The diversity and quality of Irish Whiskey were celebrated at the second annual Irish Whiskey Awards, which took place at Kilbeggan Distillery in Co. Westmeath on 23rd October 2014. The event, which was organised by the Celtic Whiskey Shop, showcased and honoured this rapidly growing indigenous Irish Industry over 17 categories.
The judging panel, which consisted of members from the Celtic Whiskey Club and the Irish Whiskey Society, chose the winners based on blind tastings. Redbreast 21 Year Old Whiskey was awarded Overall Best Whiskey 2014 while Dick Mack’s in Dingle won The Whiskey Bar of the Year. Following the success of the inaugural Irish Whiskey Awards in 2013, the number of categories increased from 9 to 17 this year to include new awards for Best Irish Liqueur, Irish Whiskey Barrel Aged Craft Beer and four provincial awards for Irish Whiskey Bar of the Year. All categories awarded both an overall winner with a trophy and the runner up was awarded a gold medal, which in turn will be used as promotion for and by the respective winners.
The Irish Whiskey Award winners for 2014 are: Overall Best Irish Whiskey 2014 – Redbreast 21 Year Old WhiskeyIrish Single Pot Whiskey – Redbreast 21 Year Old WhiskeyIrish Single Malt Whiskey (12 years &younger) – Jack Ryans 12 Year Old WhiskeyIrish Single Malt Whiskey (13 years and older) – Teeling 21 Year Old WhiskeyIrish Blended Whiskey (RRP of less than €60) – Powers 12 Year Old WhiskeyIrish Blended Whiskey (RRP of more than €60) – Jameson Gold ReserveIrish Single Cask Whiskey – Celtic Cask NaoiIrish Cask Strength Whiskey – Redbreast Cask StrengthIrish Single Grain Whiskey – Teeling Whiskey Single GrainIrish Whiskey Bar of the Year (Leinster) – Palace Bar, DublinIrish Whiskey Bar of the Year (Munster) – Dick Mack’s Bar, DingleIrish Whiskey Bar of the Year (Connaught) – Garavan’s Bar, GalwayIrish Whiskey Bar of the Year (Ulster) – Duke of York, BelfastIrish Whiskey Bar of the Year (International) – Whisky and Alement, Melbourne, AustraliaIrish Whiskey Bar of the Year (Overall) – Dick Mack’s, Dingle, Co. KerryIrish Poitin – Teeling Whiskey Company PoitinIrish Liqueur – Coole SwanIrish Whiskey Barrel Aged Irish Craft Beer - Franciscan Well Jameson Stout
