Craft Irish Whiskey’s The Donn Secures 98 Points at 2026 IWSC

The recognition marks a three-year streak of international accolades for the Dublin-based producer, following top honors at the London Spirits Competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition earlier this year. Founder and Master Blender Jay Bradley credits this consistency to the brand’s unconventional approach to maturation. At just 6.9 years old, the whiskey competes with spirits decades its senior by prioritizing flavor-driven techniques over traditional age statements.

To achieve this profile, the distillery employs a complex cask journey. The spirit begins in ex-bourbon barrels before rotating through Tawny Port, virgin Hungarian oak, and various Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Judges noted the result is a sophisticated, layered experience, highlighting aromas of cola and spice that transition into a palate of treacle, raspberry, and dark chocolate. By manipulating barrel sizes and using controlled underfilling, the company aims to accelerate flavor integration, challenging the industry’s reliance on long-term wood aging.