Mayo distillery scoops four awards

THE Connacht Whiskey Distillery in Ballina has scooped four awards at the prestigious Irish Whiskey Masters 2023 awards, which took place at Merchant House in London.

Following a day of tastings by industry experts, the Mayo distillery was awarded three gold medals and one silver medal.

Amongst their winners was the newly released Connacht Single Malt Irish Whiskey ‘Spirit of the Atlantic‘, which was awarded Gold in the Single Malt - Ultra Premium category. The whiskey, is produced on site at the distillery in Belleek.

Following on from their highly acclaimed Connacht Single Malt Batch 1 limited edition last year, this core release is a five-year-old single malt Irish whiskey matured in ex Bourbon and ex Oloroso Sherry casks.

This award represents a huge achievement for the distilling team and a superb endorsement for the product and brand.

Celebrating their win online, commercial director Killian O’Sullivan said: “There aren’t too many of the new wave of Irish distilleries who have a whiskey they’ve made themselves (at this stage). The Connacht Distillery is one of the few and this latest five-year-old single malt is a cracker.

“First competition entered and, just like its four-year-old predecessor, it has won gold. Crafted by the Atlantic in County Mayo.”

The award-winning whiskey is available to buy through the Connacht Distillery’s website or if you get to visit the distillery directly.

Manager of Mayo North Tourism, Mairéad Melody-Carr, acknowledged the importance of the Connacht Distillery to Ballina and north Mayo from a tourism perspective.

She said: “Connacht Distillery is one of the most sought after visitor attractions in the region. Tourists flock here for their wonderful tours and tastings.

“Connacht Distillery are also very proud supporters of tourism in north Mayo and the west of Ireland as you can probably tell from the name of their most recent release, ‘Spirit of the Atlantic’.

“We are delighted to see one of our long standing members achieve such well deserved recognition.”

Tours and tasting experience

If you’re visiting north Mayo, a stop at the Connacht Distillery is a must for a guided tour and tasting experience. Tastings take place each day, Monday to Friday, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with pre-booking is essential.

Find out more here: https://connachtwhiskey.com/.