Clonakilty Galley Head Bourbon Cask Irish Whiskey

Clonakilty Distillery is situated in the South of County Cork. This is rebel country with an ancient, rocky coastline of jagged headlands, where 3000 miles of ocean finally collide with land. Where whales bask offshore and the weather is so wild that even the lighthouse keepers gave up.

It is on this wild coastline that Clonakilty not only distil and age their whiskey, but also grow the barley that goes into their premium range. The barley and the whiskeys are influenced by the Atlantic. The distillery is near the ocean. This gives the ageing whiskey a unique maritime character. The region's fertile soil also helps. It provides excellent terroir for the grains used in whiskey which are subjected to a fermentation process which spans over 100 hours, significantly surpassing the industry standard, which enhances the intricate array of natural flavours.

The range has many types of whiskey. They appeal to both experts and new drinkers. Each bottle shares a story of the land, sea, and the people who have made whiskey for generations. The care in choosing grains and ageing casks shows in every sip.

Clonakilty is also known for its cask finishing. They use casks that held other spirits or wines. This includes Bordeaux or local Irish porter. This adds layers of flavour. This includes fruity, vanilla, and chocolate notes.

The distillery is more than a place to make whiskey. Visitors can see how whiskey is made. The tours and tastings connect them to the land and traditions. It's about understanding the whiskey and its makers.

Clonakilty is creating a legacy. As the sea hits the Cork coast and casks age, Clonakilty shows the past, present, and future of Irish whiskey.

A note on Sustainability

In 2025 Clonakilty Distillery received B Corporation certification, joining a global movement of businesses that prioritise purpose as well as profit.

This is a big step on Clonakilty’s journey to make a positive impact through its work. It reflects years of thoughtful choices, strong community connections, and a deep respect for the natural land that helps shape its spirits.

Clonakilty were recognized for their commitment to employee wellbeing, sustainability, and ethical supply chains. We have mapped our full carbon footprint, from energy use to supplier impact, and have a clear plan to cut emissions.

While B Corp certification is still rare in the spirits industry, Clonakilty is proud to join a growing global community of businesses rethinking what success really means.

From the Website –

We take our sustainability and environmental commitments seriously. When we say our mission is to create the best Irish whiskey with the least environmental impact to land and sea, we really mean it.

We believe that ultimately, whiskey is nature. As a small company, we may not be able to save the world. But what we can do, is make a measurable difference today, at our edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

We are in the process of planting a permanent wildflower meadow to feed and protect pollinators. In addition, we have planted over 400 native trees (silver birch, hawthorn, scots pine, pedunculate oak, flowering cherry), shrubs and hedgerows to provide small habitats for other wildlife.

We have built a large, dedicated bee bank which will provide a burrow for our native bee species for resting and hibernation.

We are proud sponsors of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), the leading international charity dedicated to the protection of whales and dolphins.

This small-batch blended whiskey is matured in bourbon barrels, showcasing the influence of sea air and American oak. The result is a clean, balanced dram with bright orchard fruit and sweet cereal notes.

Nose: Fresh green apple and wildflower honey.

Palate: Coconut biscuits, oat cakes, and soft vanilla.

Finish: Light and crisp with lingering sweetness.