Glendalough Distillery hosts whiskey tasting in Dublin

Ciarán “Rowdy” Rooney hosted a whiskey tasting at Searsons of Baggot Street.
The event took place on Monday, 31 August 2026.
Four premium pours were presented to guests.
Glendalough Single Pot Still matured in Irish oak casks.
Searsons was crowned National Whiskey Bar of the Year 2024.

Ciarán “Rowdy” Rooney, head distiller at Glendalough Distillery, has hosted a whiskey tasting in Dublin featuring the range including Double Barrel, Single Pot Still and a seven year old Single Malt with Mizunara finish. He discussed the importance of Irish oak, provenance and traditional methods combined with innovation. The distillery aims to respect Irish whiskey heritage while exploring new approaches to wood and production. The event pointed to the growing interest in authentic craft experiences linked to Ireland’s distilling history.

Rooney hosted an intimate whiskey-tasting masterclass at Searsons of Baggot Street in Dublin. The special event took place on Monday, 31 August 2026, bringing together the historic Dublin 4 venue, crowned National Whiskey Bar of the Year 2024, and the craft distillers from County Wicklow. During the masterclass, Rooney shared insights into how wood selection, provenance and patience shape their craft. He personally guided guests through a curated lineup of four premium pours.

Glendalough Double Barrel was aged in American Bourbon and finished in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks. Glendalough Single Pot Still was a spice-forward pour matured in Irish oak casks sustainably harvested from the mountains surrounding the distillery. Glendalough 7-Year-Old Single Malt (Mizunara Finish) was a rare malt finished in exceptionally scarce Japanese Mizunara oak. The Distiller’s Special was a surprise, highly exclusive archive pour handpicked by Rooney himself to close out the tasting.

To complement the exceptional whiskeys, attendees were treated to artisan canapés and gourmet finger food curated by the Searsons kitchen team. The event highlighted the growing interest in authentic craft experiences linked to Ireland’s distilling history.