'A big part of that is bringing new people into the world': Northern Ireland Irish Whisky puts Belfast in global spotlight with 62 international accolades
Gold for its 20-Year-Old Single Malt helped the historic McConnell’s Irish Whisky extend its remarkable run of international success as it prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary
Northern Ireland’s McConnell’s Irish Whisky has continued its award-winning run, securing four more honours at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) and taking its tally of international accolades to 62 in just five years.
The Belfast-born brand was awarded Gold for its 20-Year-Old Single Malt, while its 5-Year-Old Signature Release and 5-Year-Old Cognac Cask Finish both picked up Bronze medals. The Signature Release also secured a Silver award in the Whiskey & Ginger Ale category.
The latest accolades cap another successful year for the company. Earlier this year, McConnell’s collected multiple awards at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, while its 20-Year-Old Single Malt was named Best Irish Whisky Single Cask at the World Whiskies Awards.
Recognition from some of the world's most prestigious spirits competitions — including the IWSC, World Whiskies Awards, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition — has helped cement McConnell’s reputation as one of Ireland’s fastest-growing whisky brands.
The awards also reinforce the company's mission to restore Belfast's historic reputation as a world-class whisky-producing city.
The latest success comes during a landmark year for the brand, with 2026 marking the 250th anniversary of McConnell’s. Originally established in Belfast in 1776, the historic whisky brand was revived in 2020 and is now exported to more than 40 markets worldwide.
John Kelly, CEO of McConnell’s Irish Whisky, said: “To receive further recognition from the International Wine & Spirit Competition is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the quality, consistency and innovation of our whisky portfolio.
“Winning 62 international awards in just five years demonstrates the dedication of our entire team and reinforces our ambition to re-establish Belfast as a globally recognised centre of whisky excellence.
“A big part of that is bringing new people into the world of McConnell’s Irish Whisky, something that has been a key focus at our brand home, McConnell’s Distillery, located in the heart of Belfast.
"We’ve welcomed more than 40,000 visitors from both Northern Ireland and across the globe, giving them the opportunity to discover the story of McConnell’s and experience first-hand how we are helping drive the resurgence of Belfast whisky.
“By expanding beyond traditional distillery tours to include experiences such as cocktail masterclasses and our new Belfast Cream Tea experience, we are opening the doors to new audiences and creating more opportunities for people to connect with McConnell’s and Belfast Whisky.”