Sazerac's Hawk’s Rock Distillery recently unveiled its inaugural whiskey: the Garavogue 20-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey. For whiskey connoisseurs, this moment is highly anticipated. As one of Ireland's historic distilleries, Hawk’s Rock has brought together local traditions and modern innovations, all backed by the global spirits giant, Sazerac.
The release of Garavogue is more than just a new whiskey on the market—it’s a tribute to history, craftsmanship, and the blending of tradition with bold new steps. The name Hawk’s Rock is derived from the Garavogue River in County Sligo, Ireland, an area long known for inspiring the works of poet W.B. Yeats. Sazerac's acquisition of the Lough Gill Distillery and rebranding it as Hawk’s Rock further strengthens this connection to the land, providing new energy and life to a historical region.
Garavogue's creation process is unlike any other. The whiskey was meticulously crafted under the guidance of Helen Mulholland, a trailblazer who became the first female Master Blender in Irish whiskey history. Her expertise has helped create this 20-year-old single malt, which underwent a remarkable journey of aging and blending.
What sets Garavogue apart from other Irish whiskeys is its unique cask finishing process. While traditional whiskey aging typically involves ex-bourbon casks, Garavogue was aged in a variety of barrels, including French Muscat, French Sauternes, Spanish Pedro Ximénez Sherry, and Barbadian Rum casks. This multi-cask maturation imparts complex and unexpected flavors, with notes of vanilla, ripe peach, and spun sugar from the Sauternes casks, while the Muscat and Sherry casks contribute floral and raisin undertones on the nose.
When tasting Garavogue, you'll experience a delicate balance of vanilla and citrus sweetness, complemented by the taste of ripe apples. This gives the whiskey a sweet, long-lasting finish. Helen Mulholland explained, "The current trend is for whiskeys to have a rich sherry finish, but Garavogue is intentionally different. We believe that complexity and subtlety can coexist. It's rare for a whiskey to be aged in such a variety of casks, but just as the river ebbs and flows, the flavors in this 20-year-old single malt come together in a beautiful harmony."
The bottle design of Garavogue is just as distinct. Shaped like a reverse crescent with a blue label, it echoes the Garavogue River. The label's imagery features the Hazelwood House Windmill, honoring the historical figures and traditions tied to the riverbank. The whiskey will be available in limited quantities, with a suggested retail price of $199 (700ml), available through Sazerac’s distribution networks across the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Duty-Free shops.
Hazelwood House, where Hawk’s Rock Distillery is based, is a place with deep historical significance. For over 300 years, it belonged to the Wynne family, a prominent Sligo family who were influential in the region. The house was designed by the renowned architect Richard Cassells, whose work includes the Irish parliamentary buildings and the Printing House at Trinity College Dublin. W.B. Yeats, too, frequented this area, dedicating a poem to Hazelwood, which adds to the poetic aura of the place.
Sazerac's plans for Hazelwood House go beyond whiskey production. The company envisions transforming the area into a cultural and tourist hub, drawing visitors from around the world. The plans include extensive renovations, with the goal of welcoming up to 150,000 visitors annually, while providing a home for Sazerac's Irish whiskeys, such as Paddy and Michael Collins.
As I toured Hazelwood House, Helen shared the distillery’s future vision: Hawk’s Rock aims to become the global center for Irish whiskey, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques. Sazerac’s commitment to preserving and evolving Irish whiskey traditions was echoed by its President and CEO, Jake Wenz, who noted that the company will continue to honor Ireland's cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of whiskey-making.
Helen's role in Irish whiskey history cannot be understated. As the first female Master Blender and the chair of the Irish Whiskey Association, she’s at the forefront of the industry's evolution. During my visit, Helen guided me through tastings of various expressions, including Garavogue, which is now available across the UK. Her passion for whiskey-making was evident in every detail, from the careful blending of casks to the craftsmanship of the whiskey itself.
Though Hawk’s Rock Distillery is currently closed to the public for renovations, there are plans to create a visitor experience in Sligo, further expanding the distillery’s reach. Hazelwood House, when completed, will become a landmark for whiskey enthusiasts and cultural tourists alike. The surrounding area is also rich in natural beauty, with walking trails and scenic views. The Hazelwood Demesne, part of the Wynne Estate, offers nature trails and art installations inspired by Yeats, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both history and adventure.
Sazerac's long history of successful acquisitions and global expansion, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky and Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in France, makes it clear that Hawk’s Rock Distillery is in good hands. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and heritage, Sazerac is sure to make Hawk’s Rock a key player in the world of Irish whiskey.