The Pogues 70cl 40°

West Cork Distillers – Craftsmanship from Ireland’s Rugged Coastline

Tucked away in the charming fishing village of Union Hall, West Cork Distillers was born in 2003 from the friendship and ambition of three childhood friends: John O’Connell and brothers Denis and Ger McCarthy. What started as a modest venture has grown into one of Ireland’s most vibrant and independent distilleries — a true artisan of Irish whiskey.

From the very beginning, West Cork embraced a hands-on, local-first philosophy that blends tradition with bold innovation. Today, the distillery is celebrated for producing some of the most characterful and authentic Irish whiskeys available, all while keeping its roots firmly planted in the West Cork countryside.

A deeply Irish approach
Everything about West Cork’s production is tied to its land. The barley is malted in-house and sourced exclusively from Irish farms. Pure local spring water is used in every drop, and distillation takes place in traditional copper pot stills, yielding smooth and expressive spirits with genuine Irish character.

Local pride and sustainable craft
West Cork isn’t just a distillery — it’s a community effort. Local farmers provide the raw ingredients, while regional partners help distribute the bottles across the globe. Every step of the process reflects a commitment to quality and a deep respect for the people and resources of County Cork.

Rooted in the harbour, open to the world
Though proudly local, West Cork’s creativity knows no borders. The team regularly experiments with unique cask finishes — from port and rum to wine — crafting whiskies that bridge the gap between innovation and tradition, and carry the spirit of Ireland far and wide.