by Richard Buckley, Editor, Business Eye

The new lease of life to one of the oldest drinks brands in Ireland continues, as McConnell’s Irish Whisky secures new distribution deals in the UK, Europe and Canada. Since the McConnell’s brand was revived in 2020 by Belfast Distillery Company, they have been successful in establishing the premium spirit in markets right across the globe, including Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia.


Now, the first quarter of 2022 has seen deals agreed with Paragon Brands in the UK, Ligne de Vin in France, Konitsiotis in Greece and Compagnia Dei Caraibi in Italy, where the McConnell’s 5 Year Old Blend will be available for whiskey lovers.

The UK deal with Paragon Brands is particularly timely, as McConnell’s recently won a Master Medal Award at The Drinks Business and Spirits Business (DBSB) Spring Tasting 2022 in the Irish Blended Whiskey Category.

Along with this major expansion in the UK and Europe, Belfast Distillery Company has also managed to increase their reach in North America, with new distribution deals in Canada, where Noble Estates Wines and Spirits will manage supply to the Ontario market, McCarthy Wines & Spirits in Nova Scotia and Stile Brands in Alberta.

Speaking about the move into these new markets, John Kelly, Chief Executive Officer at Belfast Distillery Company, said: “Since reviving the McConnell’s Irish Whisky brand in 2020, it has been an incredible journey, and one that we see as having a strong link to the streets of Belfast in 1776, when the brand was born. The growth we have seen in new markets right across the globe shows the esteem that premium Irish whiskey is held in among consumers, and that our McConnell’s 5 Year Old Blend can compete with the very best, established brands.

“We are delighted that we have added UK, France, Greece and Italy plus three Canadian provinces to our growing pool of markets where McConnell’s Irish Whisky is available. We are also particularly pleased that we are growing our industry awards. Two recent wins in particular stand out – a Gold Medal Award at the San Francisco Worlds Spirits Competition 2022 and a Master Medal Award in the extremely competitive Irish Blended Whiskey Category at the recent DBSB Spring Tasting 2022. But we are not resting on these early successes in 2022, and we will have more exciting news and advances for McConnell’s and Belfast Distillery Company in the coming months.”

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