Brand Overview
Two Stacks Irish Whiskey is an independent Irish whiskey brand founded in 2020 by Shane McCarthy, Liam Brogan, and Donal McLynn. The brand is rooted in the rich history of Irish cask bonding—a practice where merchants would purchase casks directly from distilleries to mature and bottle under their labels. This tradition, which flourished in Ireland before the early 20th century, was nearly lost but has been revived by Two Stacks. The founders, leveraging their extensive experience in design, branding, and marketing, established one of Ireland’s only independent bonding and blending facilities in 2022. Their mission is to combine traditional methods with contemporary innovation to create unique and high-quality Irish whiskeys.
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History and Evolution
Two Stacks’ journey began with a bold idea: to reintroduce the art of cask bonding and blending in Ireland. In August 2020, the brand launched at Belfast Whiskey Week, featuring two core products and four single cask expressions. The innovative “Dram in a Can” concept, introduced in 2021, set the brand apart, offering a neat 100ml measure of single malt whiskey in a lightweight can. This innovation garnered attention and propelled Two Stacks into international markets, including the United States, Dubai, and Qatar.
In 2022, Two Stacks opened a 6,000-square-foot facility in Newry, Northern Ireland—the first of its kind in the city for over a century. The facility features solar panels, electric car charging stations, and Europe’s only 100ml canning line, underscoring the brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Tasting Notes
Two Stacks—The First Cut (43% ABV)
A blend of malt, grain, and pot still whiskeys, this expression offers a delicate balance of sweetness and spice. The nose presents notes of dried tobacco and grilled pineapple, while the palate reveals flavors of shortbread, caramel, and fruit. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering hints of sherry and leather.
Two Stacks – Cask Strength (65% ABV)
This high-octane dram is a blend of five distillates, including grain whiskies aged in ex-bourbon and virgin American oak barrels, unpeated and peated single malts, and single pot still whiskey. The nose is rich with dried tobacco and grilled pineapple, while the palate offers concentrated shortbread, caramel, and fruit. A few drops of water reveal a pineapple-upside-down-cake profile with notes of sherry and leather.
Two Stacks—Smoke & Mirrors (48% ABV)
A peated single malt finished in ex-imperial stout casks, this expression boasts a compelling mix of peat smoke and roasted qualities. The palate is dominated by dark chocolate and espresso, balanced by the sweetness of honey and a touch of briny sea salt. The mouthfeel is luxuriously rich and full-bodied, leaving an eternal mark on the palate.
Pricing Information
| Country | Bottle Size | Product | Price (Local Currency) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 700ml | Two Stacks – The First Cut | €45 | $48 |
| Ireland | 700ml | Two Stacks – Cask Strength | €65 | $70 |
| Ireland | 700ml | Two Stacks – Smoke & Mirrors | €55 | $59 |
| USA | 750ml | Two Stacks – The First Cut | $55 | $55 |
| USA | 750ml | Two Stacks – Cask Strength | $75 | $75 |
| USA | 750ml | Two Stacks – Smoke & Mirrors | $65 | $65 |
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on retailer and location.
FAQs
Q1: Where can I purchase Two Stacks Irish Whiskey?
Two Stacks Irish Whiskey is available for purchase through the official Two Stacks website and select retailers in Ireland and internationally.
Q2: What makes Two Stacks Irish Whiskey unique?
Two Stacks distinguishes itself through its commitment to the traditional art of cask bonding and blending, combined with innovative practices like the “Dram in a Can” concept and sustainable production methods. This approach results in distinctive and high-quality Irish whiskeys that honor heritage while embracing modernity.
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