Blended by Master Blender Helen Mulholland, the first whiskey brand released by Hawk’s Rock Distillery celebrates innovation, exploration and local heritage
County Sligo, Ireland (June 4, 2025) – The Sazerac Company, one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies, is thrilled to celebrate the release of its inaugural Irish whiskey from Hawk’s Rock Distillery: Garavogue 20 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey. Crafted by Master Blender Helen Mulholland, the first female Master Blender in Irish Whiskey history, this new-to-world whiskey brand embodies Sazerac’s dedication to world class distillation, aging and blending.
Named after the river that flows past the Distillery through Sligo town into the Atlantic Ocean, Garavogue Whiskey is a bridge between past and present, honoring the rich traditions of Irish whiskey while embracing innovation and discovery. Every small-batch release under the Garavogue name will be limited and experimental in nature, exploring different ages, maturation techniques and possibly even different types of Irish whiskey.
For its inaugural and limited release expression, Garavogue 20-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey offers a rare take on traditional Irish Whiskey with both unexpected and familiar flavors due to its unique maturation involving multiple types of casks. Double-distilled and initially aged for a minimum of 14 years in ex-bourbon American oak casks, the whiskey was then transferred into a variety of unique finishing casks including French Muscat, French Sauternes, Spanish Pedro Ximénez Sherry and Barbadian Rum casks for further maturation. The result is a 94-proof whiskey with aromas of vanilla, warm peach, and spun sugar from the Sauternes cask influence, while floral and raisin notes from the Muscat and Sherry casks emerge on the nose. On the palate, vanilla and citrus sweetness complement buttery ripe apples, while fresh fruit flavors from the rum cask create a prominent sweet finish.
