of ripe orchard fruits, stewed pears, dark stone fruits, spiced apple strudel and candied orange peel, cask 1541 boasts the big hitting PX sherry cask flavours that Dunville’s fans know and love, and the quality that they expect. The Single Cask Series is all about exceptional whiskey without compromise, with each cask selected from among the finest in our warehouses. Cask 1541 is a worthy addition to the series and will be right at home at The Errigle Inn.”

Phil McGurran from The Errigle Inn said:  “We have been really excited to work with the team at The Echlinville Distillery and Dunville’s Irish Whiskey to produce this fine whiskey. My father Philip G McGurran was approaching his 80th Birthday and we wanted to mark the occasion with a fitting tribute to his many years running The Errigle Inn, and his dedication to the licensed industry. 

“I know he is fond of a good whiskey and when asked what he would like for any special occasion he confirmed this.  He was really pleased and impressed with the whiskey when we presented it on the day of his 80th birthday.  I know that our customers will love this quality whiskey. We will take great pride to work with Dunville’s here at The Errigle Inn with this exceptional single cask release.”   

The Errigle Inn and Off License is located at 312-320 Ormeau Road, Belfast. For more information contact The Errigle Inn on +44 (0)28 90641410 or email [email protected]

Echlinville purchases Ards Maltings building

The Echlinville Distillery has secured the future of an historic building which was once one of Ireland’s largest malting houses, supplying malted barley to distilleries and breweries around Ireland.

With the support of Bank of Ireland UK, Echlinville has purchased the Ards Maltings building on the Portaferry Road just outside Newtownards, with a view to restoring the malting process on site and increasing their capacity to malt locally produced barley.

The £5 million investment means that Echlinville will be the only distillery in Ireland with the capacity to produce, malt, ferment and distil their spirit from field to glass, with local investment an important pillar of the business growth plans. While the distillery team currently floor malt their barley on the distillery farm, this latest development will enable Echlinville to malt barley on an industrial scale.

Photo Credit: Albert Bridge, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shane Braniff, owner of The Echlinville Distillery explains: “Echlinville was the first new distillery in Northern Ireland for more than 125 years when we received our licence and casked our first spirit back in 2013.  We’ve always been proud of our roots here in the Ards Peninsula and we complete every stage of the production process from the ground up on site at our distillery, from growing and harvesting the barley on our family farm, right through to hand labelling and bottling the finest spirits that we produce.

“Irish whiskey is the world’s fastest growing spirits category and locally we have a long history of quality whiskey production. The Ards Peninsula has historically been known as one of the finest grain growing regions in Ireland, so it’s no coincidence that Ards Maltings was established at the northern end of the Peninsula, malting barley from the surrounding farms and becoming one of the country’s largest malting houses.

“In its day, Ards Malting provided malted barley to distilleries and breweries around Ireland, including such companies as Guinness, Bushmills and Comber Distilleries – the home of Old Comber Whiskey, a brand that we revived and now produce at Echlinville. We are delighted to be able to bring that particular story full circle.”

Shane Braniff, The Echlinville Distillery

“Ards Maltings is among the Ards’ most iconic buildings, standing proudly on the Northern shore of Strangford Lough and welcoming people to the Peninsula. We are excited to be able to restore the building for the purpose for which it was first built while continuing on our journey to put County Down back on the world whiskey map. Our focus has always been on providing quality, exceptional flavour and instilling excellence from field to glass in the production of the finest quality spirits, and Ards Maltings will play an important role in the future growth of our business.

“The team at Bank of Ireland UK have been strong supporters of our business as it has grown over the years and take the time to understand our plans for business development offering support, guidance and the right financial products to support our ambitions.”

Echlinville’s Shane Braniff (centre) with Gavin North (left) and Niall Devlin (right) of Bank of Ireland UK.

Gavin North, Senior Business Manager at Bank of Ireland UK said: “Shane and the team at Echlinville Distillery have been quietly leading the regeneration of quality local whiskey production and their pursuit of excellence in every aspect is admired and recognised by the significant international awards they have achieved to date.

“We’re pleased to have provided the funding to support this next phase of their sustainable business plan and look forward to working closely with the team as they continue to achieve success locally and globally, placing Echlinville Distillery firmly on the internationally acclaimed whiskey tourism map.”

Dunville’s Single Cask for James J Fox

James J Fox whiskey store, Dublin, is launching its latest exclusive single cask collaboration with Dunville’s Irish Whiskey.

Cask 1670 is a 21-Year-Old Irish Single Malt Whiskey finished in an exceptional Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask, selected from the Dunville’s warehouses by James J. Fox Managing Director, Yiorgos Manesis.

The latest release from Dunville’s Exclusive Single Cask Series is bottled at cask strength 53.8% abv, with 337 bottles available only from James J Fox Cigar and Whiskey Store on Dublin’s Grafton Street. It will be available in-store and online from 1pm on Tuesday 30 May 2023, priced €320.

Jarlath Watson from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey said: “We are delighted to collaborate with James J. Fox on this exclusive single cask bottling. This is our second release with James J Fox and follows the success of Palo Cortado Cask 1206. We are proud to continue our sherry cask journey together with this exceptional 21-Year-Old PX Cask. Cask 1670 is a worthy addition to Dunville’s Exclusive Single Cask Series and to the portfolio of one of Ireland’s most prestigious whiskey emporiums.”

Yiorgos Manesis, James J. Fox Managing Director, says: “It was a great pleasure to visit the Dunville’s warehouses again after the success of our previous collaboration, and to be given the opportunity to select another cask from their incredible inventory. In Cask 1670, we found an outstanding whiskey that we are proud to offer to our customers.”

Tasting Notes

Colour – Rich Amber

Nose – Initial notes of red apples, overripe pears and hazelnut brittle give way to a medley of your favourite dessert dishes; black forest gateau, lemon meringue, and pears stewed in red wine with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Palate – Sweet, syrupy, complex and juicy. A fresh fruit salad of nectarines, pomegranates and papayas evolves on the palate to raisins, dates, figs and dark cherries, all stewed down to a decadent dark fruit compote. Milk chocolate marble cake, apple sticky toffee pudding with calvados caramel sauce, and dark chocolate covered candied clementine oranges give body and depth, while structure and balance is provided by black tea, sweet sable grapes, clove, nutmeg and a hint of oak dryness.

Finish – Long, viscous and very satisfying. Dark fruit compote is front and centre. In the background black jack toffee apples, candied orange, light lemon chiffon pie and mascarpone vanilla cream dance around clean oak and warm winter spices, vying for your affections, before settling to a glorious equilibrium in the last lingering moments.

Dunville’s collaborates with global gaming franchise on Dead Island 2 Whiskey

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey has partnered with the world’s most iconic zombie gaming saga to create Dead Island 2 Dunville’s Irish Whiskey.

The limited edition release celebrates the launch of Dead Island 2, the hotly anticipated sequel to the hugely popular zombie slaying game from video game publisher Deep Silver.

Dead Island 2 Dunville’s Irish Whiskey is a modern blend of pot still, malt and grain whiskeys aged in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 40% abv. Boasting notes of buttery sweet vanilla, orchard fruits, baked biscuits, fresh lemon and a hint of char, it’s a versatile whiskey to be enjoyed neat, over ice or served tall with a mixer. The label features two of Dead Island 2’s zombie slaying characters and a unique glow-in-the-dark logo,

Plaion, Deep Silver and Dunville’s

Speaking about the release, Shane Braniff, Managing Director of The Echlinville Distillery and custodian of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, said:

“This step into the world of gaming is a very new venture for us, but one about which we are very excited. When we revived the historic Dunville’s Whiskey brand a decade ago, we did so with the aim of introducing it to a new generation of whiskey enthusiasts.

“This collaboration with Plaion and Deep Silver is an important step on that journey. Dead Island an incredibly popular and beloved video game franchises and is sure to bring Dunville’s to a whole new global audience.”

“It has been amazing to work with the Deep Silver team on this project. While our companies are from two very different worlds, we share the same values – commitment to excellence, dedication to perfecting our craft and a promise to be the best at what we do.

Shared Spirit

“Dunville’s Dead Island 2 Irish Whiskey represents our shared spirit of adventure, strength of character and uncompromising resilience, bringing the worlds of whiskey and gaming together in the most exciting way.

“Dunville’s is best known for its premium Irish whiskeys, which have won some of the industry’s top accolades, including the title of Ireland’s Best Whiskey. We are delighted to expand our portfolio further with Dead Island 2 and look forward to seeing it being enjoyed by whiskey fans and gamers alike.”

Dead Island 2

Dead Island 2 Dunville’s Irish Whiskey is available to pre-order now and will be released on 21st April to coincide with the launch of Dead Island 2, which is set in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles which has been quarantined due to a zombie infestation. It is a thrilling first-person RPG that takes players across a brand-new playground. Stylish, vibrant and flooded with zombie infection set in iconic, gore-drenched Los Angeles. Meet larger-than-life characters, slay countless floes in exquisitely bloody detail and evolve to become the ultimate zombie slayer.

Dead Island 2 Dunville’s Irish Whiskey will be available from Echlinville and retailers around Europe RRP £50 / €55.

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: Initial burst of sweet vanilla leads to crisp orchard fruits, apples and pears. Then lemon curd, leading on to candied Lemon peel over notes of clean malt. 
  • Palate: Soft and creamy mouthfeel, buttery, with ripened citrus and baked biscuit, coming together in a burst of fresh lemon meringue, followed by a wisp of char and white pepper.
  • Finish: Slight hints of dry smoke linger and intertwine with the juicier fruit notes, carrying through to a finish of sweet spice.
  • Colour: Rich deep amber
  • Serve: Enjoy it your way. Neat, with water, on the rocks or with a mixer of your choice.
Dunville's Dead Island 2 Irish Whiskey glow in the dark label

Dunville’s Dead Island 2 Irish Whiskey features a glow in the dark label

Dunville’s wins two top prizes at World Whiskies Awards

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey has won two major accolades at the World Whiskies Awards in London, picking up the titles of Ireland’s Best Single Malt and Ireland’s Best Single Cask Whiskey.  

Dunville’s 21 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt 46% abv was named Ireland’s Best Single Malt while

Dunville’s also won Ireland’s Best Single Cask Whiskey with PX 20 Year Old Cask Strength, Cask 1644.

The titles are the latest in a string of high-profile awards for Dunville’s, which is crafted at The Echlinville Distillery near Kircubbin, Co. Down. Dunville’s was also named Ireland’s Best Whiskey at the Irish Whiskey Awards late last year.

Shane Braniff, Managing Director of The Echlinville Distillery, home of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, said:

“We are delighted to have been named Ireland’s Best in two categories at the World Whiskies Awards, further confirming Dunville’s place within the top tier of whiskeys in Ireland, if not the world. To bring these awards home to our independent, family run distillery is another huge achievement for our hard working team and industry partners.

“Ireland’s whiskey renaissance is seeing new distilleries and whiskey bonders compete among the top flight of global whiskey brands. We are immensely proud that Dunville’s is leading the way, out performing some of the industry’s biggest names to be named Ireland’s Best.”

Established in the city of Belfast in 1808 and originally produced at the Royal Irish Distilleries, Dunville’s was among the world’s most famous whiskeys until its untimely demise in 1936, when the distillery closed its doors and The Spirit of Belfast was feared lost forever.

The brand was revived by The Echlinville Distillery in 2012 with the aim of restoring it to its former glory. An aim that has been realised in the past few months with Echlinville now officially the home of Ireland’s Best Single Malt, Ireland’s Best Single Cask and also Ireland’s Best Whiskey, a title awarded at the Irish Whiskey Awards last November.

Jarlath Watson of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, said:

“We added Dunville’s 21 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish to our core range late last year to a great reception from our customers. The quality of the Palo Cortado casks really takes centre stage with this whiskey, boasting notes of stewed fruits, ripe plums, almonds, spiced banana bread, sweet tobacco, tiramisu and candied orange zest. It’s a great whiskey and thoroughly deserving of the title of Ireland’s Best Single Malt.

“Similarly, our PX Cask Strength whiskeys have gained a loyal following for their bold sherry bomb flavours. We are delighted to see Cask 1644 awarded Ireland’s Best Single Cask and we look forward to sharing it with our customers in the near future.

“As proud custodians of the Dunville’s name, we have been on a decade long journey towards restoring The Spirit of Belfast to its rightful place among the world’s best whiskeys. Our exceptional sherry cask finishes have earned a reputation for excellence and, in the last few months alone, have secured three huge awards. That’s a huge achievement for any distillery and is testament to the hard work and commitment of all our staff. Dunville’s and Belfast are well and truly back on the world whiskey map and that’s something we are all immensely proud of.”

Dunville’s 21 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey is available now from The Echlinville Gift Shop https://echlinville.com/shop/ priced £194.95. Also available from Specialist Whiskey Retailers.

Ireland’s Whiskey Of the Year from Dunville’s

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey has announced a release of its highly anticipated 21 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Finish Cask 1197, which was named Ireland’s Best Whiskey at the Irish Whiskey Awards.

Cask 1197 will be available to purchase from 1pm on Friday 24 February online and in store at The Echlinville Distillery priced £275. Purchases will be limited to one bottle per person.

Bottled at cask strength 53.2% abv, Cask 1197 is the latest release from the Dunville’s Single Cask Series, which features limited edition bottlings of the finest casks from Dunville’s warehouses.

Cask 1197 was the Overall Winner at the Irish Whiskey Awards in November 2022, earning it the coveted title of Ireland’s Best Whiskey. The top prize was one of seven accolades for The Spirit of Belfast at the Irish whiskey industry’s most prestigious awards evening.

Dunville’s also won Gold medals for it’s PX 10 Year Old and 20 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish Single Malts. All three of Dunville’s Gold medal winning whiskies can now be enjoyed together in an exclusive gift set, which features 50ml miniature bottles of each whiskey alongside a Dunville’s branded Glencairn whiskey glass. The Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Award Winners gift set is available from Echlinville priced £75.

Dunville's Whiskey Cask 1197 and Irish Whiskey Award Winners

Jarlath Watson from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey said: “We are proud to offer for sale Dunville’s Cask 1197, Ireland’s Whiskey of the Year. While every release from our Single Cask Series is extraordinary, this one is particularly special as it has been judged by our colleagues and friends from within the industry and the wider Irish Whiskey community as being worthy of Irish whiskey’s highest honour.

“The Single Cask Series showcases the best whiskeys from our warehouses, bottled at cask strength for the best possible quality and flavour. We promise our customers exceptional whiskey, without compromise, and Cask 1197 certainly lives up to that ethos.

“Very well structured, waxy and rich. Honeydew melon, tropical fruits in syrup and pear drops give way to caramelised apricots, juicy overripe plums and spiced Chantilly cream.  Red apple skins, stewed stone fruits, and old dunnage oak give balance and structure while toasted nuts, warming winter spices and sweet tobacco tantalise then combine for a long, sweet and truly sublime finish”

Jarlath Watson, Dunville’s Irish Whiskey

“We are also delighted to unveil the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Award Winners gift box. Featuring three of our finest single malt whiskeys with Dunville’s trademark PX, Palo Cortado and Oloroso sherry cask finishes, this beautifully packaged set is the perfect way to enjoy some of the best that The Spirit of Belfast has to offer.”

Established in Belfast in 1808 and originally produced at the Royal Irish Distilleries which stood on the city’s Grosvenor Road, Dunville’s was among the world’s most famous whiskeys until its untimely demise in 1936. The Echlinville Distillery revived the iconic Dunville’s brand ten years ago with the aim of restoring it to its former glory.

Echlinville wins 13 World Whiskies Awards

We are delighted to announce that The Echlinville Distillery has won thirteen accolades at this year’s World Whiskies Awards.

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey won a dozen prizes while Old Comber Whiskey was named among Ireland’s top pot still whiskeys.

The latest prizes come after we picked up a haul of titles at the recent Irish Whiskey Awards, where Dunville’s also secured the coveted overall winner title for Ireland’s Best Whiskey.

Dunville’s Whiskey

Speaking about the awards, Echlinville Distillery owner Shane Braniff said: “We are delighted with the news of thirteen wins at the World Whiskies Awards. The Irish whiskey industry is hugely competitive, and the standard of whiskey being produced gets better every year. To secure three category wins in the highly sought after single malt and single cask categories is a great achievement and testament to the hard work and commitment of our team.

“As proud custodians of the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand, we have been on a decade long journey towards restoring The Spirit of Belfast to its rightful place among the world’s finest whiskeys. Dunville’s has won significant prizes at the World Whiskies Awards every year since 2015. To win a further twelve accolades is another significant step on that journey, particularly after picking up the title of Ireland’s Best Whiskey at the recent Irish Whiskey Awards.

Old Comber

“We are equally delighted that our Old Comber Whiskey received a bronze medal, placing it among Ireland’s best pot still whiskeys. For Old Comber to take a podium spot alongside the industry’s biggest pot still brands on its debut at the World Whiskies Awards is a huge achievement.

“One of the original Irish whiskey giants, Old Comber was produced just a few miles from Echlinville at the Comber Distilleries which closed in 1953. We revived the brand in 2021 and are honoured to bring Old Comber back to its County Down homeland.

“Old brands like Dunville’s and Old Comber are integral to Ireland’s whiskey heritage. Throughout the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they build an industry that was the envy of the world. Their revival will play an important role in the resurgence of that industry. As the World Whiskies Awards show, Old Comber and Dunville’s are leading the Irish whiskey renaissance.”

Winning Whiskeys

Our winning entries at the World Whiskies Awards are:

The World Whiskies Award select, reward and promote the highest quality whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe. They are judged by an international panel of whiskey experts. Dunville’s three Category Winner whiskeys will now go on to compete for the ‘World’s Best’ title in their respective categories, the winners of which will be announced in London on 30th March.

Three new Sherry Cask finish whiskeys from Dunville’s

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey is delighted to introduce three new additions to the multi-award-winning range of single malt whiskeys.

Each of the new Single Malt offerings boasts a superb sherry cask finish – further cementing Dunville’s as the home of exceptional sherry cask whiskeys. Dunville’s 10 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish, Dunville’s 20 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish, and Dunville’s 21 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish join the Spirit of Belfast’s core line up alongside the existing 10 and 12 Year Old PX Sherry Cask Finish whiskeys.

Each of the new releases are bottled non-chill filtered at 46% abv. All are available to purchase at specialist retailers throughout Ireland and in-store and online at The Echlinville Distillery Shop

Jarlath Watson from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey said. “We are delighted to enhance our current core offering to include these three wonderful whiskeys. Since the revival of the the Spirit of Belfast in 2012, Dunville’s has continued to grow in both popularity and stature, with the Dunville’s name once more synonymous with exceptional sherry finished whiskeys. We are particularly pleased to introduce the older expressions into our range, with the 20 year old Oloroso and 21 year old Palo Cortado representing our oldest core releases to date.

“These new releases further build upon the Dunville’s repertoire for award winning Single Malts and Blends, with the new 20 Year Old Oloroso Sherry expression recently winning ‘Best Single Malt 16 Years and Older’ at the Irish Whiskey Awards, one of seven awards Echlinville picked up on the night.

“Perfectly showcasing the nuanced variance in flavour profiles imparted by the different types of sherry casks,  these whiskeys perfectly highlight the Dunville’s ethos of making whiskey without compromise.”

Dunville’s 10 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt

£69.95 46% abv

Light tropical notes, dried mango, apricots and stewed orchard fruits give way to toasted almonds, mocha coffee and banana bread. Then the Palo Cortado sherry casks make their quality known, with darker stone fruits, sultanas, figs and stewed plums, with a medium dryness and light hints of nutmeg and clove.

Dunville’s 20 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt

£189.95 46% abv                                                                                                             

Irish Whiskey Awards 2022 – Best Irish Single Malt 16 Years and Older – Winner.

The quality of the Oloroso casks takes centre stage. Balanced and complex, viscous, well-structured and restrained. Fresh red fruits give way to darker stewed fruits, prunes, dates and raisins. Candied orange peel, warm spiced ginger cake, toasted nuts, lead to a long mellowing finish of mulled fruits and vanilla chantilly cream.

Dunville’s 21 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt 

£194.95 46% abv

Full bodied, oily, and eloquent. The initial lighter fruits quickly give way to layers of stewed fruits, dark stone fruits, over ripe plum skins, with dark chocolate and toasted almonds. Layers of warm panettone bread and butter pudding, spiced with ginger and drizzled in candied orange syrup, figs, dates and a hint of oak all marry harmoniously over sublime aged base notes of sweet tobacco and warming winter spices.

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey and Fairley’s Wines collaborate on exclusive Single Cask release

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey has unveiled its latest Exclusive Single Cask release in collaboration with Fairley’s Wines Coleraine.

Cask 1683 is a 13 Year Old Irish Single Malt finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks. It has been bottled exclusively for Fairley’s Wines Coleraine. The Single Cask release of 305 bottles at cask strength 57.1% abv will be available exclusively from Fairley’s Wines Coleraine from 9.30pm on Wednesday 7th December 2022 priced at £150.00.

Dunville’s Exclusive Single Cask Series features bespoke bottlings for key hospitality and retail venues. It showcases the best whiskeys from the Dunville’s Whiskey warehouses, with each bottled at its optimum strength for the best possible quality and flavour. Cask 1683 has been carefully selected by Marc Fairley and Jarlath Watson from among the finest casks in Dunville’s warehouses.

Jarlath Watson from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey said “we are delighted to release cask 1683, the PB Fairley Legacy Reserve, in collaboration with Fairley’s Wines. Cask 1683 perfectly encompasses The Dunville’s Irish Whiskey ethos of exceptional whiskey, made without compromise, and is a worthy addition to the Exclusive Single Cask Series and to the portfolio of one of Northern Ireland’s finest spirits purveyors.”

Marc Fairley from Fairley’s Wines said “we have long admired Dunville’s Irish Whiskey for its superior quality and exemplar casks finishes as recognised at this years Irish Whiskey Awards and we are extremely proud of this collaboration which carries my Fathers name and pays tribute to his legacy within the spirits industry.”

THE WHISKEY

Appearance – Amber

Nose – Subtle hints of red fruits, pomegranate and red currents give way to a symphony of tropical fruits, pineapple, mango and banana. Warming to banoffee pie, white chocolate and cinnamon sugar coated doughnuts.

Palate – Thick and velvety, syrupy and juicy. Apricots, peaches and crème caramel. Then a wave of fresh and stewed orchard fruits, toasted hazelnuts and almonds, black cherries and candied orange reduction, and freshly baked current squares spice with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Finish – More orchard fruits, spiced apple strudel smothered in a calvados caramel sauce, just a hint of dryness from the toasted oak, then butterscotch and vanilla and raisin ice cream fading finally to the last hint warming winter spices.

Overall – Very well balanced, viscous and juicy. Fresh tropical fruits, stewed orchard fruits, baked dark stone fruits, honeycomb ice cream, and gorgeous winter warming spices.

Available from 9.30pm on Wednesday 7th December 2022 through Fairley’s Wines, instore and online for £150. http://www.fairleys-wines.co.uk/

*Please note this release is not available to purchase directly from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey or The Echlinville Distillery

Dunville’s named Whiskey of the Year

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, The Spirit of Belfast, has picked up the coveted Whiskey of the Year title at the Irish Whiskey Awards with its single cask bottling of 21 year old Palo Cortado sherry cask finish whiskey being named Ireland’s best whiskey.

The overall award is one of seven wins for The Echlinville Distillery at Irish Whiskey’s most prestigious awards evening. Echlinville home to the iconic Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand, which was the night’s biggest winner with five awards. Echlinville also picked up two additional accolades for Old Comber Whiskey and Bán Poitín.

Speaking about the distillery’s success, Jarlath Watson from Echlinville said:

“We are delighted with the news of seven major wins at the Irish Whiskey Awards and for Dunville’s to have secured the title of Whiskey of the Year – an accolade that further cements Dunville’s place among the world’s best whiskeys.

“These awards are particularly special to us as they are judged by members of whiskey clubs and societies the length and breadth of Ireland. It is an honour to be recognised by our friends and colleagues within the Irish whiskey family.

“The Irish Whiskey industry is the world’s fastest growing spirits category and has become hugely competitive in recent years. When you consider the high standard of whiskeys being produced all around Ireland, and the fact that the industry has long been dominated by major global brands, it is quite an achievement for an independent distillery like Echlinville to bring home seven awards, including the Overall Winner’s trophy.

Jarlath Watson, Echlinville Distillery

“These awards are testament to the hard work and commitment of our team and our industry partners. From new product launches to the relaunch and enhancement of our distillery visitor experience, it has been a busy year at Echlinville. With more new releases due in the coming months, including the launch of what is now officially Ireland’s Best Whiskey, we very much hope that our success will continue for the remainder of 2022 and beyond.

“Dunville’s 21 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask 1197, Whiskey of the Year, will be available before Christmas. Please keep an eye on our website and social media platforms for more details.”

Irish Whiskey Awards 2022_Echlinville Social Post

The Spirit of Belfast

Established in Belfast in 1808 and originally produced at the Royal Irish Distilleries which stood on the city’s Grosvenor Road, Dunville’s was among the world’s most famous whiskeys until its untimely demise in 1936. The Echlinville Distillery revived the iconic Dunville’s brand ten years ago with the aim of restoring it to its former glory.

Speaking about Dunville’s Whiskey’s revival, Jarlath continued: “Dunville’s is a huge part of Belfast’s history and heritage. As custodians of the brand, we have been on a decade-long journey towards restoring The Spirit of Belfast to its rightful place among the world’s finest whiskeys. We aim to produce the finest spirit conceivable – whiskey without compromise. Being named Ireland’s Best Whiskey for 2022 is a huge endorsement of that ethos, and of the hard work, passion and commitment of our team in rebuilding Dunville’s and putting Belfast back on the world whiskey map.”

Global Recognition

Full list of the Echlinville Distillery’s wins at the Irish Whiskey Awards 2022:

  • Overall Winner – Best Irish Whiskey of the Year – Dunville’s 21 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish, Cask 1197.
  • Best Single Malt 11 Years & Younger – Dunville’s PX 10 Year Old Single Malt
  • Best Single Malt 16 Years & Older – Dunville’s 20 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt
  • Best Single Cask 12 Years & Older – Dunville’s 21 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish, Cask 1197
  • Gold Medal – Single Cask 12 Years & Older – Dunville’s 20 Year Old PX Sherry Cask Finish, Temple Bar Cask 1651
  • Gold Medal – Single Pot Still 11 Years & Younger – Old Comber Pot Still Irish Whiskey
  • Gold Medal – Irish Poitín – Bán Poitín

New release from Dunville’s Single Cask Series

We are delighted to introduce the latest release from the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Single Cask Series.

Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Cask 1543 is a single cask bottling of 322 bottles of 12 year old Irish single malt whiskey finished in the finest Pedro Xeminez sherry casks. Bottled at cask strength 57.6% abv, Cask 1543 is a Distillery exclusive, available exclusively online and in-store at the Echlinville Distillery Shop on Friday 11 November.

Cask 1543 is the latest addition to Dunville’s renowned Single Cask Series. The series features limited edition bottlings from the finest casks of whiskey in the Dunville’s warehouses. Each cask is carefully selected and bottled at cask strength for the best possible quality and flavour, perfectly encompassing Dunville’s ethos of exceptional whiskey without compromise.

Cask 1543 will be available from 12.30pm on Friday 11 November online and in-store.

The Echlinville Distillery Shop is open 11am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday at 62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, BT22 1HY. Click here for directions.

Discover the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Single Cask Series.

Distillery Reserve for Belfast Whiskey Week

It wouldn’t be Belfast Whiskey Week without a special release from The Spirit of Belfast.

We are delighted to introduce Cask 162, the latest release from the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Single Cask Series.  

Cask 162 is a 20 Year Old Single Malt finished in an exquisite Oloroso Sherry Cask and bottled at Cask Strength 54% abv. It is released in celebration of Belfast Whiskey Week, Ireland’s largest whiskey festival.

This whiskey boasts notes of rich dried fruits, dark chocolate, wood spice, toffee apples, blackjack sweets and a dusting of nutmeg. It is limited to just 136 bottles priced at £245. It can be bought only in-store at The Echlinville Distillery Shop, limited to one bottle per customer.

Belfast Whiskey Week

As the original Spirit of Belfast, Dunville’s is proud to be a key partner in Belfast Whiskey Week and Cask 162 has been specially bottled for this year’s festival.

We were proud to unveil Cask 162 as the latest addition to our Single Cask Series at today’s Belfast Whiskey Week Distillery Day at Echlinville, where attendees had the opportunity to taste this exquisite whiskey during an exclusive cask strength tasting in the Dunville’s warehouse.

The Spirit of Belfast

Jarlath Watson from Echlinville and Dunville’s said: “Belfast was once at the heart of Ireland’s whiskey industry, so it’s fitting that Belfast Whiskey Week should bring focus back to a city whose association with the spirit has been somewhat forgotten over the years.

“By the end of the 19th century, Ireland was producing around 14 million gallons of whiskey per year. A disproportionate amount of that was distilled in Belfast, and much of that by Dunville’s. Dunville’s employed hundreds of people, constructed housing for their workers on the aptly named Excise Street, Distillery Street and Dunville Street, built Belfast’s first public park – Dunville Park on the Falls Road. They even founded a football club, Distillery FC, which we are proud to still have links with today.

“Dunville’s legacy can be found throughout Belfast. This is our whiskey and our city, so we are proud to celebrate Belfast Whiskey Week by unveiling the latest release from our Single Cask Series. The series showcases the very best whiskeys from our warehouses, with each release helping put this city and Dunville’s Irish Whiskey firmly back on the world whiskey map.”

Jarlath Watson

*Please note, cask 162 is not available online and can only be purchased in-store and in person at The Echlinville Distillery Shop.

Dunville’s exclusive single cask whiskey for The Friend At Hand

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey has unveiled its latest Exclusive Single Cask release in collaboration with The Friend At Hand whiskey shop in Belfast.

Cask 2058 is a 21 Year Old Irish Single Malt finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks. It has been bottled exclusively for The Friend At Hand.

The Single Cask release of 324 bottles at cask strength 53.8% abv will be available exclusively in-store at The Friend At Hand (Hill Street, Belfast) from 12 noon on Friday 6 May priced £275

Dunville’s Exclusive Single Cask Series features bespoke bottlings for key hospitality and retail venues. Cask 2058 has been carefully selected by Paul O’Hare from The Friend At Hand from among the finest casks in Dunville’s warehouses. It is Dunville’s first Single Cask collaboration with a Belfast based venue – a specialist whiskey shop that is synonymous with the city’s proud whiskey heritage.

Jarlath Watson from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey said: “We are delighted to release cask 2058 in partnership with Willie Jack and Paul O’Hare at The Friend At Hand. The Friend At Hand is one of Ireland’s finest whiskey emporiums and celebrates all that is great about Belfast’s distilling history, so it makes perfect sense for us to collaborate with them on this exclusive single cask bottling.

“Anyone who has visited The Friend At Hand or its sister venues The Harp Bar, The Duke of York or The Dark Horse will know that they feature some of the finest collections of Irish whiskey to be found anywhere in the country. Their walls are adorned with old Dunville’s memorabilia, celebrating Dunville’s as the original Spirit of Belfast and showcasing Belfast’s heyday as Ireland’s ‘whiskey city’.

“Dunville’s Irish Whiskey is renowned for its exceptional sherry cask finishes, and Cask 2058 is no exception. With a first finish in Oloroso sherry hogshead and a second finish in an exceptional PX sherry cask, this whiskey boasts notes of candied orange, cherry pie, treacle, dark chocolate, fig syrup and spiced ginger cake and candied oranges. It’s a worthy addition to our Exclusive Single Cask portfolio.”

Jarlath Watson, Dunville’s Irish Whiskey

Cask 2058 has been named The Friend At Hand ‘Grosvenor Reserve’ in homage to Belfast’s Grosvenor Road, which was home to The Royal Irish Distilleries – the birthplace of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey and one of the world’s largest whiskey producers. The distillery fell silent in 1936, but the brand was revived by The Echlinville Distillery almost 80 years later and has since earned its place at the forefront of Ireland’s whiskey renaissance with a reputation for exceptional blends, single malts and single casks which have won more than 40 global awards.

Paul O’Hare from The Friend At Hand, said: “As longstanding supporters of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey and The Echlinville Distillery, we are proud to add Cask 2058 Grosvenor Reserve to our collection at The Friend At Hand.

“In the 1800s, Dunville’s put Belfast firmly on the world whiskey map. Today, the Spirit of Belfast is introducing our city to a whole new generation of whiskey enthusiasts. We are delighted to be part of that story, bringing Dunville’s back to the heart Belfast in our shop at the centre of the city’s historic whiskey quarter.”

*Please note, this release is not available from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey or The Echlinville Distillery. Dunville’s Cask 2058 Grosvenor Reserve will be available from 12 noon on Friday 6 May exclusively from The Friend At Hand at 35-43 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2PB Tel: 028 9032 9969, Email [email protected]

Introducing Dunville’s PX 20 Cask Strength Irish Whiskey

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey is adding a 20 year old Pedro Ximénez sherry cask finish to its acclaimed Single Cask Series.

Cask 1668 is limited to just 347 bottles at cask strength 53.9% abv. While Dunville’s is renowned for its PX sherry cask finish whiskeys, at 20 years old this is the oldest PX expression in the Spirit of Belfast’s award winning portfolio.

Cask 1668 will be available exclusively from our online shop at 1pm on Friday 11 March priced £239.50.

Jarlath Watson from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey said: “Dunville’s is known throughout the Irish whiskey community for its superb sherry cask finishes. The PX sherry cask finish, in particular, has become synonymous with The Spirit of Belfast. Our PX 12 Year Old Single Malt expressions are long standing fixture in both our core range and Single Cask Series. W are delighted to extend our PX offering with this 20 year old limited edition bottling.

“As with every whiskey in the Single Cask Series, this release has been selected from among the finest casks in our warehouses. The Single Cask Series is all about whiskey without compromise. Cask 1668 is a worthy addition to that family of exceptional whiskeys.”

Customer Queueing System

Due to the high volume of traffic expected on our website, anyone attempting to purchase this whiskey will be held in an online queue before being admitted to the online shop.

Once you are in the queue, please do not refresh your page or you may lose your place. Your personalised waiting room will automatically update to keep you informed of your queue position and estimated waiting time. We would ask for your patience while we try to deliver the best possible buying experience.

Purchases will be limited to a maximum of three bottles per customer.

International Shipping

Please note that there are some limitations on international shipping. Please check here for further information on international delivery or email [email protected] before 5pm on Thursday 10 March so we can advise further on worldwide shipping.

Hi-Spirits to distribute Dunville’s Irish Whiskey in the UK

The Echlinville Distillery has announced a new distribution partnership with Hi-Spirits, which will see an increased presence for the our Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand in the UK market, creating a significant boost for Dunville’s presence across the on and off-trade.

An independent, family-owned distillery, Echlinville has been at the forefront of Ireland’s spirits renaissance and is home to a portfolio of award-winning whiskey. Dunville’s Irish Whiskey in particular has gained a global following. The ‘Spirit of Belfast’ is held in high esteem throughout the whiskey industry for its premium and super premium single malts and vintage blends.

Echlinville Distillery owner Shane Braniff said:

“We are excited about this new partnership and the opportunities it will present for both The Echlinville Distillery, Dunville’s Irish Whiskey and Hi-Spirits. Our combined expertise, passion and commitment to quality will provide the momentum for the next phase of Echlinville’s growth.’’

Shane Braniff, Echlinville Distillery

“The agreement will see our Dunville’s Irish Whiskey range take its place among Hi-Spirits’ impressive portfolio. We look forward to working with the Hi-Spirits team to introduce our award-winning whiskeys to an increasing number of trade and retail partners and grow our presence in the UK market. ‘’

“From our Dunville’s 1808 blend, the iconic Dunville’s PX Single Malt, to the limited-edition bottlings from the Single Cask Series, we look forward to sharing The Spirit of Belfast with whiskey enthusiasts across the UK.”

Laura Edwards from Hi-Spirits UK said:

“We are delighted to announce this partnership with Echlinville Distillery brands, that have earned a strong reputation for innovation, versatility and quality with both the trade and consumers alike.  The attention to quality in both liquid and exceptional branding ensures Dunville’s will make a strong addition to our Irish Whiskey portfolio. With an outstanding marketing and engagement plan, we are excited for the future of these brands and all of the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Laura Edwards, Hi-Spirits UK

Hi-Spirits

Hi-Spirits is one of the UK’s leading spirit distributors with a diverse portfolio of award-winning brands. Hi-Spirits is part of the Sazerac Company portfolio. Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers, with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com

If brand information from the sales team is needed, please contact a Hi Spirits representative at [email protected]

Double win for Dunville’s at Irish Whiskey Awards

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey has picked up two accolades at this year’s Irish Whiskey Awards.

Dunville’s 12 Year Old PX Cask Strength Irish Whiskey was named Best Cask Strength Whiskey while our 18 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish won Gold in the Single Cask category and came a very close second place in the competition for overall Best Irish Whiskey award.

The awards are the latest in a series of accolades for Dunville’s, which has seen The Spirit of Belfast gather 31 international prizes since the historic Belfast whiskey brand was revived by The Echlinville Distillery in 2012.

The Irish Whiskey Awards awards are particularly special as they are judged by members of whiskey clubs and societies the length and breadth of Ireland, so it is an honour to be recognised by our friends and colleagues within the Irish whiskey family.

Both award winning whiskeys are from the Dunville’s Single Cask Series. The Single Cask Series features limited edition single cask bottlings showcasing the very best whiskeys from the Dunville’s warehouses. With each cask carefully selected, the series features exceptional Irish whiskey, uncompromised and bottled at its optimum strength for the best possible quality and flavour.

Dunville’s Whiskey exclusive for James J. Fox, Dublin

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey is collaborating with James J. Fox, Grafton Street, Dublin, on an exclusive single cask bottling.

Cask 1206 was selected by James J. Fox Managing Director, Yiorgos Manesis, from among the finest casks in the Dunville’s warehouses, and approved by Eclinville’s Graeme Millar.

This 20 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey has been finished in a single Palo Cortado Sherry cask for 3 years and 9 months. It is bottled at cask strength 54.1% abv and limited to just 323 bottles. It is available exclusively from James J. Fox Dublin priced €320 (€288 for a limited time).

Dunville’s Exclusive Single Cask Series

Dunville’s Cask 1206 is the latest release from Dunville’s Exclusive Single Cask Series – a portfolio of bespoke bottlings by for selected retailers, hospitality venues and key trade partners. It showcases the best whiskeys from the Dunville’s Whiskey warehouses, with each bottled at its optimum strength for the best possible quality and flavour.

Jarlath Watson from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey said: “We are delighted to collaborate with James J. Fox on this exclusive single cask bottling. Cask 1206 perfectly encompasses the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey ethos of exceptional whiskey without compromise. It is a worthy addition to the Exclusive Single Cask Series and to the portfolio of one of Ireland’s most prestigious whiskey stores.”

Robert Fox, Chairman of James J. Fox, representing the fifth generation of his family to trade from this celebrated cigar and whiskey store, said: “It’s brilliant to be involved in the Irish Whiskey market at the moment. It’s in the middle of an extraordinary phase of evolution, with the selection of different whiskies being released increasing every year. It’s so exciting and so much fun to explore different casks and how they taste. Our single cask offering is a really important element of our whiskey portfolio, so we’re very grateful to the team in Echlinville for our collaboration. I think the whiskey is spectacular”.

Yiorgos Manesis, James J. Fox Managing Director, said: “It is an honour and a great pleasure to be given the opportunity to work with distilleries and whiskey bonders and choose some amazing whiskeys for our customers. We are very proud of these collaborations, and we are very excited about this Dunville’s 20 Year Old Single Cask release.”

James J. Fox, Dublin

James J. Fox have traded on 119 Grafton Street for five generations of the Fox Family since 1881. For 140 years, James J. Fox have been offering, to enthusiasts from Ireland and around the world, a range of the world’s most premium cigars and whiskeys through their iconic, now newly renovated store.

Tasting Notes

Appearance – Rich Amber

Nose – Initial notes of tropical fruits, dried mango, and apricots in syrup yield to richer darker fruits as the nose opens up. Stewed plums, dusted raisins and dried figs, laced with nutmeg, cinnamon and clove. Then comes the show stoppers, sweet rolling tobacco, the old nostalgic kind, vintage leather furniture, and aged sherry, all held in splendid orchestra by the old musty dunnage oak.

Palate – Full bodied, waxy, oily, eloquent and luscious. This coats the mouth and doesn’t let go. An abundance of stewed fruits, dark stone fruits, over ripe plum skins, dark chocolate with a hint of chili. And then the nuts, roasted almonds, spiced banana bread laced with roasted hazelnuts, panettone bread and butter pudding, more figs, dates, and clove. And that elegant grace note of candied orange zest keeping those Christmas cake spices and wonderfully restrained wood tannins exquisitely balanced.

Finish – A hint of medium roast coffee beans turns to a light, warm tiramisu, and a whisper of hazelnut coffee cake. Then the quality of that Palo Cortado sherry cask really starts to dominate. Chocolate orange, light and dark stone fruits, sublime sweet tobacco and warming winter spices all held in perfect harmony by wonderful cedar and oak wood spice. And still that sweet tobacco.

Available from 1pm on Friday 1st October 2021 through James J. Fox, Grafton Street, Dublin and instore and online for €320 (€288 for a limited time).

*Please note this release is not available to purchase directly from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey or The Echlinville Distillery.

Dunville’s exclusive single cask for Celtic Whiskey Shop

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey is producing a series of bespoke single cask bottlings for key partners in the hospitality trade.

Exclusive Single Cask Series

The latest release from our Exclusive Single Cask Series is bottled for Celtic Whiskey Shop Dublin. Cask 1636 was selected by Celtic Whiskey Shop Managing Director and Owner Ally Alpine from among the finest casks in Dunville’s warehouses and approved by Graeme Millar from Echlinville, proud custodians of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey.

Medeira Cask Finish Whiskey

This 19 Year Old Single Malt is finished in a Madeira Cask and is the first Madeira Cask Finish whiskey in the Dunville’s portfolio. It is bottled at cask strength 53.2% abv and limited to just 298 bottles. It will be available exclusively from Celtic Whiskey Shop at 1pm on Thursday 26 August 2021 priced €299.

This is the Third edition in a series of bespoke bottlings by Dunville’s Irish Whiskey for selected retailers, hospitality venues and key trade partners.

Tasting Notes

Appearance – Amber with a tint of Rose Gold.

Nose – Full and complex, yet light and floral. Initial notes of orange syrup develop into ripe orange peel, butter toffee, and the toffee from sweet toffee popcorn, lightly toasted walnuts, a hint of candied lemon zest.

Palate – Freshly made sweet popcorn opens up to walnuts, hazelnuts in syrup, burnt caramel, and a light kiss of iced caramel vanilla latte. The summer fruits are there in abundance, cara cara oranges, Sicilian lemons, over ripe apricots, stewed peaches, think summer fruit salad served with vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce. Thick, oily, syrupy and complex, this fills your mouth and doesn’t let go.

Finish – Warm orange and apple strudel, spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, dipped in toasted nuts and served with a vanilla crème anglaise, garnished with a solitary freshly picked mint leaf. Medium to long, finally giving way in a drying finale of clean malt, fine oak and dried citrus fruits.

To purchase Cask 1636 visit Celtic Whiskey Shop or call 0035316759744

Dunville’s Whiskey continues historic partnership with Distillery FC

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey has been announced at a 2021/22 sponsor for Lisburn Distillery Football Club.

This is the sixth season that Dunville’s has sponsored the team, after The Echlinville Distillery rekindled a historic relationship between Dunville’s Whiskey and Distillery FC.

Shane Braniff said: “We are delighted to continue to support Lisburn Distillery Football Club in the 2021/22 season. As proud custodians of the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, we are proud to continue the relationship between Dunville’s and Distillery FC – a relationship that dates back to the club’s foundation 140 years ago by Dunville’s Whiskey employees.

“As we look forward to expanding the Dunville’s portfolio over the coming months, the season ahead is looking bright for Dunville’s Whiskey and, we hope too, for Lisburn Distillery FC. We wish everyone at the club the best of luck in the season ahead.”

Lisburn Distillery director Terry Thompson said: “I am delighted that a truly unique historical link carries on today and for the season ahead. Last year I wrote that Echlinville and Dunville’s would go on to win more awards and a  huge ‘Well Done’ to everyone on their recent successes and awards in California and Tokyo.

“We have all been very pleased, appreciative, and genuinely proud to have Dunvile’s Whiskey as our back-of-shirt sponsor. I am very pleased again on behalf of everyone here at the club to sincerely thank owner Shane Braniff and the team at Echlinville for their backing for the season ahead. It’s great that The Spirit of Belfast is very much with us.”

Ballot for Dunville’s PX Cask Strength 1330

The remaining bottles of the Belfast Whiskey Week Festival Bottling of Dunville’s PX Cask Strength Irish Whiskey Cask 1330 will be allocated by ballot.

Anyone who had signed up for Belfast Whiskey Week should by now have received an email from the Belfast Whiskey Week team with details of how to enter the ballot. Please check your inbox and junk mail folders for the email. If you haven’t received it, please contact us or email [email protected]

Only those who had subscribed to the festival will be eligible to enter.

You must enter the ballot before 5pm Friday 20 August for an opportunity to secure a bottle. The ballot will take place on Monday 23 August and successful applicants will be contacted.

Thank you to all our customers for your patience while we have worked to decide how best to move forward with this release. We appreciate your continued support for The Spirit of Belfast.

Echlinville welcomes Belfast Whiskey Week

The Echlinville Distillery has been celebrating County Down’s proud whiskey heritage by showcasing some of the areas most famous spirits during Belfast Whiskey Week. The final day of the festival will see series of events broadcast live from Echlinville to a global online audience tomorrow (Saturday 31 July).

Echlinville is a key partner in the week long programme of events showcasing the best of Irish and world whiskey. The highlights of Saturday’s programme include a tasting of the core range of Dunville’s Irish Whiskeys. There will also be an exclusive tasting of as yet unreleased casks from our warehouse, including new age statements and cask finishes.

The Spirit of Belfast

As custodians of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, the official Spirit of Belfast, we have a particularly close association with Belfast Whiskey Week. We are delighted to welcome the festival’s online audience to our distillery for the final day of the festival.

Belfast was once at the heart of Ireland’s whiskey industry, so Belfast Whiskey Week is bringing the focus of the Irish whiskey community back to a city whose association with the spirit has been somewhat forgotten over the years.

By the end of the 19th century, Ireland was producing around 14 million gallons of whiskey per year. A disproportionate amount of that was distilled in Belfast, and much of that by Dunville’s. From street names to landmark buildings, Dunville’s legacy can be found throughout Belfast. This is our whiskey and our city, so we are proud to celebrate Belfast Whiskey Week by showcasing The Spirit of Belfast to whiskey enthusiasts around the world.

County Down Whiskeys

Belfast and County Down played a huge role in Ireland’s proud whiskey heritage. Two of Co. Down’s most famous whiskeys were Old Comber and Newry based Matt D’Arcys – both of which sadly fell victim to the collapse of the Irish whiskey industry. Both brands were recently revived by Echlinville, bringing three of Ireland’s most historic ‘lost’ whiskeys together under one roof.

Alongside Dunville’s, Old Comber Pot Still Whiskey and Matt D’Arcy Whiskey feature in the Belfast Whiskey Week Bonus Tasting Box.

Irish Whiskey Revival

Old brands like Dunville’s, Matt D’Arcy and Old Comber are hugely important to Ireland’s whiskey heritage. Throughout the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries they built an industry that was the envy of the world. Now their revival is playing an important role in the resurgence of that industry. Belfast Whiskey Week provides the perfect platform to share these whiskeys and their story with audiences around the world.

Together with events like Belfast Whiskey Week, all of us at Echlinville look forward to putting Belfast and Co. Down area back on the world whiskey map.

Belfast Whiskey Week at Echlinville

The following tasting will be broadcast live from The Echlinville Distillery on Saturday 31 July 2021. Events can be viewed online via Belfast Whiskey Week by anyone who has purchased a Festival Pass. For more information on how to access events email [email protected]

2.00pm Highland Whisky

4.00pm Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Core Range

6.15pm Pre-1970 Irish Whiskey

8.30pm Echlinville Distillery Warehouse Tasting

Dunville’s PX Cask Strength release for Belfast Whiskey Week

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey is celebrating Belfast Whiskey Week with the launch of a special festival bottling of PX Cask Strength Whiskey.

The Single Cask bottling is available exclusively to those with a Belfast Whiskey Week Festival Pass.

Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Irish Whiskey Cask 1330 was named Best Irish Single Cask Single Malt at this year’s World Whiskey Awards. Finished in Dunville’s signature Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, it is bottled at 57.2% abv.

This limited release of 352 bottles will be available exclusively to Belfast Whiskey Week Festival Pass holders. It will be on sale from The Echlinville Distillery online shop at 4pm on Monday 26 July 2021 priced £125 (link will go live then).

How to purchase

– This release can only be purchased with a Belfast Whiskey Week Festival Pass code.

– For your chance to purchase this Single Cask bottling you should click here to purchase a Belfast Whiskey Week Festival Pass from as little as £6.

– Anyone who purchases a pass will be sent an email from Belfast Whiskey Week confirming their Pass purchase.

– You will then receive a second email from Belfast Whiskey Week with your Dunville’s Cask 1330 purchase code, which you must use at checkout when purchasing this whiskey.

– If you have already signed up to a festival pass or tasting there is no need to purchase an additional pass. Belfast Whiskey Week will send you an email with your purchase code.

– Sales will go live at on The Echlinville Distillery Online Shop at 4pm on Monday 26 July (link will go live at that time).

Please Note: Purchases will be limited to one bottle per customer. Bottles will be allocated on a first come first served basis. We can not guarantee that everyone who purchases a Festival Pass will secure a bottle.

Belfast Whiskey Week

Cask 1330 will feature in the Festival Bottlings Masterclass at Belfast Whiskey Week (Monday 26 July). Ireland’s largest whiskey festival features more than 90 whiskey tastings alongside a week long programme of entertainment livestreamed to audiences around the world

Jarlath Watson from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey said: “As the original Spirit of Belfast, Dunville’s is proud to be a key partner in Belfast Whiskey Week. Cask 1330 has been specially bottled for the festival. Named Ireland’s Best Single Cask at the World Whiskey Awards, it represents all that is great about our city and our whiskey.

“Cask 1330 is the latest release from the Dunville’s Single Cask Series which showcases the very best casks from our warehouses. PX Cask Strength is now a firm fixture in the Single Cask Series and has become synonymous with exceptional quality and that exquisitely intense sherry bomb flavour that Dunville’s customers know and love.

“The Echlinville Distillery has proudly supported Belfast Whiskey Week since it began in 2019, so when this particular cask was awarded Ireland’s Best Single Cask Whiskey, we decided it would be the ideal Exclusive Special Festival Bottling for Belfast Whiskey Week.”

Cask 1330 is one of a number of whiskeys from Dunville’s and The Echlinville Distillery to feature in this year’s Belfast Whiskey Week, which sees the Irish whiskey community come together like never before for an online celebration of Irish and world whiskeys. The festival programme also features tastings of current and as yet unreleased whiskeys from Dunville’s warehouses, which will be broadcast live from The Echlinville Distillery on Saturday 31 July.

The Spirit of Belfast

Jarlath continued: “Belfast was once at the heart of Ireland’s whiskey industry, so it’s fitting that Belfast Whiskey Week should bring focus back to a city whose association with the spirit has been somewhat forgotten over the years.

“By the end of the 19th century, Ireland was producing around 14 million gallons of whiskey per year. A disproportionate amount of that was distilled in Belfast, and much of that by Dunville’s. Dunville’s employed hundreds of people, constructed housing for their workers on the aptly named Excise Street, Distillery Street and Dunville Street, built Belfast’s first public park – Dunville Park on the Falls Road – and even founded a football club, Distillery FC, which we are proud to still have links with today.

“Dunville’s legacy can be found throughout Belfast. This is our whiskey and our city, so we are proud to celebrate Belfast Whiskey Week by unveiling the latest release from our Single Cask Series, which showcases the very best whiskeys from the Dunville’s warehouse, with each release helping put this city and its spirit firmly back on the world whiskey map.”

Dunville’s PX Cask Strength 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey Cask 1330 will be available exclusively to customers with a Belfast Whiskey Week Festival Passfrom https://echlinville.com/shop/whiskey/dunvilles-px-12-cask-strength/ on Monday 26 July 2021 priced £125. Purchases will be limited to one bottle per customer.

Dunville’s Exclusive Single Cask for Carry Out Killarney

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey is collaborating with key partners within the trade to produce a series of bespoke single cask bottlings.

The latest release from the Exclusive Single Cask Series has been bottled for Carry Out Killarney. Cask 1699 was selected by Carry Out owner John Fleming from among the finest casks in the Dunville’s warehouses, and approved by Graeme Millar from The Echlinville Distillery, proud custodians of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey.

This 14 Year Old Single Malt is finished in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask, bottled at cask strength 57.7% abv and limited to just 337 bottles. It will be available exclusively from Carry Out Killarney at 11am on Saturday 10 July 2021 priced €185. Each customer will also receive a limited edition Glencairn whiskey tasting glass, specially commissioned to accompany this single cask release.

This bottling for Carry Out Killarney follows The Palace Bar’s 20 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish release and is the second in a series of bespoke bottlings by Dunville’s Irish Whiskey for selected retailers, hospitality venues and key trade partners.

To purchase Cask 1699 visit http://www.carryoutkillarney.ie/ or call 00353 (0) 646622588.

*Please note this release will not be available from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey or The Echlinville Distillery.

Matt D’Arcy Old Irish Whiskey joins Echlinville portfolio

We are delighted to welcome the historic Matt D’Arcy Irish Whiskey brand to Echlinville’s portfolio of award-winning whiskeys.

The Echlinville Distillery and Newry based Matt D’Arcy & Co Limited have forged an alliance that will see Echlinville mature, bottle and market Matt D’Arcy’s Old Irish Whiskey and grow the brand in the global Irish whiskey market.

Famous Newry Whiskey

Founded in Newry, Co. Down in 1817, Matt. D’Arcy’s was revived by Newry man Michael McKeown in 2020. It is the latest heritage whiskey brand to join the Echlinville line up.

Matt D’Arcy’s will sit alongside our award winning Dunville’s Irish Whiskey range and the recently restored Old Comber Pot Still Irish Whiskey. The move sees three of Ireland’s most historic ‘lost’ whiskey brands brought under Echlinville’s guardianship.

Echlinville Distillery owner Shane Braniff said, “We are delighted to welcome Matt D’Arcy’s into the Echlinville family and we look forward to sharing the story and celebrating the legacy of this proud Co. Down whiskey with our customers around the world.

“I have long had a passion for old Irish whiskey brands, particularly those from Co. Down, so I have followed with interest the revival of Matt D’Arcy Irish Whiskey over the past few years.

“At Echlinville, we know from first-hand experience the hard work, passion and dedication that goes in to restoring a historic name like Matt D’Arcy’s, and in doing so in a way that respects and celebrates the brand’s proud heritage. I congratulate Michael McKeown and his team at Matt D’Arcy & Co. Ltd in Newry for everything they have done to bring back this historic whiskey and we welcome Michael’s continued input into the future of the brand about which he is hugely passionate. We have also offered Michael our technical support as he pursues the redevelopment of the Old Distillery site in Newry in line with his vision to restore distilling to the city where Matt D’Arcy Whiskey was born.”

Shane Braniff, Echlinville Distillery

“Michael has written a wonderful book telling the great story of Matt D’Arcy and old Newry whiskeys. The book will be available from our Distillery shop alongside Matt D’Arcy’s Whiskey. The spirit and presentation of Matt D’Arcy’s Irish Whiskey are exceptional and it will make a worthy addition to the Echlinville portfolio.”

Irish Whiskey Heritage

Echlinville are proud custodians of the iconic Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand and recently revived the famous Old Comber Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Speaking about the role of heritage brands in the Irish whiskey sector, Shane continued: “These old Irish whiskey brands are hugely important. Throughout the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries they built an industry that was the envy of the world, and now their revival is playing an important role in the resurgence of that industry. In our view, names like Matt D’Arcy, Dunville’s and Old Comber deserve to be part of the Irish whiskey renaissance.”

Matt D’Arcy & Co. Newry

Michael McKeown owner of Matt D’Arcy & Co. Ltd. said: “Having grown up in the production and selling of alcoholic drinks, I have the greatest respect for Shane Braniff at Echlinville, whose passion and enthusiasm for Irish whiskey heritage matches my own.

“Echlinville’s brands are now widely sold across Ireland, Europe and the rest of the world. When Shane offered to bring Matt D’Arcy’s along the path to international recognition, I was only too happy to entrust the brand into his care and I look forward to seeing it grow on the worldwide whiskey stage.

“The high cost of breaking into foreign markets is the biggest barrier to a small producer like Matt D’Arcy’s. Collaborating with an established player such as Echlinville will propel the brand towards future growth.

“With this boost to our fortunes where Echlinville creates markets for the D’Arcy brand, we can turn our resources to developing the ‘Old Distillery’ site in Monaghan Street, Newry. Having acquired, in October 2020, the adjoining property at Corry Square, a revised application has been submitted to Building Control and the result is awaited before drawing up and issuing final tendering documentation.”

Shane Braniff concluded: “Michael McKeown’s passion for Matt D’Arcy, Irish whiskey and the city of Newry is palpable. All of us at Echlinville and Matt D’Arcy share the same sense of pride in our Co. Down roots and the role this part of the world played in Ireland’s proud whiskey heritage. With Matt D’Arcy, Dunville’s and Old Comber now under Echlinville’s guardianship, we look forward to putting Co. Down back on the world whiskey map.”

Matt D’Arcy’s Irish Whiskey is coming soon to The Echlinville Distillery online shop. For trade sales inquiries please contact [email protected]

Old Comber Whiskey revived

We are proud to announce the revival of the famous Old Comber Irish Whiskey brand after a near 70 year absence.

One of the original Irish whiskey giants, Old Comber Whiskey was founded in 1825 and produced at the Comber Distilleries, which were located just ten miles from where Echlinville now stands.

Comber Distilleries fell silent in 1953 and Old Comber joined the list of Ireland’s lost whiskeys. In testament to our continued commitment to put Co. Down back on the world whiskey map, we are unveiling our first release of Old Comber Irish Pot Still Whiskey – a pot still blend finished in Ruby Port casks and bottled at 46% abv and retailing at £45 RRP.

County Down roots

Old Comber was one of Ireland’s most celebrated whiskey brands. Famed for more than a century for its quality and bold flavour, its loss was lamented by whiskey enthusiasts around the world.

Anyone who knows Echlinville will know that we are incredibly proud of our roots. From rolling barley fields to huge malting houses and one of the largest distilleries in Ireland, County Down and the area around Strangford Lough in particular, has a strong whiskey heritage. Comber and its distilleries was widely regarded as the home of double distilled pot still whiskey.

We are honoured to bring Old Comber Whiskey back to its County Down homeland. In homage to the brand’s origins, our first release is a premium blend of pot still whiskeys, predominantly double distilled here at Echlinville, just ten miles from where the Comber Distilleries once stood.

Finish and flavour

Old Comber was renowned for its port and sherry cask finishes. In honour of that tradition, this new release has been aged in American Oak and Bourbon casks in the Echlinville warehouse and finished in the finest Ruby Port casks.

Deep amber in colour, this whiskey boasts notes of fresh vanilla pods, toffee apples and Battenburg cake on the nose. On the palate, a creamy pot still mouthfeel with treacle toffee, apple tarte tatin spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, opening up to rosewater, raspberries and cream. Those toffee and spice notes continue through to a medium finish with pecan nuts fading out to mellow oak tannins and sweet spice in its final notes. This limited release stays true to the Old Comber name and marks a new chapter in the story of Old Comber, Echlinville and the ongoing Irish whiskey revival.

Old Comber and Dunville’s

At Echlinville we are also custodians of the famous Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand. Another giant of Irish whiskey history, we revived Dunville’s in 2012 and have gone on to restore it to its rightful place among the world’s best whiskeys.

This corner of Ireland has a great story to tell in terms of its role in Ireland’s whiskey heritage. If Dunville’s was The Spirit of Belfast then Old Comber, one of its closest whiskey neighbours, was the spirit of County Down. In fact, both brands featured in BBC2’s recent Whiskey Talkin’ programme, which explored the history of Irish whiskey, the Dunville’s return and our collaboration with Fionnán O’Connor to recreate the original Old Comber mash bill – a whiskey that we hope to release when it reaches the seven year mark.

These old brands are hugely important. Throughout the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they built an industry that was the envy of the world. Their revival will play an important part in the resurgence of that industry. In our view, names like Dunville’s and Old Comber deserve to be part of the Irish whiskey renaissance.

Dunville’s and Old Comber dominated whiskey production in the north of Ireland, but they had much more in common than huge distilleries and vast warehouses. In 1872 James Bruce was a director in Dunville’s and his brother Samuel Bruce, whose initials feature on the Old Comber bottle, was the owner of Comber Distilleries. We like to think that in reviving both historic brands, we are not only restoring a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s distilling history but are in some way reuniting the Bruce brothers, at least in spirit.

Introducing Dunville’s 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey

We are proud to unveil Dunville’s 1808 – a new blend from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey which tastes great neat, with a mixer or in a classic cocktail.

Dunville’s 1808 is a modern blend of malt, grain and pot still whiskeys. The latest release from The Spirit of Belfast boasts notes of vanilla, apples, pears, candied lemon peel and sweet spices – vivacious and full of character, like the city of its birth.

The name 1808 pays homage to the year Dunville’s Irish Whiskey was founded in Belfast, from where it went on to become one of the world’s most famous whiskeys.

Old Story, New Chapter

The launch of Dunville’s 1808 marks a new and exciting chapter in the Dunville’s story, a story that has spanned more than two centuries. Strong, uncompromised, bold, confident and honest, it celebrates all that is great about our city and our whiskey.

We revived Dunville’s Whiskey back in 2012 with a commitment to reintroduce this iconic Belfast brand to a new generation of whiskey drinkers. The expansion of our core range of single malt and vintage blend whiskeys and cask strength releases from the Dunville’s Single Cask Series have earned us a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts and won more than 20 global awards along the way.

An everyday whiskey

Until now our focus has very much been on the super and ultra-premium end of the market. Dunville’s 1808 will give us a strong presence in the premium category. Everything, from the liquid to the label and the serve suggestions to the price tag, has been formulated with a broad customer base in mind. It is aimed at those who want to experience the great flavour and quality of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey in a more accessible offering.

It is a great option for everyone, from the ‘whiskey connoisseur’ who can enjoy it as an everyday sipper, to the ‘whiskey curious’ who want to try Irish Whiskey but aren’t quite sure where to start. We very much see 1808 as a gateway to the Dunville’s range and we hope it will introduce the brand to a much wider audience.

“Dunville’s 1808 tastes great the traditional way – neat or in the company of a pint. But it’s equally good in a classic cocktail or served long with ginger ale and a wedge of lime. Ginger ale was invented in Belfast, so it is a perfect pairing for a whiskey that is, at its heart, Belfast and proud.”

Jarlath Watson, Dunville’s Irish Whiskey and The Echlinville Distillery

The historic Spirit of Belfast

1808 is a celebration of Belfast and Dunville’s legacy in this great city. Founded in 1808 and produced at The Royal Irish Distilleries on the Grosvenor Road, Dunville’s put Belfast on the world whiskey map. The Dunville family made a huge contribution to the city by way of employment, housing, educational scholarships. They even founded a football team and provided the land and money to build the city’s first public park.

Unfortunately, the distillery fell silent in 1936 and Dunville’s was feared gone for good, until the brand was revived by The Echlinville Distillery in 2012. Since then, we have been on a journey towards restoring Dunville’s to its rightful place among the premier whiskeys of the world. A journey that continues with the launch of Dunville’s 1808.

Dunville’s 1808 Blended Irish Whiskey is bottled at 40% abv. Priced at £33 / €38 RRP it is available via retailers throughout the Republic of Ireland, from Total Wine & More in the USA and from The Echlinville Distillery online shop Distributed in Ireland by Hi-Spirits Ireland. For more visit www.dunvilleswhiskey.com

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey unveils fourth PX Cask Strength release

We are expanding ouraward winning Dunville’s Irish Whiskey portfolio with the release of its latest PX Cask Strength Single Cask bottling.

Cask 1710

Dunville’s PX Cask Strength 12 Year Old Single Malt Cask 1710 is the fourth PX Cask Strength expression from the Dunville’s Single Cask Series. Finished in the finest Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, bottled at 56.9% abv and limited to just 354 bottles, it will be available exclusively from our online shop from 8pm on Friday 26 February priced £112.

This is the fourth Cask Strength expression of our award winning 12 Year Old PX whiskey and the newest addition to our Single Cask Series, which showcases the very best whiskeys from our Dunville’s warehouses. Each release from the Single Cask Series offers something different, with every cask bottled at its optimum strength to deliver the stunning palate and rich mouthfeel that is synonymous with The Spirit of Belfast.

PX Sherry Cask Finish

“Since the release of our Dunville’s PX 10 Year Old back in 2012 – the whiskey with which we revived the iconic Dunville’s brand – the PX sherry cask finish has become our best known expression and is something that we do very well. Almost a year to the day since the release of our first PX Cask Strength expression, the PX finish is now a firm fixture in our Single Cask Series and has been very well received within the Irish whiskey family. As the Single Cask Series continues to evolve, we look forward to future Pedro Ximénez cask releases with some interesting twists and impressive age statements.”

Jarlath Watson, The Echlinville Distillery, Custodians of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey

This release will be limited to a maximum of two bottles per customer. Any additional bottles purchased will be voided and refunded accordingly. As demand for the Single Cask Series releases continues to grow, multi-bottle purchases have been limited in the interest of fairness. We hope you will understand the reason for this decision and will continue to support us on our journey to restoring The Spirit of Belfast to its rightful place among the premier whiskeys of the world.

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey in triple win at World Whiskies Awards

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey has won three accolades at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards.

We at The Echlinville Distillery are custodians of the iconic Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand, which picked up two category wins and one bronze medal at the esteemed awards.

Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old won it’s third consecutive World Whiskies Award, picking up the title of Best Irish Single Malt 12 Years and Under. Its cask strength cousin, Dunville’s PX 12 Cask Strength, was named Best Irish Single Cask Single Malt Aged 12 Years and Under, while the 18 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Finish won Bronze in the Irish Single Cask Single Malt Aged 13-20 category.

World’s best whiskeys

This is the latest in a series of accolades for Dunville’s, which has scooped major category wins at the World Whiskies Awards every year since 2015, further cementing Dunville’s place among the best whiskies of the world.

The World Whiskies Award select, reward and promote the highest quality whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe. They are judged by an international panel of whiskey experts.

Dunville’s 20 Year Old Oloroso & PX Sherry Casks Finish launch

We are expanding our Dunville’s Irish Whiskey portfolio with the release of a new limited cask strength bottling from the Single Cask Series.

Cask 1717 is an exceptional 20 Year Old Irish Single Malt finished in the finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks. Bottled at Cask Strength 54.8% abv and limited to a Single Cask of just 290 bottles.

It will be available from our online distillery shop on Friday 11 December 2020 at 20:20hrs (8.20pm) priced £225.

This release will be limited to a maximum of two bottles per customer. Any additional bottles purchased will be voided and you will be refunded accordingly.*

New Single Cask Expression

Oloroso PX is a new expression for the Single Cask Series. It is also the first 20 year old whiskey and the eldest age statement in the Dunville’s portfolio. The influence of the twin sherry casks are wonderfully balanced, with  juicy, syrupy sweetness from the Pedro Ximénez perfectly enveloping the stunning depth and dryness of the Oloroso.

Robust, chewy and rich, with initial notes of stewed pears, overly ripened soft red apples, candied orange peel, dark chocolate and Kirsch soaked Black Forest Gateau.

Then raisins, prunes, apricot, roasted nuts. Think Christmas pudding drizzled in fig syrup, giving way to an array of warming winter spices, liquorice, stem ginger, clove, nutmeg and cinnamon, all caressed in old leather, cocoa and wonderful dark muscovado treacle.

Dunville’s Single Cask Series

The Single Cask Series showcases the very best whiskeys from Dunville’s warehouses, with each cask bottled at its optimum strength to deliver the stunning palate and rich mouthfeel that has become synonymous with The Spirit of Belfast.

Cask 1717 will also be available from selected retailers from Saturday 12 December (Celtic Whiskey Shop, Fairleys Wines Coleraine, Irish Malts and The Vineyard Belfast)

Dunville’s PX Cask Strength third release

We are expanding our award winning Dunville’s Irish Whiskey portfolio with the release of its latest PX Cask Strength Single Cask bottling.

Dunville’s PX Cask Strength 12 Year Old Single Malt Cask 1703 is the third PX Cask Strength expression from the Dunville’s Single Cask Series. Finished in the finest Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, bottled at 58.2% abv and limited to just 334 bottles, it will be available exclusively from our online shop from 8pm on Friday 20 November priced £112.

Dunville’s Single Cask Series

This is the third Cask Strength expression of our award winning 12 Year Old PX whiskey and the newest addition to our Single Cask Series, which showcases the very best whiskeys from our warehouses.

Each release from the Single Cask Series offers something different, with every cask bottled its optimum strength to deliver the stunning palate and rich mouthfeel that Dunville’s customers expect and deserve.

“Bottled at an impressive 58.2% abv – our highest strength release to date – Cask 1703 boasts notes of stewed orchard fruits, deep caramelised and syrupy stone fruits, rich warming spices and that signature Dunville’s PX candied orange grace note. It really is Christmas in a glass. It’s the perfect whiskey for the festive season.”

Jarlath Watson, The Echlinville Distillery, Custodians of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey

Pedro Ximénez sherry cask finish

Since the release of our Dunville’s PX 10 Year Old back in 2012 – the whiskey with which we revived the iconic Dunville’s brand – the PX sherry cask finish has become our best known expression and is something that we do very well. Dunville’s PX Cask Strength whiskeys are now a firm fixture in our Single Cask Series and have been very well received within the Irish whiskey family. As the Single Cask Series continues to evolve, we look forward to future Pedro Ximénez cask releases with some interesting twists and impressive age statements.

Tasting Notes

Nose – An initial hit of pears, first pear drops, then stewed pears going on to pear Tatin as the caramelised brown sugars come in. This is held in balance with lighter notes of fresh apricots, white peach and ripe grapes. Then the more familiar Dunville’s PX12 grace notes of stewed apples and candied orange, together with marzipan, nutmeg and dark chocolate.

Palate – Again, it’s starts off all about those deeply caramelised stewed orchard fruits, apples and pears, before the sherry cask starts to impose itself an array of dark stone fruits and spices; prunes, dates and raisins, nutmeg, clove and cinnamon. And all the way though interlaced with orange peel, oak char and clean malt.

Finish – Rich and intense, syrupy and sweet. When those dark fruits and muscovado sugars finally subside we are treated to the final glorious encore of warm tongue tingling spices.

Overall – Stewed orchard fruits, deep caramelised and syrupy stone fruits, candied orange zest and rich warming spices. This is Christmas in a glass.

New Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey

We are pleased to announce the latest release from Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Single Cask Series – an 18 year old single malt finished in rare Palo Cortado sherry cask.

Dunville’s 18 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Whiskey Cask 1211 is bottled at Cask Strength 54% abv, it is limited to just 318 individually numbered bottles. It will be available from The Echlinville Distillery online shop from 8pm on Wednesday 30 September 2020 and also from selected retailers RRP £199.

Single Cask Series

Finished for almost three years in the finest Palo Cortado Sherry Cask, this whiskey is packed with notes of chocolate candied oranges, caramelised crème brulée, ripe orchard fruits, citrus zest and a hint of Christmas spices – nutmeg, cinnamon and toasted almonds. Cask 1211 takes its place proudly in the Single Cask Series alongside Dunville’s earlier Palo Cortado releases, both of which sold out within a few hours of their release earlier this year.

“When we revived the Dunville’s whiskey brand in 2012 we did so with the promise not to compromise in our desire to produce the finest whiskeys conceivable. Our Single Cask Series is central to that ethos, showcasing the very best whiskeys in the Dunville’s warehouses and featuring exceptional Irish whiskey, uncompromised and bottled at its optimum strength to deliver both a stunning palate and wonderful, luxurious mouthfeel.

Jarlath Watson, The Echlinville Distillery, Custodians of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey

Palo Cortado Sherry Casks

This release is our third Palo Cortado Sherry Finish Cask expression. Palo Cortado is in itself a rare type of sherry which starts ageing as a Fino or an Amontillado. During the ageing process, the flor becomes damaged or dries off, meaning the sherry ages oxidatively. Palo Cortado Sherry features the crispness of Amontillado and the full bodied sweetness of an Olorosso. While there are many sherry finished whiskeys out there, very few are finished in Palo Cortado casks, so we are delighted that Palo Cortado cask finishes are now a firm fixture in our Single Cask Series.

We firmly believe that each offering from the Single Cask Series further enhances Dunville’s global reputation for excellence and helps us take another step towards restoring ‘The Spirit of Belfast’ to its rightful place among the world’s best whiskeys.

Dunville’s 18 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Finish Single Cask Whiskey, Cask 1211 is priced £199 and available from The Echlinville Distillery and at selected retailers.

Dunville’s expands Single Cask Series with Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish

We are expanding the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey portfolio with the release of two new 18 year old single malts finished in rare Palo Cortado sherry casks.

The duo of Dunville’s 18 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Whiskeys are the latest additions to Dunville’s Single Cask Series, with each cask bottled at its optimum strength for the best possible quality and flavour.

Exceptional whiskey without compromise

Limited to just 313 individually numbered bottles, Cask 1203 is bottled at a cask strength 55% abv. Packed with notes of dried stone fruits, Christmas spices, hazelnut laden crème brulee, and bittersweet citrus fruits, it was named Best Irish Single Malt Aged 13-20 Years at this year’s World Whiskies Awards.

Cask 1196 is bottled at 48% abv, showcasing those lighter citrus fruit notes, with candied orange intertwined with deep filled spiced cherry pie, over a sweet malt base. Again, this is a very limited release, with only 375 numbered bottles available.

Both whiskeys have been finished for over 2 years in the finest Palo Cortado Sherry Casks.

When we revived the Dunville’s whiskey brand in 2012 we did so with the promise not to compromise in our desire to produce the finest whiskeys conceivable. We stay true to that ethos with our Single Cask Series, which showcases the very best whiskeys in the Dunville’s warehouses and gives our customers what they want – exceptional Irish whiskey, uncompromised and bottled at its optimum strength to deliver both a stunning palate and wonderful, luxurious mouthfeel.

Single Cask Series

These Palo Cortado Sherry Finish Whiskeys are the latest additions to the Single Cask Series, with each cask bottled at its best possible abv to maximise its flavour profile. While the cask strength release (Cask 1203) is all about the bolder dark fruit and spice flavour profiles, reminiscent of some of the best sherry bomb whiskeys out there, the reduced alcohol in the 48% abv (Cask 1196) allows the more delicate flavours of citrus, green fruits and the oak itself to come to the fore.

“These are the first Palo Cortado Sherry Cask expressions in the Dunville’s range. Palo Cortado is in itself a rare type of sherry which starts ageing as a Fino or an Amontillado. During the ageing process, the flor becomes damaged or dries off, meaning the sherry ages oxidatively. Palo Cortado Sherry features the crispness of Amontillado and the full bodied sweetness of an Olorosso. While there are many sherry finished whiskeys out there, very few are finished in Palo Cortado casks, so we are delighted to be able to add the Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish to our portfolio.”

Jarlath Watson, The Echlinville Distillery, Custodian of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey

These whiskeys join Dunville’s PX 12 Cask Strength and 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish Whiskey to expand our offering of superior Single Cask Series whiskeys that can stand proudly alongside the very best in their genre.

We firmly believe that each offering from the Single Cask Series further enhances Dunville’s global reputation for excellence and helps us take another step towards restoring ‘The Spirit of Belfast’ to its rightful place among the world’s best whiskeys.

Dunville’s 18 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Finish Single Cask Whiskeys are available from The Echlinville Distillery. Cask 1203 Cask Strength 55% abv £199.50, Cask 1196 48% abv £159.50.

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey now available in Canada

The Echlinville Distillery are delighted to be exporting their  multi award-winning Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand to Canada in a deal with one of the world’s largest alcohol buyers.

The Spirit of Belfast is now available in Ontario in a new deal with the LCBO – Liquor Control Board of Ontario – following Echlinville’s two successful trade missions to Canada with Invest Northern Ireland and the Irish Whiskey Association. The LCBO is among the world’s largest buyers and retailers of beverage alcohol with almost 900 LCBO stores and LCBO Convenience Outlets across the province of Ontario.

This is the latest in a series of export accounts for the independent family-run distillery, which ships its award-winning whiskeys, gins and poitín to international markets across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.

Dunville’s is introducing three of its award winning whiskeys to the Canadian market: Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Single Malt, which was named Best Irish Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 and the Irish Whiskey Awards 2018 and 2019 and recently won Gold at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards. LCBO is also stocking Dunville’s Three Crowns Blended Whiskey, which won Bronze at the World Whiskies Awards 2020, and Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Irish Whiskey, which was named Best Irish Blended Whiskey at the World Whiskies Awards 2019.

Jarlath Watson from Echlinville said: “We are delighted to bring The Spirit of Belfast to the ever-increasing number of Irish whiskey enthusiasts in the province of Ontario. When we revived the iconic Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand in 2012, we did so with the view to restoring it to its rightful place among the premier whiskeys of the world. With an ever-increasing international following, we are well on our way to achieving that goal.”

Irish whiskey is the world’s fastest growing spirits category and Canada is one of the leading markets for that growth, with the IWSR Drinks Market Analysis reporting an 83% increase in volume export sales to the Canadian market between 2014 and 2018. That growth is expected to increase by a further 77% with exports to Canada projected to reach 491,000 nine-litre cases annually by 2023. Much of that growth is expected to be among premium whiskeys such as Dunville’s.

Jarlath continued: “Our single malt and vintage blend whiskeys have gathered 21 major international awards and are synonymous with exceptional quality, exquisite taste and rich heritage. As the global demand for premium and ultra-premium Irish whiskey continues to grow, this is a strong foundation upon which we continue to build our global export business.

“This new business with LCBO comes as we have also sent another major shipment to the USA, which means that Dunville’s Irish Whiskey will have an increasing presence right across the lucrative North American market in the coming months.

“As the global demand for Irish whiskey continues to grow, so too does our Dunville’s portfolio. Our most recent addition to the range – a Cask Strength bottling of our iconic Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Single Malt – sold out within a few hours its release. We are working on further releases in the Dunville’s Single Cask Series, a series of single cask whiskeys that will showcase the very best whiskeys in the Dunville’s warehouse and give our customers what they want – exceptional Irish whiskey, uncompromised and bottled at its optimum strength for the best possible quality and flavour.

“2020 promises to be another great year for The Spirit of Belfast and we would like to thank Invest NI – particularly its Canadian office – the Irish Whiskey Association, our Ontario based agent Cork Wines and Whiskeys and all our customers for their continued support.”

John Hood, Director of Food & Drink at Invest NI, said: “The Irish whiskey market has seen remarkable growth over the last ten years with Irish whiskey now one of the fastest growing premium spirit categories in the world. Our support for Echlinville included an introduction by our office in Canada with the LCBO during an Invest NI trade mission to Canada which helped the company to secure this deal. This success is testament to the quality Irish whiskey which Echlinville Distillery produces here, with only a handful of brands getting past LCBO’s long and rigorous selection process.”

William Lavelle, Head of the Irish Whiskey Association, said: “Irish whiskey sales are booming in Canada and it is great to see new brands such as Dunville’s launching across Canada. The Irish Whiskey Association has worked closely with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and Invest NI to secure access for more Irish whiskey brands to the large Ontario market and it is great to see this now bearing fruit for The Echlinville Distillery.”

Jason Nykor Owner of Cork Wines and Whiskeys Ltd., who represent quality Irish spirits for the Canadian market, said: “Cork Wines and Whiskeys Ltd. is proud to represent an icon such as Dunville’s Irish Whiskey in Ontario. It is with great pleasure that we are able to bring this whiskey all the way from Northern Ireland to LCBO stores across the province. The LCBO has seen a huge increase in demand for Irish Whiskey and brands like Dunville’s will only enhance the category. We look forward to lifting a dram of Dunville’s Irish whiskey soon.”

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey is available now from LCBO online and in-store. LCBO product codes are as follows:

Dunville’s releases Cask Strength PX Whiskey

The Echlinville Distillery is expanding our award winning Dunville’s Irish Whiskey portfolio with the release of a Cask Strength expression of its iconic 12 year old Single Malt.

Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Irish Whiskey is finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and bottled at 55% abv and has already been awarded a Category Win at this year’s World Whiskies Awards. Priced at £108, the first single cask bottling of approximately 300 bottles is available only from The Echlinville Distillery shop, either in store or online.

Dunville’s brand ambassador Jarlath Watson said: “When we revived the Dunville’s whiskey brand in 2012 we did so with the promise not to compromise in our desire to produce the finest whiskeys conceivable. We are staying true to that ethos with the release of Dunville’s PX Cask Strength. This is an intense, perfectly balanced, spicy, fruity, luxurious, sherry bomb of a whiskey that will sit proudly alongside the very best whiskeys of its genre.

“This release of around 300 bottles at 55% abv is only the second single cask whiskey from Dunville’s, the first being our 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish which was launched last year. We are excited to reveal that we are working on further releases in the Dunville’s Single Cask Series, a series of single cask whiskeys that will showcase the very best whiskeys in the Dunville’s warehouse and give our customers what they want – exceptional Irish whiskey, uncompromised and bottled at its optimum strength for the best possible quality and flavour.

“We firmly believe that PX 12 Cask Strength and the releases that will follow in the next few months further enhance Dunville’s global reputation, with each release helping us take another step towards restoring Dunville’s ‘The Spirit of Belfast’ to its rightful place among the world’s best whiskeys.”

Speaking about Dunville’s decision to release this cask strength expression of their already popular PX 12 single malt, Jarlath continued: “Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old standard expression has always been very well received but we also know there is a desire out there among the Irish whiskey community for a cask strength expression, so we are delighted to introduce PX Cask Strength to the Dunville’s portfolio.”

Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Irish Whiskey is available exclusively from The Echlinville Distillery online or in-store at 62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, Co. Down, BT22 1AJ. Distillery Shop open 11.30am-5pm Monday to Saturday.

Tasting Notes for Dunville’s PX 12 Cask Strength Single Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Colour – Beautiful deep, dark, rich amber gold. The colour screams of the intensity of what is to come, and it does not lie.

Nose – Full of fruit. First dark fruits, cherries, plums, raisins, figs, then apricots, marzipan, caramelised stewed apples, pear drops and that candied orange grace note that is a constant across the Dunville’s range. The fruits merge with the incoming spices, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and muscovado sugar to give the most glorious Christmas cake aromas, all wrapped up in wonderful clean oak wood.

Palate – Intense soft fruits, black cherries, caramelised orange peel, apple strudel, dates. Perfectly balanced with dark chocolate, demerara sugars and liquorice and a hint of mint, and all the way through that rustic cask char influence and PX sweetness that elevate this whiskey to something truly wonderful.

Finish – The length and intensity of the finish speaks of the quality of those PX casks. The dark fruits, sugars and spices all carry through with the oak char in almost perfect harmony, enveloped in a syrupy PX sweetness that carries the finish through for almost an eternity.

Overall – Dunville’s PX 12 Cask Strength is an intense, perfectly balanced, spicy, fruity, sherry bomb of a whiskey that will sit proudly alongside the very best whiskeys of its genre.

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey wins five World Whiskies Awards

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey has won an impressive haul of five accolades at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards.

Echlinville are custodians of the iconic Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand, which swept the board at the esteemed awards with two top category wins, two gold medals and one bronze medal.

Dunville’s 18 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Whiskey, which is due to be released in the coming weeks, secured the coveted title of Best Irish Single Malt Aged Aged 13-20 Years – one of the competition’s most hotly contested categories. Another upcoming release, Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Whiskey, won Best Irish Single Cask Single Malt 12 Years and Under.

Gold Medals went to Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Single Malt (46% abv) in the Irish Single Malt 12 Years and Under category and to Dunville’s VR 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish in the Single Cask Single Malt Aged 13-20 group. Dunville’s Three Crowns was awarded a Bronze medal in the Irish Blends category.

This is the latest in a series of accolades for Dunville’s , which has scooped major category wins at the World Whiskies Awards every year since 2015. This week’s wins bring to 21 the brand’s total number of international prizes and further cements Dunville’s place among the best whiskies of the world.

Dunville’s brand ambassador Jarlath Watson from The Echlinville Distillery said: “We are delighted with the news of five major wins at this year’s World Whiskies Awards. In an industry that has long been dominated by big multi-nationals, we are proud that our small team at Echlinville Distillery is making such an impact on the world stage. We continue to punch well above our weight and these awards are yet another tribute to the hard work and dedication of all our staff”

“At Echlinville, we don’t produce huge volumes of whiskey but we are dedicated to our craft. We strive for perfection in all our small batch releases. We will not compromise in our desire to produce the finest whiskey conceivable. It is an approach that is proving very successful for us and we are our honoured that the quality of our spirits has been recognised yet again at the World Whiskies Awards.

“These awards are an excellent start to what promises to be a great year for Dunville’s. We are looking forward to a number of new releases in the coming weeks, including the Cask Strength expression of our iconic PX 12 Year Old Single Malt and an exceptional 18 Year Old Single Malt with a Palo Cortado Sherry Cask finish. Both of these whiskies were extremely well received at a recent tasting with the Irish Whiskey Society and have now won their respective categories at the World Whiskies Awards.”

Speaking about the history of the Dunville’s brand, Jarlath continued: “Established in 1808 and originally produced at the Royal Irish Distilleries in Belfast, Dunville’s was among the world’s most famous whiskeys until its untimely demise in 1936. We revived the iconic Dunville’s brand in 2012 and as it’s proud custodians we have been doing everything we can to restore The Spirit of Belfast to its rightful place among the world’s best whiskies.”

The World Whiskies Award select, reward and promote the highest quality whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe. They are judged by an international panel of whiskey experts. Dunville’s winning whiskies will now go on to compete in the Best Irish Single Malt and Best Irish Blended Whiskey categories, the winners of which will be announced on 26th March.

For more information visit www.dunvilleswhiskey.com

Triple win for Echlinville at the Irish Whiskey Awards

The Echlinville Distillery is celebrating an impressive triple win at the Irish Whiskey Awards, which honour the best in Irish whiskey and artisan spirits.

These latest accolades bring to 30 the total number of global awards won by the distillery since it was established in 2013.

Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey was named Best Irish Single Malt Aged 12 Years and Under. Finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry butts, this is the latest major award for Dunville’s PX 12, which was also named Best Irish Single Malt 12 Years and Under at this year’s World Whiskies Awards.

Its younger sibling – Dunville’s PX 10 Year Old Single Malt – won the same category at the 2017 Irish Whiskey Awards, meaning Echlinville have secured the title twice in three years with two different whiskeys.

Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin also won its second consecutive Gold Medal in the Irish Gin category, with Bán Poitín also picking up Gold.

Echlinville’s Jarlath Watson said: “We are delighted with the news of three wins at this year’s Irish Whiskey Awards. These awards are particularly special to us as they are judged by members of whiskey clubs and societies the length and breadth of Ireland, so it is an honour to be recognised by our friends and colleagues within the Irish whiskey family.

“At Echlinville, we don’t produce huge volumes of spirit but we are dedicated to our craft. Our ethos is to do it small but do it well. It is an approach that is proving very successful for us and we are our delighted that the quality of our spirits has been recognised yet again at the Irish Whiskey Awards.

“We now have 30 major awards under our belt – that’s quite an achievement in the six years since the first spirit trickled from our stills. We are exceptionally proud that our small, independent, family owned distillery is making an impact in an increasingly competitive industry.

“This has been an incredible year for us, most recently with the launch of our much anticipated Dunville’s VR 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish Whiskey and significant wins at the World Whiskies Awards and World Gin Awards earlier in the year. With a number of new releases due in the coming months, we very much hope that our success will continue in to 2020.”

For more information on Dunville’s Irish Whiskey visit www.dunvilleswhiskey.com

From The Vault: Original Dunville’s Three Crowns Special Liqueur Whisky

Last weekend we carefully (and somewhat nervously) opened this beautifully battered and dusty bottle of original Dunville’s Three Crowns Special Liqueur Whisky.

While we aren’t sure of the exact year of bottling, this would have been bottled in bond at The Royal Irish Distilleries in Belfast some time before its closure in 1936. A throwback to a time when Belfast was as famous for its whiskey as it was for its ship building and linen industries and Dunville’s was among the world’s finest and best known whiskeys.

Earlier this year, this bottle has found its way to Dunville’s new home here at Echlinville. Since the moment it arrived, we’ve looked forward to opening it and taking a journey back in time to the heyday of The Spirit of Belfast.

So, what happened when we cracked the seal? Here are a few notes from our distiller Graeme on opening this very special bottle and sharing it with a room full of Dunville’s fans who had joined us to celebrate the past, present and future of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey.

“A journey into the unknown. Bottles like this don’t come along very often. We were both excited and apprehensive at the prospect of sharing it with the room.

“The cork was sound but very delicate. Removing it carefully, it broke up a lot but smelled fresh – the first clue that what lay within the bottle had remained unspoilt for more than 80 years.

“The liquid level in the bottle looked like it had only dropped a little – perhaps just 15mm – during the years of storage, raising my hopes that the ‘spiritiness’ of the liquid had been maintained. The label read 70% proof – that’s around 38.4% abv according to the old English method of calculation (70% proof divided by 1.821).

“Now for the pour. A very careful pour. The colour was a rich amber and perfectly clear. Just beautiful.

“On the nose, a subtle and short lived medicinal note which is the only hint that this whiskey has spent many years in a bottle. I picked up delicate, sweet grain and a surprising freshness, a hint of wood and a little toffee and butterscotch.

“At last, the opportunity to taste this little piece of Dunville’s proud history. Creamy on the palate. Slight toffee and even more subtle liquorice notes. A sweet, barley rich flavour. If it was a contemporary whiskey I would say it’s double distilled with at least an element of pot still character. Mild pears and slight grain bitterness with no adverse signs of age. The balance is wonderful. It’s spirity, probably very close to the original bottling strength. A soft rather than an intense whiskey.

“The nose develops with building intensity of wood, the overall experience becoming more robust as the whiskey sits in the glass.

“What a privilege to be able to taste this whiskey and an absolute honour to share it with everyone in the room.”

Click here to find out more about the history and heritage of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey.

Video: Dunville’s VR 18 Year Old Rum Finish Whiskey Launch

The Harp Bar in Belfast provided the perfect backdrop for the launch of Dunville’s VR 18 Year Old Rum Finish Irish Whiskey.

This cask strength (57% abv) limited release is from the first of eight incredibly rare casks from the lost Port Mourant Estate Distillery in Guyana – casks that previously nurtured an exceptional 41 year old Demerara Rum from the world’s last surviving double wooden pot still.

With four international awards already to its name, this Single Cask bottling is the jewel in the crown of the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey portfolio. The limited edition bottling is presented in an exquisite collector’s box, the contents of which have been carefully curated to reflect both Dunville’s rich heritage and the unique provenance of the rare rum casks in which the whiskey has been finished.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the launch. Enjoy the highlights.

Raising a glass to 211 years of Dunville’s

On this day 211 years ago, the story of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey began.

On 11th October 1808 the Belfast Commercial Chronicle carried an announcement that ‘William Napier and John Dunvill respectfully inform their friends and the public that they have commenced the Wine and Spirit Business at No. 13 Bank Street under the firm of Napier and Dunvill’.

From that day onward, the name Dunvill (later changed to Dunville) would become synonymous with Irish whiskey.

John Dunvill was introduced to the whiskey business in 1801 as a 16 year old apprentice to William Napier, a well-known Belfast brewer, distiller and tea importer. Napier and Dunvill built a successful partnership and in 1825 John Dunvill bought his partner’s share of the company. The name of the firm was changed to Dunville and Company and moved to new premises in Calender Street, Belfast.

From there unfolded the story of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey. A story of of unprecedented global success that would give way to a tragic and untimely demise until the brand’s revival by Echlinville and our continuing journey towards restoring Dunville’s to its rightful place among the premier whiskeys of the world.

*Image courtesy of the Linen Hall Library, Belfast.

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey unveils 18 year old single malt with rare Port Mourant Demerara Rum cask finish

The Echlinville Distillery has has unveiled its highly anticipated award winning Dunville’s VR 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey.

This cask strength (57% abv) limited release is from the first of eight incredibly rare casks from the lost Port Mourant Estate Distillery in Guyana – casks that previously nurtured an exceptional 41 year old Demerara Rum from the world’s last surviving double wooden pot still.

With four international awards already to its name, this Single Cask bottling is the jewel in the crown of the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey portfolio. It joins Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Single Malt, Dunville’s Three Crowns and Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated, which have recently been relaunched with new look bespoke bottles and gift packs.

Joining the Dunville’s Very Rare range, the Rum Finish bottling is presented in an exquisite collector’s box, the contents of which have been carefully curated to reflect both Dunville’s rich heritage and the unique provenance of the rare rum casks in which the whiskey has been finished. In fact, the package includes a sample of the very same 41 year old rum that was disgorged from the Port Mourant casks before Echlinville refilled them with single malt whiskey. An exciting proposition for any whiskey or rum collector

Award winning

Dunville’s VR 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish Whiskey has already picked up three international accolades. It was named Best Irish Single Cask at the World Whiskies Awards , Best Irish Single Malt 13-20 Years at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 and Irish Single Cask Gold Medal Winner at the Irish Whiskey Awards 2018.

Jarlath Watson from The Echlinville Distillery said: “When Echlinville became the proud custodians of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, we made it our founding goal to revive restore Dunville’s it to its rightful place among the premier whiskeys of the world. This latest release perfectly realises that goal and encompasses Echlinville’s ethos of tradition meets innovation.”

Rare rum cask finish

Jarlath continued: “Dunville’s VR 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish is the perfect marriage of mature Irish Single Malt and exquisite Caribbean Rum, having been masterfully finished in some of the last remaining casks from the famous Port Mourant Estate Distillery.

“Founded in 1732, the Port Mourant Estate Distillery produced some of the world’s finest Demerara Rums. Each of their casks was lined with rich dark molasses treacle before being filled with rum from their iconic wooden still.

“The 2015 bottling of an exquisite 41 year old Port Mourant Estate Demerara Rum presented us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to obtain eight of those exceptional casks, with a level of quality and provenance seldom seen in ex-rum barrels.

“From the moment we got our hands on these Port Mourant Estate casks we knew this whiskey was going to be very special indeed. The intensity of flavour that is so unique to these casks now resonates through the nose, palate and finish of our whiskey.

“Layerings of sweet molasses, dark muscovado sugar and vanilla give way to stewed fruits, apple strudel, candied orange, cinnamon and clove, before those rum casks take over with crème brȗlée, banana bread and those sugars that combine with the malt’s natural oils to coat the mouth quite sublimely with pure treacle molasses, perfectly defining this magnificent whiskey.”

The Spirit of Belfast

Speaking about the proud heritage of the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand, Jarlath continued: “Originally produced at the Royal Irish Distilleries in Belfast, Dunville’s was among the world’s most iconic whiskey brands until production fell silent in 1936.

“As custodians of the Dunville’s name, we are hugely proud of the brand’s rich heritage – a heritage that is celebrated in the beautifully ornate box in which our rum finish whiskey is presented. Alongside a replica of an original Dunville’s mirror, the box also includes a book detailing the story of the brand from its birth in 1808 until its rebirth here at Echlinville and beyond.

“Today marks a new chapter in that story and we are very excited to see what lies ahead for The Spirit of Belfast.”

Dunville’s VR 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey is available from The Echlinville Distillery and select retail outlets RRP £585.

Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Irish Whiskey now available in Canada

Ireland’s Best Blended Whiskey is now available in Ontario, Canada.

Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Irish Whiskey, awarded the Best Irish Blended Whiskey at the World Whiskies Awards 2019, is available online from LCBO priced at $117.50.

Dunville’s is one of Ireland’s oldest, greatest and most iconic whiskey brands. Originally produced at the Royal Irish Distilleries in Belfast until it fell silent in 1936, it was one of Echlinville’s founding goals to revive this important cornerstone of Irish whiskey heritage and bring Dunville’s Whiskey back to the world.

Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated was the third release from our Dunville and Co. whiskey range. It joined the multi award-winning Dunville’s PX Single Malt Whiskey and Dunville’s Three Crowns to complete the Dunville’s trilogy. The portfolio will be expanded further with the launch of Dunville’s VR 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey in September 2019.

Echlinville secures rare bottles of original Dunville’s Three Crowns Whiskey

We are delighted to have gotten our hands on two previously unopened cases of the original Dunville’s Three Crowns Special Liqueur Whisky. While we aren’t sure of the exact date of the bottling, this iconic whiskey would have been distilled, matured and bottled at the Royal Irish Distilleries in Belfast some time prior to its untimely closure in 1936.

Bottles like this are a rare find, so to secure two cases is very special indeed!

Those with a passion for Irish whiskey will know of Dunville’s and its place among the icons of Irish whiskey heritage. Founded in 1808, Dunville’s was among the world’s finest and best-known whiskeys until the Royal Irish Distilleries fell silent in the midst of family tragedy and the political and economic turmoil of the 1930s.

In 2012, Echlinville became the proud custodians of the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand. Having brought Dunville’s Three Crowns and Dunville’s VR whiskeys back to the world, we are delighted to bring the story full circle with this incredibly rare find from Dunville’s rich history.

Echlinville in triple win at World Whiskies Awards

The Echlinville Distillery is celebrating an impressive triple win at the World Whiskies Awards – the latest in a series of international accolades for its Dunville’s Irish Whiskey.

Echlinville has swept the board at the prestigious awards with its Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Whiskey winning Best Irish Single Malt Aged 12 Years and Under. Dunville’s VR 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish Whiskey has been named Best Irish Single Malt Aged 13-20 Years, and Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Whiskey was judged Best Irish Blended Whiskey Aged 12 Years and Under – one of the competition’s most hotly contested categories.

This is the latest in a series of accolades for Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, which has scooped category wins at the World Whiskies Awards every year since 2015. This week’s triple win brings to 15 the brand’s total number of international prizes and further cements Dunville’s place among the best whiskies of the world.

Echlinville owner Shane Braniff said: “We are delighted with the news of three major wins at this year’s World Whiskies Awards. In an industry that has long been dominated by big multi-nationals, we are proud that our independent family-owned distillery is making an impact on the world stage.

“At Echlinville, we don’t produce huge volumes of whiskey but we are dedicated to our craft. Our ethos is to do it small but do it well. We will not compromise in our desire to produce the finest whiskey conceivable. It is an approach that is proving very successful for us and we are our honoured that the quality of our spirits has been recognised yet again at the World Whiskies Awards.”

“To bring home three World Whiskies Awards is a huge achievement for us and is testament to the hard work and commitment of the team here at Echlinville. It is an excellent start to what promises to be a great year for us. We are looking forward to a number of new releases in the coming months, including our multi-award winning 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish Whiskey, which has now picked up its third major award.

“We are also working on an exciting new addition to the Dunville’s family – one that will be an important nod to an often forgotten chapter of the brands rich history, and will also mark the opening of a new and innovative chapter in the Dunville’s story. We are looking forward to revealing more on that over the coming weeks.

“Established in 1808 and originally produced at the Royal Irish Distilleries in Belfast, Dunville’s was among the world’s most famous whiskeys until its untimely demise in 1936. We revived the iconic Dunville’s brand in 2012 and as it’s proud custodians we have been doing everything we can to restore The Spirit of Belfast to its rightful place among the world’s best whiskies.”

The World Whiskies Award select, reward and promote the highest quality whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe. They are judged by an international panel of whiskey experts. Dunville’s winning whiskies will now go on to compete in the Best Irish Single Malt and Best Irish Blended Whiskey categories, the winners of which will be announced on 28th March.

Echlinville’s success at the World Whiskies Awards comes just weeks after Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin was named Best Irish Contemporary Gin at the World Gin Awards.

For more information or to book a Tour and Tasting at The Echlinville Distillery visit www.echlinville.com

Time is running out to purchase your Patron’s Promise cask of Echlinville Whiskey

Our Patron’s Promise Private Reserve cask offer will close on 21st December 2018.

The Patron’s Promise offers whiskey connoisseurs and collectors the opportunity to purchase their very own cask of Echlinville Whiskey.

We have almost reached our quota for these limited edition casks, but we do still have a small number of 200 litre once-filled bourbon casks still available to purchase.

We will craft your whiskey to your requirements. Choose from Echlinville’s Single Malt or Pot Still spirit. We will keep watch over it as it ages in our maturation hall for a minimum of five years, after which you can choose from a range of specialty casks in which to finish your whiskey.

Our whiskey is truly special. Crafted from field to glass from barley grown, harvest and floor malted on our family farm, every drop is trickle pot distilled to produce a spirit that is true of character and exceptional in quality. We use only the finest barrels, time and patience to create whiskey with a complex array of flavours and character unique to Echlinville.

For your opportunity to be part of our journey and join the Patron’s Promise family, visit our Cask Offer page or contact us on +44 (0)28 4273 8597 [email protected] or visit our stand at Whiskey Live Dublin this weekend to find out more.

Successful night at the Irish Whiskey Awards

Echlinville had a busy evening at the Irish Whiskey Awards where we were delighted to pick up four awards.

We brought home two more accolades for Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, with Dunville’s VR 17 Year old Port Mourant Rum Finish Whiskey winning Gold Medal for Irish Single Cask Whiskey. This is the limited edition rum finish whiskey’s second major award, having already been named Best Irish Single Cask at the World Whiskies Awards.

Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Single Malt picked up the Gold Medal in the 12 Years and Under category. Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin won the Irish Gin Gold Medal and Bán Poitín was named Best Irish Poitín.

Congratulations to all this year’s winners.

Echlinville raises a glass on its fifth birthday

The Echlinville Distillery is celebrating as its whiskey turns five years old. The Kircubbin based whiskey and gin producer became the first new distillery in Northern Ireland for more than 125 years when it received its license and casked its first spirit on 5 August 2013.

Echlinville has since established itself at the forefront of Ireland’s burgeoning spirits industry and is home to some of the country’s best-known and respected brands including Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, Jawbox Gin, Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin and Bán Poitín.

Sunday 5 August will be a momentous day for Echlinville as their first casks of whiskey reach their milestone fifth birthday – a birthday they share with distillery owner Shane Braniff.

Reflecting on five years of business, Shane said: “After numerous years of planning and perseverance, in the summer of 2013 our vision to create Ireland’s first field-to-glass distillery finally became a reality when the first spirit trickled from Echlinville’s stills. We filled our first casks on 5 August and five years later the business has grown beyond our expectations.

“We started as a team of three. Now we have more than 20 staff who produce our spirit from the ground up. From growing, harvesting and floor malting our barley, to mashing and fermenting the grains, distilling and maturing the spirit, to hand bottling and labelling our products, everything is done right here at our farm distillery. Our roots are firmly, and quite literally, in the Ards Peninsula. We grow, produce and employ local and that is something we are incredibly proud of.”

The Pot Still and Single Malt whiskeys from Echlinville’s innovative first distillations may have reached the landmark five year mark, but they will continue to mature in the distillery’s cask warehouse. Shane continues: “We recently debuted some of our Echlinville Whiskey at a tasting in Dingle, Co. Kerry, with some of our friends at the Irish Whiskey Society. We were delighted with how it was received, but we won’t be releasing it any time soon. Whiskey is all about time, and we are willing to give ours all the time it needs to be among the best in Ireland, if not the world.”

Global recognition

Although primarily a whiskey distillery, Echlinville’s portfolio has expanded to include gin, vodka and poitín, with their products exported across Europe and as far as the USA, New Zealand and the middle east.

Shane continues: “Irish whiskey is the world’s fastest growing spirits category. From the Ards Peninsula to the Dingle Peninsula, from Midleton to Dublin and from Derry to Waterford, Ireland’s whiskey industry is going from strength to strength, and we are delighted to be a part of it. We are building a strong reputation based on our field-to-glass approach and the quality of our spirits. With 17 international awards under our belt, Echlinville’s products are already held in high esteem within the global spirits industry, and that’s a great foundation upon which we can continue to build our export business.”

The Spirit of Belfast

“One of our founding goals in 2013 was to revive the historic Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand after almost 80 years in the whiskey wilderness. Now with ten major accolades to its name, we are proud to have restored Dunville’s to its rightful place among the premier whiskeys of the world. That is certainly one of the major achievements of our first five years in business.

“We recently released our new Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Single Malt expression, and with the upcoming launch of our award winning Dunville’s 18 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish Whiskey, there is much more to come from The Spirit of Belfast.”

Echlinville’s success isn’t limited to whiskey. Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin was awarded the coveted Three Star rating at last year’s Great Taste Awards. Echlinville is also the home of Jawbox, one of Ireland’s most popular gins. And its Bán Poitín has been crowned Ireland’s Best Poitín at the Irish Whiskey Awards for two years running.

Vision for whiskey tourism

Echlinville has also made a name for itself on the whiskey tourist trail, with its distillery tours attracting visitors from home and abroad.

Shane continues: “Echlinville’s sense of place and family feel seem to resonate with our many visitors. Our philosophy is to celebrate the sights, smells and tastes of Echlinville and the Ards Peninsula. The heart of whiskey may be grain and oak, but the soul of any spirit is its connection to the place where it is made. We are proud of our roots in the Ards Peninsula. That pride of place is the essence of everything we do. It has been our driving force for the past five years and propels our plans for the future.”

Echlinville plans to extend its tour experience by converting its 17th century courtyard buildings into a state-of-the-art visitors’ centre. The development will incorporate a museum, restaurant and tourist accommodation and is key to Shane’s vision to transform the distillery into one of the east coast’s premier visitor attractions.

He concludes: “This corner of Ireland has much to offer in terms of tourism and is already home to some fabulous attractions, but overall its potential remains relatively untapped. We want to help change that by working with nearby attractions and tourism bodies to develop the area as a must-see destination.

“The Irish Whiskey Tourism Strategy speaks of a vision for an all-island whiskey tourism product. For a long time now, whiskey tourism in Ulster has focussed on the north coast, and rightly so. But in a short space of time, our distillery has earned its place on an Irish whiskey map that has been transformed in recent years. We look forward to working together with our friends and colleagues across the industry to promote Ireland as a premier whiskey tourism destination.”

Echlinville back Distillery Football Club with iconic Dunville’s brand

The Echlinville Distillery is continuing its valued sponsorship with Lisburn Distillery Football Club as the ‘back of shirt’ sponsor for the 2018-2019 season.

This is the third consecutive season that Echlinville has sponsored the club. For the forthcoming season the distillery’s multi-award winning Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand will appear on the first team home and away kits. There is added historical significance to the partnership in that Echlinville is home to the iconic Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand.  Distillery Football Club was originally founded by employees of the Dunville’s distillery – then based in Belfast – in 1880. The distillery closed its doors in 1936 and Dunville’s Whiskey was consigned to history until Echlinville revived the brand in 2013.

The Echlinville Distillery will also continue to sponsor the popular Player of the Month award. This will now be known as ‘The Dunville’s Whiskey Player of the Month Award’.

Lisburn Distillery director Terry Thompson said; “I would like to thank everyone at The Echlinville Distillery for continuing their much valued sponsorship – it really is very genuinely appreciated by everyone involved with the club. We had a positive season last year on the pitch and we hope to build on that again.

@We have had a great relationship with Echlinville for the the last two seasons and have watched them go from strength to strength on many fronts and it will be with great pleasure and pride that we will have “Dunville’s” on our shirts this season. To be re-connected with Dunville’s again is something very special indeed and it would be fantastic if we could transfer some of that award-winning spirit from the cask to the pitch over the forthcoming season. Again, I would like to thank Shane Braniff and the Echlinville team for their generous support.“

Shane Braniff, owner of The Echlinville Distillery, said: “We are delighted to continue our successful relationship with Lisburn Distillery Football Club. It was the founding goal of The Echlinville Distillery to revive the iconic Dunville’s Irish Whiskey brand and introduce ‘The Spirit of Belfast’ to a new generation of whiskey enthusiasts. As Dunville’s spiritual home, it makes perfect sense for us to rekindle the relationship between Dunville’s Irish Whiskey and Distillery Football Club. With the recent release of our Dunville’s PX 12 Year Old Single Malt and excitement building for the upcoming release of our multi-award winning 17 Year Old Port Mourant Rum Finish Whiskey, the 2018/19 season is looking bright for Dunville’s Whiskey and, we hope too, for Lisburn Distillery FC. We wish everyone at the club the best of luck in the new season.”

Echlinville releases Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Whiskey

The Echlinville Distillery has released its much anticipated Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Whiskey.

The peated vintage blend of selected aged malt and grain whiskeys is the latest expression from the distillery’s Dunville and Co. whiskey brand and is believed only to be Ireland’s third peated whiskey.

Shane Braniff, owner of The Echlinville Distillery, said: “At Echlinville, our ethos is one of tradition-meets-innovation. Dunville’s Irish Whiskey encompasses that ethos perfectly. Dunville’s is one of Ireland’s oldest, greatest and most iconic whiskey brands. Originally produced at the Royal Irish Distillery in Belfast until it fell silent in 1936, it was one of Echlinville’s founding goals to revive this important cornerstone of Irish whiskey heritage and bring Dunville’s Whiskey back to the world.

“Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated is the third release from our Dunville and Co. whiskey range. It joins the multi award-winning Dunville’s PX 10 Year Old Single Malt and Dunville’s Three Crowns to complete the Dunville’s trilogy. While the first two expressions were reinventions of the original Dunville’s whiskeys dating back to the 1830s, Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated marks the beginning of a new and innovative chapter in the Dunville’s story.”

Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Irish Whiskey retails at £41.95 RRP and is available to the public from The Echlinville Distillery shop,The Celtic Whiskey Shop

(Dublin) and independent off-licenses, and to the trade via Drinksology.

The Echlinville Distillery is also home to some of Northern Ireland’s best-known spirits, including Jawbox Gin and Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin, which was awarded a coveted three star rating at this year’s Great Taste Awards, and Bán Poitín, acclaimed as Irelands premier Poitín. For more information on The Echlinville Distillery, including distillery tours and tastings click here.

Echlinville celebrates third World Whiskies Award

The Echlinville Distillery is raising a glass to its Dunville’s PX 10 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey, which has won its third consecutive World Whiskies Award.

Dunville’s PX has been named the Best Irish Single Malt 12 Years and Under for the third year running – a rare achievement in the whiskey industry. The win is the latest in a string of successes for Dunville’s PX, which also won the 2016 Irish Whiskey Award in the same category.

The World Whiskies Awards select, reward and promote the highest quality whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe and are judged by an international panel of whiskey experts. Best Irish Single Malt 12 Years and Under is among the competition’s most hotly contested categories.

The Spirit of Belfast

Dunville’s was among the world’s best known Irish whiskeys until the demise of the Royal Belfast Distillery in 1936. The iconic brand was revived by The Echlinville Distillery owner Shane Braniff, who made it one of Echlinville’s founding goals to bring ‘The Spirit of Belfast’ back to the world. And they have done so, to international acclaim.

Shane said: “Until recently, the only place you could buy a bottle of Dunville’s whiskey was at auction, but we are proud to have restored The Spirit of Belfast to its rightful place among the premier whiskeys of the world. To win three consecutive World Whiskies Awards in such a competitive category is almost unheard of, and we are incredibly proud of that achievement.

“Echlinville recently expanded the Dunville’s portfolio to include Dunville’s Three Crowns, a premium vintage blend of superior aged whiskeys finished in three of the finest casks. And we have big plans for the brand in 2017 with the imminent launch of Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated, which will be Ireland’s only peated blended whiskey. Further releases, including a new 16 year old single malt expression and an exceptional Rum Finish limited edition whiskey are planned for later in the year.

“After an 80-year absence, the Dunville’s revival has been well worth the wait and we look forward leading The Spirit of Belfast through a new chapter in its already proud history.”

At the heart of Ireland’s spirits renaissance

Echlinville became Northern Ireland’s first newly licensed distillery in over 125 years and has since established itself at the forefront of Ireland’s spirits renaissance.

Echlinville is believed to be Ireland’s only ‘field to glass’ distillery, and last year the distillery launched Ireland’s first super-premium single estate pot still gin. Echlinville Gin is made with a neutral base spirit distilled at Echlinville from the distillery’s homegrown floor malted barley.

Shane continued: “The heart of gin may be juniper, but the soul of any spirit comes from its connection to the place where it is made. Our own Echlinville barley and carefully selected botanicals, including local seaweeds and indigenous whin bush petals, give our gin a true sense of place. From field to glass, every stage of Echlinville Gin’s journey has been perfected at our distillery. Few distilleries can offer a gin of such provenance.”

Echlinville is also home to Jawbox Gin, which has become a firm favourite in bars across Ireland since it launched little over a year ago, and Bán Poitín, a revival of the legendary potato based spirit.

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