The Celtic Whisk(e)y Knot Vol. 3

In the Celtic nations of Ireland and Scotland, whisk(e)y is more than a spirit—it’s a cultural emblem. With centuries of craft behind them, distilleries from these lands continue to push the category forward while honoring old-world technique. This collection showcases three styles from the region’s most storied corners.

Powers Gold Label is one of the most iconic names in Irish whiskey. Triple-distilled and matured in American oak, this bold blend delivers a honeyed and spicy profile with cereal grain, orchard fruit, and subtle oak. Rich and balanced, it’s a benchmark for the Irish whiskey category.

Ardnamurchan AD is a Highland single malt crafted on Scotland’s west coast. Using both peated and unpeated barley and aged in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks, it brings smoky hints with coastal citrus, malt sweetness, and warming spice. A modern Highland malt that nods to maritime tradition.

Port Askaig 110 Proof is a single malt from Islay’s rugged northeast shore. Bottled at a robust 55% ABV, it bursts with bold peat smoke, lemon zest, brine, and subtle sweetness. Named after the famed port town, it channels everything we love about smoky Scotch—powerful, pure, and unmistakably Islay.
 

SMARTASS CORNER

1. Powers was the first Irish distillery to bottle its own whiskey back in 1886—changing the game for Irish blends.

2. Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled, making it smoother and lighter than most Scotch counterparts.

3. The Ardnamurchan Distillery uses both peated and unpeated malt, giving their whisky a uniquely balanced Highland profile.

4. Ardnamurchan is one of Scotland’s greenest distilleries, powered by hydroelectric and biomass energy.

5. Port Askaig isn’t a distillery, but a brand bottling single malts from unnamed Islay producers—adding mystery to the peat.

6. The name “110 Proof” comes from the traditional U.S. proof scale, equal to 55% ABV—a nod to robust strength.

7. Celtic nations include Ireland and Scotland, both of which have some of the oldest whiskey traditions in the world.

8. The spelling difference—“whiskey” vs “whisky”—reflects origin: Ireland uses “e”, while Scotland omits it.

9. Peated Scotch gets its smoky character from malted barley dried over peat fires, a tradition especially strong in Islay.