Third round subscriptions for the IWS Dingle's "Decade of Dingle"
The story of the Irish Whiskey Society in Dingle began on April 5, 2013, with the very first tasting held in the legendary Dick Mack's Pub. This sold-out event was a landmark occasion, featuring the first public launch of the Teeling 21 year old Silver Reserve in the line-up. Two further annual tastings followed in the subsequent years, laying the foundation for something greater.
In 2016, following consultation with the main society committee, Peter White volunteered to establish a local chapter. Alongside Finn MacDonnell, the new venture was successfully launched. While there were some very lean periods in the early days, the dedication of the Dingle community has led to the vibrant success we celebrate today, with a stable membership of around 50 devoted enthusiasts enjoying monthly tastings.
It is with great pleasure that the society committee, in collaboration with local members Peter White, Finn Mac Donnell, Barry Rogers & Debbi Lewang, announce a 10-year commemorative bottle to celebrate this remarkable occasion: The Dingle Chapter Decade Blend.
A Truly Unique Dingle-Inspired Release
This commemorative bottle will be available exclusively to current Irish Whiskey Society members as a heartfelt thank you for your support and dedication over the past decade. Round 3 of subscriptions opens on our website at 7:00pm on Monday 12th of January.
To avoid ‘bottle flipping’ Society subscription bottles may not be sold by members to third parties (e.g. auction sites) for a period of three years after receipt. Records of bottle numbers are maintained for this reason.
Dear members,
Kinsale Mead Co was founded in 2017 by Kate and Denis Dempsey to rediscover the ancient art of mead making and to create a world-class range of Irish mead. Inspired by ancient recipes and using the best techniques of modern wine-making, their meads are finished wine-strength at 11-12% ABV. They are fermented from carefully sourced, raw honey and ripe berries, matured and bottled by hand in their meadery in Kinsale.
Mead is the oldest alcohol in the world, fermented from honey, dating back to at least 6,500 BC with evidence in an archaeological dig in China. It has a rich, global history and in Ireland, is woven through our history, culture and social rituals.
After aging some meads in French oak wine barrels, they spent two years working with different whiskey casks from a little closer to home - Midleton distillery to develop and perfect a process for ageing mead in Irish whiskey casks, the first in the world. They balance the complex flavour profile of the meads with the oak structure and distinctive whiskey nuances from these very special casks. The result is a series of very limited releases — the first meads ever aged in Irish whiskey casks — collectively known as Miskey.
Their award-winning meads are judged in international competitions as among the best in the world. They embody the modern, refined style of mead making, refreshingly different and versatile, either served on their own or as a lovely alternative to wine when paired with food or in a range of cocktails.
Kate is Ireland’s first and currently only BJCP accredited mead judge and has judged in internationally in Europe and the USA. She will take us through a tasting of meads, honeys and miskeys, including a deconstructed tasting of their Dark Forest Honey Mead as well as the technical and cultural challenges of bringing this ancient drink back into the modern day.
We hope you are as excited as we are to try out something a little bit different, as we look to explore all avenues of whiskey flavour and Irish craft.
We look forward to raising a glass with you!
As usual, there will be a bus provided, this time leaving Murphys pub, Strand Street at 7pm and returning to the town later after the tasting.
Booking opens immediately. Join the waiting list to be notified as we might be able to get more spots for the event. It is necessary to register and complete payment via Stripe (within 15 minutes) to secure your booking.
Event Booking Terms & Conditions: https://www.irishwhiskeysociety.com/IWS-In-Person-Events
29th of January 2026, Wynn's Hotel, Dublin 1 & Online (YouTube)
For our first tasting in 2026 we are stripping away the myths and celebrating the true heart of the Irish whiskey industry: The Blend.
While "Single" often garners the headlines, it is the Blender’s skill that created the global reputation of Irish spirit. From the "Champagne of Irish Whiskey" (Malt & Pot Still) to innovative grain-based marriages, our upcoming lineup proves that the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
We will navigate the night by proof, beginning with elegant, complex marriages and finishing with raw, unfiltered power:
Teeling Distillery Exclusive (Shiraz Cask) | 46%: We begin in Dublin with this vibrant blend, exploring how the bold, dark-fruit notes of Shiraz wine harmonize with Teeling’s signature grain and malt base.
Goleen Gold 21 Year Old | 46%: Next, we touch the ceiling of premium aging. This rare release showcases the incredible elegance and "silkiness" that only two decades of patience can grant a blend.
Micil Inverin Small Batch (Corkscrew Exclusive) | 46%: We introduce a touch of Connemara smoke. This peated blend was finished in a tiny 64L Single Port Cask, offering a concentrated burst of fruit and turf.
IWS: A Decade of Dingle: We pay homage to our society with this special vatted marriage, celebrating ten years of Dingle’s chapter.
Writer’s Tears 2025 Cask Strength | 54.9%: Entering the high-proof territory, we experience the "Champagne of Irish Whiskey"—a potent marriage of Single Pot Still and Single Malt that recreates the historic Dublin style.
Clonakilty Moscatel Finish (Cask Strength) | 58.1%: We conclude with an absolute powerhouse. This coastal blend, bottled at full strength, demonstrates how sun-drenched Moscatel sweetness can stand up to the rugged intensity of the Atlantic.
It’s a lineup designed to spark debate, showcase the blender's skill, and delight the senses.
Join us for a journey through the "Marriage of the Cask."!
Booking opens on Thursday the 15th of January at 7.00 pm. There are spaces available for offline and online tastings. Please make sure to choose the right ticket type. Join the waiting list to be notified as we might be able to get more spots for the event. It is necessary to register and complete payment via Stripe (within 15 minutes) to secure your booking.
