Tyrconnell

The Tyrconnell Irish Whiskey is one of the most interesting Irish brands because its origins are linked to a story that could easily be part of a novel. The year is 1876, and a stallion named The Tyrconnell is competing in the prestigious National Produce Stakes horse race in Ireland. The odds were clear – the chances of victory were slim, only 100:1. But this horse shocked everyone and won the race. The event so enchanted Andrew A. Watt, owner of the Watt Distillery in Londonderry, that he decided to name his whiskey in honour of this surprising victory. Thus, The Tyrconnell brand was born, whose label still bears the image of the winning horse to this day.

Watt's distillery, founded in the 18th century, was one of the most important in Ireland at the time. Tyrconnell quickly established itself and became a popular whiskey not only at home but also in the United States, where it was one of the best-selling Irish single malts before the Prohibition era. Unfortunately, like many other distilleries, Watt Distillery did not survive the economic and political upheavals of the early 20th century. Around 1925, it was closed and the Tyrconnell brand fell into oblivion for many decades.

The turnaround came in 1988, when the brand was revived by John Teeling at his Cooley Distillery. Tyrconnell returned to the market as a smooth and elegant single malt that quickly found fans. Today, it is managed by the Kilbeggan Distilling Company, which belongs to the portfolio of Japanese giant Suntory Global Spirits. The modern version has retained the legacy of the past – it is double distilled, which gives it its characteristic purity and lightness. It is matured mainly in bourbon casks, which give it notes of honey, vanilla, caramel and delicate spices.

The classic version of Tyrconnell Single Malt is the gateway to the world of the brand, but the special editions show its true diversity. Among the best known are the 10-year-old whiskeys finished in Madeira, Port or Sherry casks. Each has a different character – from sweet fruit notes to spicy depth and a hint of nuts. The most prestigious is the 16-year-old edition, which is one of the highlights of the portfolio. It acquires a complex structure full of dried fruit, chocolate and subtle spiciness, leaving a long and elegant impression.

Over the years, the Tyrconnell brand has won several awards, such as a gold medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2004 and the title of ‘Best Irish Single Malt’ in various categories. This proves that its return was not just a nostalgic gesture, but a real restart with an emphasis on quality.

Today, Tyrconnell is a symbol of how even a chance victory can grow into a legend. The horse that won against all odds gave its name to a whiskey that has survived ups, downs and a rebirth. And just like that stallion, the Tyrconnell brand is once again running at the front of the pack – with elegance, tradition and a flavour that is unique in the world of Irish single malts.