Double the Wood, Double the Character: Why Glendalough Double Barrel Redefines Irish Whiskey

When most people think of Irish whiskey, they think of centuries-old traditions, smooth finishes, and classic triple-distillation. But a quiet revolution is happening in the mountains of County Wicklow—the "Garden of Ireland"—and it goes by the name of Glendalough.

For spirits enthusiasts searching for an innovative, deeply complex pour, Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey is a masterclass in modern craft distilling. It takes everything you love about the approachable smoothness of Irish single grain whiskey and elevates it into a bold, flavor-packed experience through a brilliant wood-aging program.

The secret to this award-winning whiskey is written right on the label: the double barrel process. Many standard whiskeys spend their entire life in a single type of wood, but Glendalough uses a meticulous two-cask maturation process to layer distinct tasting notes into the spirit.

1. The First Barrel (American Bourbon Casks): The whiskey is first aged in flame-charred, ex-bourbon barrels made of American white oak. This foundational aging infuses the liquid with classic, beloved notes of sweet vanilla, rich honey, and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
2. The Second Barrel (Spanish Oloroso Sherry Casks): Once it reaches peak maturity in the bourbon wood, the liquid is transferred to hand-selected Oloroso sherry casks from Montilla, Spain. This secondary finishing cuts through the sweetness of the grain, imparting deep, complex layers of dried dark fruits (like raisins and figs), warm baking spices, and a hint of nutty complexity.

By marrying the sweet, lively character of American bourbon wood with the deep, savory fruitiness of Spanish sherry oak, Glendalough creates a perfectly balanced single grain whiskey that is incredibly versatile.

- Nose: Rich and sweet with distinct aromas of dark fruit, cherry, vanilla, and Christmas spice.

- Palate: Unbelievably smooth and lively. Sweet notes of honey, pudding, and cooked fruit give way to complex layers of ginger spice, almond, and toasted oak.

- Finish: Crisp and warming, with a lingering note of nutty dark chocolate and spice.

While it is more widely accessible than Glendalough's ultra-exclusive hyper-limited native Irish Oak releases, the Double Barrel is far from a mass-produced, industrial spirit. It is crafted in small batches by an independent craft distillery that refuses to cut corners.

Because of the careful selection required for the Oloroso sherry casks and the distillery's commitment to small-batch quality, you won't always find this bottle on standard supermarket shelves. It remains a boutique, highly sought-after gem for those who appreciate artisan mixology and premium spirits curation.

You don’t have to hunt down a boutique bottle shop to experience this incredible liquid. FROST Doylestown is proud to showcase Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey. 

As Bucks County’s premier upscale lounge and date night destination, FROST is the perfect place to enjoy a sophisticated spirit. Whether you prefer your whiskey neat, on a large rock to let the sherry notes open up, or expertly stirred into a premium, craft cocktail, our masterful mixologists will pour it to perfection.

Pair a glass of Glendalough Double Barrel with our artisanal menu, settle into our ambient, candlelit atmosphere, and let our live musical entertainment set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Stop by FROST Doylestown, secure a table, and taste the brilliant craft of Ireland's most exciting modern distillery.