Independent Belfast-born distillery, Dingle, has announced the launch of Cónocht an Earraigh Single Malt, a new limited-edition single malt whiskey.

Available this month, the whiskey is the sixth release in Dingle’s Celtic Wheel of the Year series, a limited edition run of whiskies which pay homage to Ireland’s cultural heritage of equinoxes and solstices.

Following the November launch of Grianstad an Gheimhrid, Cónocht an Earraigh will be the rarest release in the Dingle Wheel series to date, with only 5,500 bottles available worldwide.

The limited-edition whiskey is already garnering international acclaim, following this week’s gold medal win at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024.

Distilled at 50.5% Cónocht an Earraigh honours the ancient celebration of the spring equinox, when day and night are equal in length.  A time of vitality and growth, it celebrates the start of spring, when the fruitful landscape of Dingle’s distillery begins to flourish in preparation for the summer ahead.

To obtain its rich flavour, Cónocht an Earraigh is triple distilled in Dingle’s Kerry-based distillery and matured in first-filled bourbon casks, before a long finish in Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks.

The result is a flavourful single malt whisky with notes of rich red fruits, subtle spice, and gingerbread. Delicate hints of roasted almonds, muscovado sugar, and spice provide a lingering finish in the mouth.

Dingle’s Wheel of the Year series comprises eight limited-edition whiskies, released in harmony with the equinoxes, solstices, and a final release for the celebration of Wren’s Day, to coincide with Ireland’s ancient solar calendar. The first edition, Samhain Single Malt, launched in October 2022.