Connemara
While Irish whiskey has traditionally set itself apart from smoky Scotch precisely through the absence of peat smoke, Connemara broke exactly that rule and became, for decades, the only smoky whiskey on the Emerald Isle. The double-distilled single malt is made at the Cooley Distillery but officially marketed through the Kilbeggan Distillery - a division of labour between production site and brand typical of the Irish whiskey world. Despite its bold smoky note, the low bottling strength of 40% ABV gives it an unusually soft, approachable character, making Connemara the flagship of what has since become a growing niche within Irish whiskey.
Content: 0.7 Liter (€34.27 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€74.27 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.04 Liter (€124.75 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.04 Liter (€199.75 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€59.99 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Why is peat smoke so unusual in Irish whiskey?
Unlike Scotland, where Islay whiskies in particular are known for bold peat smoke, using peat in Ireland is considered a real exception - Connemara broke this taboo and became the Irish counterpart to Scotland's Islay whiskies.
Why is Connemara marketed by a different distillery than the one that makes it?
The whiskey is produced at the Cooley Distillery but officially marketed through the Kilbeggan Distillery - a brand arrangement that's not uncommon in the consolidated Irish whiskey industry.
Flavour profile
Taste: Boldly smoky with fine herbal notes, toasted grain and a pronounced wild honey sweetness in the background.
Recommended enjoyment: Taste neat; start with the affordable Connemara Peated, then move to the 12-year-old for more depth.
Start with Connemara Peated.
Facts and figures
Made at the Cooley Distillery, marketed through Kilbeggan Distillery. Double-distilled, bottled at 40% ABV. Long the only smoky whiskey in Ireland.