Great Northern Distillery 5 Year Old 2019: an Irish single pot still with a modern profile

The Great Northern Distillery 5-year-old is an Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey produced by Great Northern Distillery owned by John Teeling, a key figure in the contemporary revival of Irish whiskey. This release represents a style deeply rooted in Irish identity, achieved through a mash bill that includes a proportion of unmalted barley, an element that lends a creamy texture and a fresh, distinctive spiciness.

Distilled in 2019 and matured in ex-bourbon barrel #163821, the whisky was bottled in 2025 at  51.3% ABV, retaining great aromatic intensity but with an extremely accessible and dynamic profile. The release comprises just 264 bottles.

The aroma profile is dominated by notes of fresh fruit, green apple, pear and citrus, accompanied by hints of grass and cereal. On the palate, it displays all the typical creaminess of the single pot still style, with hints of vanilla, sweet malt and delicate spices, followed by a lively and slightly peppery finish. A modern, straightforward Irish whiskey with surprising drinkability, capable of combining technical character with immediate flavour.