What Is Pot Still Whiskey? Discover Ireland’s Signature Style at Curraghmore Estate

What Is Pot Still Whiskey?

When you hold a glass of Curraghmore Whiskey in your hand, you’re not just enjoying a fine Irish spirit – you’re tasting centuries of agricultural tradition, noble stewardship, and a distinctly Irish method of whiskey making: Pot Still distillation.

But what exactly is Pot Still Whiskey, and why does it matter?

The Definition of Pot Still Whiskey

At its core, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is a style of whiskey made from a mash bill of both malted and unmalted barley, often with a small portion of other grains; in Curraghmore’s case, oats grown on the estate. It must be distilled in traditional copper pot stills and can only be made in Ireland.

This method, which dates back to the 18th century, was born of both craftsmanship and cleverness. Irish distillers introduced unmalted barley to avoid British malt taxes and accidentally invented one of the most distinctive, full-bodied whiskeys in the world.

What Makes Curraghmore’s Pot Still Whiskey Special?

At Curraghmore Whiskey, we elevate the pot still tradition to an art form. Every drop begins in the fertile fields of Ireland’s oldest family estate, where barley and oats are grown, harvested, and prepared with meticulous care. Every grain used in Curraghmore Whiskey is grown right here on the estate — 2,500 acres of fertile land beneath the Comeragh Mountains. We’ve farmed here since 1167. That’s over 850 years of care, knowledge, and connection to the soil.

A key figure in our process is Ned Morrissey, our Head of Tillage and an invaluable custodian of Curraghmore’s land. His expertise in growing high-grade malting barley and cereals is essential to the quality of our whiskey. Ned knows each field, each season, and each soil profile — and his deep understanding of the land ensures consistency, integrity, and exceptional flavour from crop to cask.

At Curraghmore, our philosophy is simple: use the best raw materials, and know exactly where they come from — and who they come from. It’s not just about terroir; it’s about the people behind every step. The spirit of the land and the people who work it pour into every bottle we produce.

From there, the grain is malted and milled at Athgarret Malt and triple distilled in copper pot stills at Great Northern Distillery. Each expression is matured in carefully selected oak casks, such as virgin French oak, Ex-Oloroso sherry, and ex-Bourbon barrels, and finally bottled just down the road in Co. Waterford.

Our approach isn’t just traditional — it’s Single Estate. Every grain comes from Curraghmore. That kind of traceability is rare in the world of whiskey, and it’s part of what makes ours so complex and characterful. The process is exacting. The result is expressive.

 

 

The Character of Pot Still Whiskey

Pot Still Whiskey is known for its spicy, creamy texture, a mouthfeel unlike anything produced by other methods. The unmalted barley and, in Curraghmore’s case, oats, add a weighty texture and aromatic depth, from ripe orchard fruits and clove-studded spice to a lingering finish of honeyed oak and tropical citrus.

Why Choose Pot Still?

Pot Still Whiskey is Ireland’s original style; once the most popular whiskey in the world. It’s a taste of Irish heritage, undiluted by modern shortcuts. It’s also a protected geographic designation, meaning it must meet strict criteria to earn the name.

Choosing Pot Still means choosing integrity, tradition, and a bolder, fuller flavour.

Choosing Curraghmore means all of that,  plus a connection to one of the most storied estates in Irish history.

A Legacy in Every Sip

At Curraghmore, we’re cultivating Ireland’s greatest whiskey tradition, from seed to sip.

Our whiskey is more than a product; it’s an expression of land, lineage, and legacy.

Discover more about Single Estate Whiskey here.