First global gold for new Limavady Single Barrel Irish Whiskey

Limavady Single Barrel Irish Whiskey, recently revived by master distiller Darryl McNally in Northern Ireland, has won its first international acclaim for quality in The Whiskies of the World Awards 2021, a worldwide whiskey competition produced in conjunction with the IWSC (International Wine and Spirits Competition), the most prestigious, largest, and longest running spirits competition in the world.

Limavady gained gold for its Single Barrel Single Malt Irish Whiskey developed in conjunction with WhistlePig, US whisky, a longstanding US distillery, which now owns the latest whiskey from Northern Ireland.

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Limavady has a rich heritage as one of Ireland’s oldest whiskeys dating back to 1750. Mr McNally, master distiller, and descendant of the Limavady Distillery’s 18th century operators, is leading the revitalisation of the historic brand, pulling it into the 21st century and propelling it onto a global stage.

McNally spent over 20 years developing his craft and working his way up through the world of Irish whiskey. During this time, he was employed by the biggest players in the Irish whiskey industry and eventually earned the title of master distiller. McNally has crafted over a dozen internationally awarded whiskeys, winning numerous gold medals for his employers.

WhistlePig, the leading distiller in the ultra-premium and luxury rye whiskeys in North America, joined forces with Mr McNally and Limavady Irish Whiskey in Northern Ireland to fulfil his dream of creating the world's first Single Barrel Irish Whiskey.

The addition of Limavady, alongside WhistlePig’s collection of ground breaking rye whiskeys, marks the company’s growth from the leading independent American whiskey to a global craft portfolio.

WhistlePig manages bottling and distribution of the whiskey under McNally’s direction, helping Limavady establish the single barrel Irish category, much the same way that WhistlePig has done with aged and experimental rye. McNally will directly manage the production and innovation and will bring the Limavady story and spirit to life.

Both WhistlePig and Limavady are super premium craft whiskeys that push the boundaries of what their respective categories are defined by. WhistlePig led rye in maturation and farm-to-bottle distilling, while Limavady will epitomize single barrel single malt, showing the world how distinctive and high-quality Irish whiskey can be.

WhistlePig believes Irish whiskey is a category that needs to stretch and break through stereotypes established by industry giants. The award-winning rye whiskey company also feels Irish single malt, and moreover single barrel, deserves the same recognition as both single malt scotch and craft American whiskey.

Limavady is selling in select markets throughout the United States, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. In the United States, Limavady will be distributed through WhistlePig's existing distribution partners, which include Republic National Distributing Company, BreakThru Beverages and Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits.

Founded in 2007 in Vermont, WhistlePig has become the number one distiller in the ultra-premium and luxury rye whiskey category in North America, featuring the bold and often untapped flavour of rye. WhistlePig is leading a surge of innovation in the emerging field of North American whiskey.