AN INTRODUCTION TO J.J. CORRY
Nestled in the lush, rolling countryside of Cooraclare, Co. Clare, Ireland, J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey is a beacon of innovation and tradition in the world of Irish whiskey. Founded by Louise McGuane, J.J. Corry brings the centuries-old art of whiskey bonding into the modern age. Whiskey bonding - the practice of sourcing, maturing, and blending whiskey to create unique expressions - was once the cornerstone of Irish whiskey production. However, this tradition nearly disappeared in the mid-20th century, leaving a void in the industry.
Louise McGuane set out to change that. Inspired by the pioneering spirit of her neighbour and namesake, J.J. Corry - a 19th-century whiskey bonder - she established Ireland’s first modern whiskey bonding house in over a century. With an uncompromising commitment to quality and creativity, J.J. Corry collaborates with distillers across Ireland to source exceptional new-make spirit, which is then carefully aged and blended in their purpose-built 'Warehouse of Flavours.'
Set on her family’s farm, this 'Warehouse of Flavours' is a sensory playground, where each cask is labelled not with numbers but with evocative tasting notes: “smoky bacon,” “green apple,” “spicy,” “hazelnut,” and even “pure joy.” (And yes, we can confirm - this cask absolutely lives up to its name!) These casks are more than storage; they’re ingredients - chosen and blended to craft small-batch whiskeys bursting with character. This innovative, flavour-first approach to blending is unlike anything we’ve encountered - and trust us, we’ve explored a lot of warehouses around the world.
At J.J. Corry, every whiskey tells a story. Each blend showcases the diverse spectrum of Irish whiskey styles - Pot Still, Single Malt, and Grain - and incorporates unique cask finishes that elevate each cask to something truly extraordinary. From ex-bourbon barrels to sherry and rare fortified wine casks (we even spied an ex-Amaro cask in there), her meticulous approach to maturation creates whiskeys that are rich in character, flavour, and history.
HEADING TO IRELAND?
Our guide to Ireland, the home of J.J. Corry. Not focusing on one place, heres some of our favourite bars, restaurants, coffee shops and cool things to do across Ireland. Enjoy!
Other J.J. Corry expressions we enjoy
A classic blend of malt and grain Irish whiskey, ‘The Gael’ is the perfect marriage of Irish whiskey flavours. Matured in both sherry & Bourbon casks, ‘The Gael’ is an everyday crowd-pleaser of a whiskey - rich and fruity with notes of baked apples, ripe peaches, and a really delicious orange flower + vanilla note.
Full of vanilla, caramel, toffee crisp and fresh green apple notes, ‘The Hanson’ is a Blended Grain Irish Whiskey with a lively, fresh character! This has all the signature hallmarks of a great Bourbon cask whiskey, delicious straight or with a drop of water - we also love it in a Penicillin!
