Northern Ireland's Oldest Whiskey Brand Makes a Comeback

An iconic Belfast whiskey brand is making a long-awaited comeback, 90 years since it was last seen in the city. 

McConnell’s Irish Whisky*, established in 1776, is Northern Ireland’s oldest Whiskey; latterly distilled and bottled by brothers James and John McConnell at the Cromac Distillery in Belfast until 1930.

This perfect blend of malted barley & grain Whiskies has been carefully tried and tested to bring a contemporary finish to the iconic brand. A five year old blend, it has been gently rested in select Bourbon casks, to add a deep oak woodiness and light char to the delicate and subtle sweetness of butterscotch and vanilla undertones.

Nose: Light citrus notes, peppered spice and vanilla undertones

Taste: Earthy fruits, butterscotch & vanilla sweetness from the Bourbon casks, white pepper followed by an oak woodiness.   

Finish: Sweet, spice, oak, with lingering ripe fruits.

With category insights showing Irish Whiskey is currently the fastest growing spirit in the world, John Soden, International Sales Director, Belfast Distillery Company, believes the time is right to return the brand to hometown glory:

“Belfast has a rich whiskey heritage and McConnell’s is synonymous with this legacy so it seems only fitting we relaunch in the city where it all began”.

“With whiskey attracting the attention of a more diverse mix of drinkers than ever before, the mild, sweet vanilla tones of McConnell’s will appeal to whiskey aficionados as well as those who may be at the start of their whiskey exploration.”

McConnell’s will be available in bars across Belfast and other international locations from February 2020.