Overview: In a world where age statements are becoming increasingly obsolete, Craft Irish Whiskey has been making waves with its innovative approach to single malt production. The Donn Single Malt, awarded Gold Outstanding at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) with a score of 98 points, is redefining premium Irish whiskey through flavor-driven maturation.
The Full Story
Craft Irish Whiskey’s commitment to innovation and quality has led to The Donn Single Malt becoming the joint highest-ranking Irish whiskey and only one in its category to receive Gold Outstanding at IWSC 2026. This award is a testament to the brand’s dedication to pushing boundaries in single malt production.
The Donn by Craft Irish Whiskey was also ranked joint second among more than 1,300 whiskies judged worldwide, scoring higher than any other whiskey in its category. The team at Craft Irish Whiskey has achieved this impressive feat through their unique cask journey process, which involves a progressive sequence of ex-bourbon casks, Tawny Port, deep-stave toasted virgin Hungarian oak barrels and multiple styles of Pedro Ximénez sherry.
At just 6.9 years old, The Donn delivers results typically associated with much older whiskies due to its complex maturation process. Jay Bradley, Founder and Master Blender of Craft Irish Whiskey notes that the whiskey’s recognition by independent judging panels in North America, Asia, and Europe reinforces its quality and consistency.
Production & Profile
The Donn Single Malt is produced using a combination of traditional distilling heritage with modern data-led techniques. The cask selection process involves selecting barrels that best capture the essence of each flavor profile at its peak. This approach allows Craft Irish Whiskey to create unique and complex whiskies like The Donn.
When tasted, The Donn opens with a zesty, fruity aroma reminiscent of cola and spice before unfolding into a rich palate featuring treacle, raspberry, wood notes on the finish. A lingering sweetness is left by apple-red velvet cake-ginger-chocolate flavors that lingers in its finish making it truly unique among other Irish Whiskey.
Brand & Industry History
Craft Irish Whiskey has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of single malt whiskey. Founded by Jay Bradley, Master Blender and driven by his passion for innovative spirit production, Craft Irish Whiskey is redefining premium Irish whiskey through flavor-driven maturation.
By combining traditional distilling heritage with modern techniques and a focus on cask selection barreling sizes tailored to capture each unique whiskey at its peak. The result has been the creation of award-winning whiskies that showcase Ireland’s rich spirit-making history while pushing boundaries for what is possible in premium Irish Whiskey.
What This Means
The Donn Single Malt from Craft Irish Whiskey signifies a new era in single malt whiskey production. As consumers increasingly demand more complex and nuanced flavors, brands are responding by focusing on flavor-driven maturation rather than age statements. The success of The Donn is paving the way for this shift.
Consumer Takeaway
The Donn Single Malt from Craft Irish Whiskey represents a bold step forward in single malt whiskey production. By redefining premium Irish whiskey through flavor-driven maturation, Craft Irish Whiskey is offering consumers an unparalleled drinking experience that showcases the rich heritage of Ireland’s spirit-making traditions while pushing boundaries for what is possible.
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