The Crolly Distillery has announced the launch of Donegal’s first-ever licensed Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

Croithlí Cognac Single Cask — Single Pot Still (53.9% ABV) is a single pot still Irish whiskey, fully matured in 300-litre, non-charred French oak ex-Cognac casks from Alter Oak Cooperage in Le Bouscat, Bordeaux. Unlike the distillery’s existing single malt range, which is made entirely from malted barley, this release combines malted and unmalted barley.

The whiskey’s French influence extends beyond the casks used for maturation. It has been double-distilled over direct fire in vintage Cognac Charentais copper stills sourced from France, bringing a distinctive French connection to whiskey-making in Donegal.

Croithlí Cognac Single Cask — Single Pot Still, is described as offering notes of orange peel and toasted hazelnuts, layered with rich Cognac aromas and a hint of dried citrus fruit. The palate reveals poached pear, dark honey, spiced fruitcake and warming oak.

Commenting on the launch, Conor McMenamin, Co-Founder of The Crolly Distillery, said: “This is Donegal’s first-ever licensed single pot still whiskey. That gives this first batch a significance that reaches beyond our own distillery. It’s a first for the ages, and every stage of crafting this special whiskey takes place right here in Crolly.”

Julio Diana, Master Distiller, added: “The extended copper contact refines the character of our spirit, while full maturation in Cognac-seasoned French oak imparts depth and complexity. That French connection runs through a whiskey made entirely here in Donegal.”

Limited to 1,000 bottles, the first batch of Croithlí Cognac Single Cask — Single Pot Still, is now available to pre-order via the Crolly Distillery website, ahead of its release on November 1st, for a RRP of €139.00.