ONE of Ireland’s most distinctive distilleries has marked a major milestone with the official launch of its batch one PX Single Cask, a world-first premium Irish whiskey born of direct fire in Cognac stills.
Crafted in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht using flame-fired Charentais stills and matured in rare Spanish oak seasoned with Pedro Ximénez sherry, this bold, full-bodied single malt is the latest release from the Croithlí Distillery — Ireland’s only distillery to fully embrace the ancient art of direct-fire distillation.
The launch event, held at the atmospheric stillhouse in Croithlí village on the Wild Atlantic Way, was attended by local supporters, whiskey enthusiasts, and whiskey club members who got a first taste of what’s being described as “a pour that captures the soul of Donegal and the warmth of Andalusia in every sip”.
“This is a whiskey like no other,” said Master Distiller Julio Diana, who led the flavour-driven innovation. “We fired the stills with flame and took our time with the double distillation. We then matured the spirit for years in a 500-litre Spanish oak butt from the Juan Pino cooperage in Córdoba — seasoned for 24 months with rich Pedro Ximénez sherry. The result is layered, luxurious, and deeply expressive.”
The soul of Christmas, bottled
With fewer than 700 bottles available, the batch one PX Single Cask is being positioned as an exceptional gift for connoisseurs and a seasonal indulgence for those who value craft and story. National and international shipping is offered online at thecrollydistillery.com with demand already high among collectors and whiskey lovers as the whiskey has been available on pre-order for several weeks.
“We always say our whiskey tells a story,” said co-founder, Conor McMenamin.
“This release is the next chapter in our journey to revive Donegal’s rich distilling heritage — and it’s already become one of our most sought-after expressions, especially for those looking to gift something truly special this Christmas.”
This is the first commercial Irish whiskey release of its kind: Direct-fire distilled using restored ex-Cognac copper stills; Double distilled and fully matured in a 500L PX-seasoned Spanish Oak cask; Bottled at natural cask strength with no chill filtration; Limited release of 698 bottles — less than 200 still available.
A Revival in every drop
The PX Single Cask release is the latest milestone for Croithlí Distillery, which secured Donegal’s first legal distilling license in 180 years and has quickly established itself as one of Ireland’s most exciting whiskey producers.
Built in a restored historic building near the River Crolly, the distillery is fast gaining attention for its bold small-batch releases, immersive visitor experience, and story-driven approach to craft.
The PX Single Cask, along with the full range of Croithlí premium single malt whiskeys, is available exclusively from the distillery and online at thecrollydistillery.com
