Belfast Whiskey Week is back and running from 23rd - 29th July with over 100 LIVE events showcasing the very best of Irish whiskey. Founder Paul O'Cahan will give us an insight into what promises to be a great event.

On this weeks Words on Whiskey, Irish whiskey historian Fionnán O'Connor chats with Drew Mayville, a titan of the American Whiskey industry. Drew has over 40 years experience and has been the man behind some of Americas most iconic whiskeys, Buffalo Trace and Pappy Van Winkle just to to name a few. We'll get a great opportunity to learn about American whiskey as well as his interest in Irish whiskey.

With Whiskey Live Dublin returning after an absence of over 2 years we are delighted to welcome Katie who will give us an insight into what to expect and a behind-the-scenes account of what it takes to organise Ireland’s greatest whiskey show.

Join us for what promises to be a fascinating chat with Sabine Sheehan (Global Brand Ambassador) and Yonael Bernard (Master of Maturation/Production Manager) at Lambay Island Whiskey Company. We’ll discuss their signature Cognac heritage, their new and upcoming releases, as well as their plans going forward.PLUS a chance to WIN an amazing Lambay Hamper!

Excited to be back and looking forward to chatting with Sarah Kennedy, Brand Ambassador at Belfast Distillery Company. We'll get an insight into her role and learn about the revival of the old McConnell's Irish Whisky brand.

oung veteran of the Irish whiskey sector, John Cashman has spent the last twenty years at the forefront promoting Irish whiskey both at home and internationally. We'll discuss how the Irish whiskey landscape has changed over that time and how his role within it has developed. We'll also find out what his new role at Powerscourt Distillery entails.

We very much look forward to our chat with Nick, a writer, strategic thinker, scholar and sceptic. With over thirty years in the whiskey sector, he recently published the must-read for whisky lovers, Everything You Need To Know About Whisky (But Are Too Afraid To Ask).Having taught Scottish History at the University of Glasgow he joined United Distillers (now Diageo) in 1990 to create what has become the world’s most comprehensive spirits archive, before moving on to direct Diageo’s global malt whisky marketing team.  He retired from Diageo in December 2020 following the publication of his acclaimed book, A Long Stride, the Story of the World’s No 1 Scotch Whisky, written as part of the bicentennial celebrations of John Walker & Sons.Nick has been recognised with the IWSC trophy for Outstanding Achievement in the Scotch Whisky Industry (2017) and inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame (2018). He is a Master of the Quaich.  He has served as a Trustee of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust since 2017.  In 2021 he was appointed Honorary Fellow in the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London.

James Doherty, Founder and Chief Executive at Sliabh Liag Distillers, joins us to share the insight into establishing Ireland's newest distillery, Ardara Distillery in County Donegal, and what direction they will take.

We're joined by Founders of Lough Ree Distillery, Michael, Peter and Sheila who will share their story and future plans for the distillery. In a world premier, they will  also unveil details of  their new release, Bart's Irish whiskey.

We are privileged to welcome John Quinn, Global Brand Ambassador at Tullamore D.E.W. and Chairman of the Irish Whiskey Association, the predominant representative body of Irish whiskey producers. Wearing his IWA hat, John will share with us the proposed amendments to the Irish Whiskey Technical file (now called the Product Specification) that the IWA have submitted to the Government Department of Agriculture. We'll learn what it means for Irish whiskey, consumers and producers.

This weeks guest is Enguerrand Vandenbossche, Head Cooper at Tullamore DEW's new cooperage. We discuss how a training program in France led him from working in Champagne region to his current role and what that role entails.

Delighted to be joined by AL HIGGINS, Online Content Creator at the iconic Celtic Whiskey Shop. As he prepares to embark on yet another super-marathon we catch up and discuss the Irish whiskey business and how it has developed since he first started in sales. He is now their head taster as well as writing reviews for their website and for Irish Whiskey Magazine. Often behind the scenes but an important and highly respected expert amongst his peers and the Irish whiskey community.

We are delighted to welcome Eva O'Doherty, Distiller at Midleton Micro Distillery. Having joined Irish Distillers as an intern while studying on the TU (DIT) Brewing and Distilling degree, her talents were recognised and she was appointed to her current role of Distiller. She played an important part in the first release from the Micro Distillery, where experimentation and innovation are at the very heart of their ethos. Their first release, a Rye and Malt Irish whiskey bottled under the Method and Madness range demonstrates that approach.

Richard Forsyth, Chairman at Forsyths of Scotland. With several distilleries in Ireland as their clients, Forsyths plays a vital role in supporting the ever growing Irish whiskey sector. With over fifty years experience in the distillery equipment business our prerecorded show unveils some fascinating insights. Now available for viewing at https://youtu.be/qFNyFW_DYxo

A real game changer and an affirmation of the Irish whiskey market, Kentucky Bourbon Barrels launch their Irish operation. We chat with President Tim Ratliff and Head Cooper Ian Leonard as they officially open their Irish operation with the aim of ”providing the Irish Whiskey market  with the cooperage they need to continue the incredible success of the amazing Irish Whisky being distilled".

We learn about the experience Quinzil has in the Irish whiskey sector and how he came to be the Master of Wood and Liquid Innovation at Kinahan's Irish Whiskey. We'll look back on the heritage of Kinahan's Irish Whiskey and how the revived brand is pursuing that same ethos of innovation. We'll also discuss their innovations and success in international markets and the challenges of doing so as an independent whiskey producer.

We're delighted to welcome Lisa Ryan, Distillery Manager at the beautiful Royal Oak Distillery in Co. Carlow. We'll chat with Lisa about her career and how she came to manage the distillery. We'll also unveil the transformations that have taken place over the last number of years and the launch of the Busker series of Irish whiskeys.

Celebrate 50 episodes of Words on Whiskey with our guests, Whiskey Historian Fionnán O'Connor, and Founder of Rademon Estate Distillery David Boyd-Armstrong. As part of Irish Whiskey Magazine 7 Sips series devised by Fionnán they have collaborated to recreate the spirit of a long lost distillery. Join us to find out all about their venture. Delighted to be streaming live to whiskey lovers at Belfast Whiskey Week in addition to our usual platforms.#irishwhiskey #wordsonwhiskey #7sipsREAD MORE

Founder of Belfast Whiskey Week, Paul O'Cahan, gives us a preview into the world's largest online Irish whiskey festival which kicks off on July 23rd. Tickets can be purchased on http://belfastwhiskeyweek.com

With over 25 years involvement in the Irish whiskey industry, Michael Foggarty, a 'former' Scotsman and 'adopted' Irishman , has played an important role in the development of  Irish whiskey.