Description
Clonakilty Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Lot 1 is the landmark inaugural release of the distillerys own pot still spirit, marking a major milestone for the coastal County Cork producer. Vibrant and approachable, it showcases classic Irish pot still characterrich barley sweetness, orchard fruit, and warming spicebalanced by subtle maritime freshness. As the first batch distilled and matured by Clonakilty itself, Lot 1 represents both heritage and the promising future of this emerging Irish whiskey house.
Origins & Craftsmanship
Clonakilty Distillery sits along Irelands Atlantic coastline in County Cork, where the maritime climate influences the maturation of its spirits. The distillery is notable for its field-to-glass philosophy, growing much of the barley used in its whiskey on the Scully family farm overlooking the ocean.
Lot 1 represents the first release of Clonakiltys own distilled single pot still whiskey, a historic moment for the distillery. Irish single pot still whiskey is defined by a mash of both malted and unmalted barley distilled in pot stills, producing a distinctive combination of creamy texture and peppery spice.
The whiskey is bottled at 46% ABV and crafted from a blend of young but characterful pot still distillates. Approximately:
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60% consists of four-year-old pot still whiskey aged in ex-bourbon barrels
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40% is pot still whiskey matured in bourbon casks and finished in Oloroso and Amontillado sherry casks
This layered maturation adds richness, dried-fruit depth, and gentle nuttiness while preserving the distillerys bright barley character.
The result is a whiskey that combines classic pot still structure with coastal freshness, reflecting the unique terroir of Irelands southern coast.
Critics Reviews
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Whisky Advocate 92 Points
Whisky Advocate praises the whiskey for its balance of vanilla, soft fruit, honey, toasted oak, and lime zest, noting its well-structured progression from orchard fruit and milk chocolate to dark toffee and caramel with a hint of maritime saltiness.
Independent reviewers have also highlighted the whiskeys approachable style and flavorful texture, noting notes of salted caramel, orchard fruit, baking spice, and subtle coastal salinity.
Tasting Profile
Nose:
Aromatic and inviting with salted caramel, toffee apple, almond pastry, and orchard fruit, layered with gentle coastal salinity and soft baking spices.
Palate:
Smooth and slightly oily, revealing honey, stewed apples, vanilla cheesecake, milk chocolate, and fresh citrus, followed by classic pot still spicepepper, ginger, and cinnamon.
Finish:
Medium length with lingering caramel sweetness, orchard fruit, spice, and a subtle maritime note that reflects the whiskeys Atlantic maturation environment.
Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| ABV / Proof | 46% ABV / 92 Proof |
| Origin / Region | County Cork, Ireland |
| Distillery | Clonakilty Distillery |
| Whiskey Type | Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey |
| Aging or Maturation | Ex-bourbon barrels with portions finished in Oloroso & Amontillado sherry casks |
| Mash Bill | Malted and unmalted Irish barley |
| Aromas & Flavors | Honey, orchard fruit, caramel, vanilla, baking spice |
| Style / Identity | Coastal Irish pot still whiskey; inaugural distillery release |
Cocktail Recipes
Pot Still Old Fashioned
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2 oz Clonakilty Single Pot Still Lot 1
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oz demerara syrup
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2 dashes aromatic bitters
Stir with ice and strain over a large cube; garnish with orange peel.
Irish Orchard Highball
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2 oz Clonakilty Single Pot Still Lot 1
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4 oz chilled soda water
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Thin apple slice
Build over ice in a tall glass and stir gently.
This distillery is perched 200 feet above the Atlantic Ocean in Cork County, Ireland.




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