Cask Strength

Ardara was founded in 2014 by James and Moira Doherty, who returned from Hong Kong to County Donegal to revive Ireland's whiskey heritage. The distillery draws inspiration from the region's illicit distilling past—a history woven into Donegal's character. This Cask Strength expression is matured across virgin oak, port, and bourbon casks, bottled at 58.5% ABV without reduction.

The whisky's profile stems from heavily peated malt (55 ppm), triple distillation in the Irish tradition, and grain-in mashing—a method that sets it apart from conventional Irish whiskey. The result is a robust, layered spirit that challenges expectations.

On the nose: dark, sooty peat dominates, with burnt tobacco and tarry notes. The palate reveals sweet cereal and biscuit, followed by dried figs, raisins, and a rubbery, distillate-driven character that reflects its youth and intensity. The finish is long and smoky, the peat lingering decisively.