The Irish whiskey industry celebrated the 2019 Irish Whiskey Awards a few weeks ago.
Historic producers, emerging producers, and bars were honoured and celebrated October 17th at the Dingle Distillery, County Kerry. The keynote speaker was Colum Egan, Master Distiller for Bushmills Distillery, previous chairman of the Irish Whiskey Association.
According to the Irish Whiskey Association, there are 25 whiskey distilleries in operation in Ireland, the largest number of Irish whiskey distilleries since the late 19th century. Yearly shipments are now over 20 million cases.
The biggest winner, taking the overall prize for Best Irish Whiskey of the Year, was The Irishman 17-year-old. Though The Irishman offers a number of expressions, the 17-year-old ages the longest; a single malt that spends 17 years in a single Sherry cask. This whiskey also claimed the top prize for the Best Irish Single Cask Whiskey.
Other winners include Jameson for the Best Irish Blended Whiskey Under $66 for its Jameson Black Barrel, and the Best Irish Blended Whiskey Over $66 for its Jameson 18-Year-Old Bow Street.
Awards were handed out in 19 categories, which included one winner and two gold medal runners up in each category. The event also named the best Irish whiskey bars for all four Irish provinces.
The winner for Best Irish Whiskey Bar of the Year (International) is a name any American fan of Irish whiskey is sure to recognize New York City’s The Dead Rabbit.
Here is the complete list of winners on the Irish Whiskey Awards website:
https://www.irishwhiskeyawards.com/news/82-2017-winners-of-the-irish-whiskey-awards.html