The Belfast Distillery Company are excited to share an opportunity for South African whisky
enthusiasts to visit their iconic distillery in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Home of the multiple
award-winning McConnell’s Irish Whisky brand.
This competition is exclusive to South Africa and offers a chance for two consumers to win a 4-day trip for 2 to Belfast. Here they will visit the newly opened state-of-the-art distillery and meet the team behind the restoration of the iconic McConnell’s brand.
The trip includes:
- Return flights for two from South Africa to Belfast, Northern Ireland
- 2 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotel in Belfast including breakfast
- Private tour of the McConnell’s distillery including a Whisky tasting experience
- Evening food tasting tour in Belfast city centre
- 3 course dinner and drinks at a Belfast restaurant
Before we reveal how to enter this competition, let’s find out more about McConnell’s Irish Whisky.
Belfast Born since 1776
The Belfast Distillery Company is committed to reviving McConnell’s Irish Whisky to its former
prominence, both in Belfast and globally. Emphasizing its roots in Belfast since 1776 is a crucial part of the brand's identity. Known for its rich history, shipbuilding, and industrial heritage, Belfast also boasts a significant whiskey tradition and heritage.
McConnell’s Irish Whisky is one of the oldest whiskies from Ireland, with a history that predates the addition of the "e" in Irish "whiskey". To honour this legacy, the brand continues to use the original spelling without the “e”. In Belfast, many pubs display vintage McConnell’s memorabilia, such as mirrors, posters, and old bottles, reflecting the brand's historical significance.
Restoring the legend
McConnell’s Irish whisky is a 5-Year-Old Irish Blend. Legally an Irish whiskey must be at least 3 years old, at McConnell’s both the 5-Year-Old and Sherry Cask brands are aged for a minimum of 5 years. McConnell’s uses a 40% Single Malt content in the blend. This high malt content gives a velvety mouthfeel and creates a well-balanced blend of Irish Whisky.
McConnell’s have a robust cask selection process, that is led by Master Distiller - Graeme Millar. Only the best ex Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks are used in the
maturation and finishing process. As a team, McConnell’s are extremely proud of the awards
already won. These are testament to the quality of the McConnell’s Whisky and the meticulous production and aging processes.
Most recently the McConnell’s 5YO ‘Sherry Cask’ finish was recognized at the Irish Whiskey Masters 2023 Awards. The expression won a ‘Masters Medal Award’ in the Irish Blended Whiskey Category. McConnell’s 5YO also won a gold medal at the San Francisco Worlds Spirits Competition in 2023.
Our New Brand Home
Belfast’s transformation over the past decade has made it an increasingly popular destination for visitors and tourists from around the world.
The recent opening of McConnell’s Distillery and Visitor Experience is a timely addition to the city’s offerings, enhancing its cultural and historical appeal. Visitors to the McConnell’s distillery will enjoy an up-close and personal experience, led by an expert local guide - who will share the secrets of the McConnell's historical roots in Belfast and our more
recent successes.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to observe the process of making triple-distilled, single-malt Irish whiskey and be able to sample some of the brands award-winning whiskies along the way.
CEO of McConnell’s Irish Whisky - John Kelly - states “We are thrilled to welcome visitors from around the world and especially the lucky prize winners from South Africa! After years of planning & building, we are ready to share a truly world-class experience which really will take our visitor's breath away.”
How to enter the competition
Purchase a bottle of the McConnell’s Irish Whisky!
Scan the QR code on the bottle necker collar, enter your unique code, contact details and
upload your till slip.
The competition runs from 1st July to 30th September 2024. The winner will be announced by the end of October 2024. The competition is open to South African residents older than 18 years. T&C’s apply.
Drink Responsibly
McConnell’s Irish Whisky is available at leading retail and e-commerce platforms.
The likes of Whisky Brother, MAKRO, Takealot, Norman Goodfellows, ULTRA Liquors and select TOPS and Pick n Pay stores.
Social Media Handles:
@Mcconnellsirishwhisky
@Mcconnells_whisky_africa