Glendalough Distillery - Ireland’s Only Distillery to Win Distillery of the Year for Four Consecutive Years at Global Industry Awards

Glendalough Distillery has once again been named “Distillery of the Year” at the 2025 New York International Spirits Competition making it the only Irish distillery to win this prestigious award four years in a row.

This remarkable achievement is a powerful endorsement of Glendalough’s unwavering commitment to craft, innovation, and quality across both whiskey and gin. The New York International Spirits Competition  is one of the industry’s most respected and credible competitions, judged by a panel of working trade buyers making this recognition especially meaningful for those in the business of spirits.

As a small, independent distillery nestled in the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough stands proudly among global industry giants, proof that hands-on production, seasonal foraging, and thoughtful distillation can truly stand apart on the world stage.

One of the most notable recent innovations from Glendalough Distillery is the release of Ireland’s first Peated Pot Still Irish Whiskey, a bold, category-defining expression that blends the uniquely Irish pot still style with a rich, smoky character.

Equally distinctive is Glendalough’s approach to gin. Each batch of Wild Botanical Gin takes nearly a year to make, shaped by the rhythm of the Wicklow seasons. Botanicals are hand-foraged by Glendalough’s full time forager, Geraldine Kavanagh, distilled fresh and slowly in our small copper pot stills by Head Distiller Ciarán Rooney, and team distillers Sam Mulligan and Matthew Douglas, capturing the wild, natural essence of the landscape in every drop.

From peated whiskey to seasonal gin, the Glendalough distillery team continues to redefine what Irish spirits can be, combining craft, care, and creativity in everything they do.

Notable wins in 2025 also include:

• Double Gold – Glendalough 7-Year-Old Mizunara Finish (third year in a row)

• Gold – Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey (second year in a row)

• Gold – Glendalough Single Cask Burgundy Finish

• Gold – Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin

• Silver – Glendalough Wild Rose Gin

Commenting on the win, Head Distiller Ciaran Rooney said "Winning ‘Distillery of the Year’ for the fourth-year running is a huge honour, especially for a small, craft distillery like ours. Everything at Glendalough is done by hand, in small batches, and with real care. We distil fresh, wild-foraged botanicals slowly in our copper pot stills, capturing the true character of the Wicklow mountains in every drop. To be recognized on this level alongside the biggest names in the industry, it makes it even more special. It’s a proud moment for our small but dedicated team, proving that craft, passion and purpose can truly stand apart.”

Separately, Glendalough Distillery’s Double Barrel Irish Whiskey and Wild Botanical Irish Gin took home Gold at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The distillery’s unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovation has also been recognised with prestigious accolades closer to home, including two gold medals at the Irish Whiskey Awards for its Double Barrel Irish Whiskey and Wild Botanical Gin.

This consistent recognition places Glendalough among the top-performing Irish distilleries globally and strengthens its reputation for innovation in cask finishing and premium craft spirits.

Founded in 2011, Glendalough Distillery is renowned for reimagining Irish spirits from its home in the Wicklow Mountains. From pioneering Mizunara-aged single malts to crafting gins from freshly foraged botanicals, Glendalough has cemented itself as a leader in Irish craft distilling. It is also considerably dedicated to the Wicklow Mountains through reforestation initiatives and sustainable foraging practices, ensuring the region thrives for future generations.

Slán go fóill.