Crolly Distillery Launches Donegal's First Pot Still Whiskey
Most Irish whiskey is not distilled in a Cognac still over an open flame, but this one was. Crolly Distillery has launched Croithlí Cognac Single Cask Single Pot Still, which the distillery says is the first licensed single pot still Irish whiskey ever made in Donegal. It is limited to 1,000 bottles, bottled at 53.9% ABV, and open for pre-order now ahead of a November 1 release.
It is a notable moment for a young distillery. Until now its range has been single malt only, and this bottle brings a new style to County Donegal.
Did You Know?
Crolly distilled this whiskey twice over direct fire in vintage Cognac Charentais copper stills sourced from France.
The whiskey matured fully in non-charred French oak, in 300-litre ex-Cognac casks from Alter Oak Cooperage in Le Bouscat, Bordeaux.
Crolly opened in 2020 as the first licensed Irish whiskey distillery in Donegal in more than 180 years.
The Release
Croithlí Cognac Single Cask Single Pot Still is made from a blend of malted and unmalted barley. Malted barley has been soaked and allowed to sprout, while unmalted barley is used raw. That mix is the hallmark of the single pot still style, which is made at one distillery in copper pot stills. Crolly's existing single malts are made entirely from malted barley, so this is a real departure from the rest of the lineup.
The French connection runs through the whole bottle, from the vintage Charentais stills to the ex-Cognac oak. Cognac Charentais stills are traditionally used for Cognac, and the distillery says they bring a distinctive French character to whiskey-making in Donegal. The spirit was double-distilled over direct fire, meaning the stills are heated by flame rather than steam. Master Distiller Julio Diana says the extended copper contact refines the spirit's character, while full maturation in Cognac-seasoned French oak adds depth and complexity.
Maturation took place entirely in 300-litre non-charred French oak casks that previously held Cognac. Non-charred means the inside of the cask was not burnt, which typically lets the character of the spirit and the cask's earlier contents come through.
According to the distillery, the nose offers orange peel and toasted hazelnuts, layered with rich Cognac aromas and a hint of dried citrus fruit. The palate brings poached pear, dark honey, spiced fruitcake and warming oak.
Co-Founder Conor McMenamin says the release matters beyond Crolly itself, calling it "a first for the ages." He adds that every stage of production takes place in Crolly.
The Story of Crolly Distillery
Crolly Distillery sits in the Donegal Gaeltacht, an area where Irish is widely spoken. It opened in 2020, founded by engineer Conor McMenamin, restaurateur Kieran Davis and educator Joe Devenney. It was the first licensed Irish whiskey distillery in Donegal in more than 180 years.
The setup is unusual. Its Charentais pot stills are rare in Irish whiskey, and it is one of a small handful of Irish distilleries that heats its stills with direct fire. Until this release, its whiskeys were single malts made from malted barley alone. An earlier PX Single Cask release was sold through the distillery and its website.
Why It Stands Out
Single pot still is often thought of as one of Ireland's signature styles, and releases from smaller, newer distilleries are still fairly uncommon. Crolly pairs it with Cognac-style stills and ex-Cognac oak, which gives collectors a different take on the category. A single cask run of 1,000 bottles also means supply will be tight.
The Details
Style: Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
ABV/Proof: 53.9% ABV (107.8 proof)
Mash Bill: Malted and unmalted barley
Cask/Finish: Full maturation in 300-litre non-charred French oak ex-Cognac casks from Alter Oak Cooperage, Bordeaux
Distillation: Double-distilled over direct fire in vintage Cognac Charentais copper stills
Release Size: 1,000 bottles (first batch)
Price (SRP): €139.00 (about $156)
Availability: Pre-order via the Crolly Distillery website
US Availability: No US release or US price has been announced
Release Date: November 1, 2026
Quick Answers
How much does Croithlí Cognac Single Cask Single Pot Still cost? It carries a recommended retail price of €139.00 (about $156).
When is it released? Pre-orders are open now on the Crolly Distillery website, with the release set for November 1.
Is it available in the US? No US release or US price has been announced. For now it is available to pre-order from the distillery's website.
How many bottles are there? The first batch is limited to 1,000 bottles.
Tonights Poison Take
This is a smart step for Crolly. It keeps its direct-fire, Charentais-still identity but opens up a new style, and the ex-Cognac oak ties the story together. At 1,000 bottles and a first-of-its-kind label for Donegal, it is a bottle collectors of Irish whiskey will want on their radar, even if US fans have to watch for news on availability.
Bar Talk: Donegal just got its first licensed single pot still whiskey, and it was distilled over a direct flame in old Cognac stills.
Send this to the Irish whiskey fan who loves a first release, and tell us in the comments if you would pre-order.
More on Tonights Poison
About the author: Jas Sawhney (Tonights Poison) has spent 18 years in the beverage alcohol industry and shares new releases, tastings and spirits news as @tonightspoison on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Please enjoy responsibly.
Comments