Atlantic-Matured Clonakilty Whiskey Night at Kyteler's Inn, Kilkenny

Evening light slides down St Kieran's St in Kilkenny, and Kyteler's Inn prepares to host a focused celebration of Irish whiskey. The experience is Clonakilty Irish Whiskey at Kyteler's Inn, Kilkenny, an intimate tasting and cocktail workshop held at Kyteler's Inn on St Kieran's St in Kilkenny. On Thursday 13th August 2026 at 19:00, the Kilkenny Whiskey Guild and the Clonakilty team bring bottles, stories, and hands-on instruction for an approx 2.5-hour session tailored for guests 18 and over. What makes this evening different is the spirits themselves and the story behind them. Clonakilty’s distillery on Ireland’s southwest Atlantic coast triple-distills a mix of malted and un-malted barley, lengthens fermentation to coax flavor, uses a "gentle cut" adding water slowly, and exposes oak casks to Atlantic air as the liquid matures. You’ll taste that influence in brighter, lightly coastal notes and have the chance to personalize an Old Fashioned, learning how choices in grain, cut, and cask shape final flavor. The venue matters. Kyteler's Inn, located on St Kieran's St, is a local gathering place where storytelling and hospitality meet — it’s also the meeting point listed for the event. The program takes place in JD’s new Whiskey Bar within the inn, which the organizers note makes this maiden voyage extra special. Expect curated pours, themed tasting flights, and cocktail stations where you can build and taste your own concoction under the Clonakilty team’s guidance. Practical notes for visitors: the session runs approximately 2.5 hours and is adult-only (18+). Book in advance through the provided referral link because seats are limited for this guided guild event. Wear comfortable clothes and arrive early to find the entrance on St Kieran's St; you’ll want time to settle into the bar and listen to the local anecdotes that accompany each pour. Why book? Beyond sampling high-caliber whiskey, this evening ties a product to place: from the Atlantic-matured casks of Clonakilty to the compact, story-rich setting of Kyteler's Inn. For travelers exploring Kilkenny’s medieval streets and local culture, the tasting offers a concentrated taste of modern Irish craft distilling alongside warm hospitality. It’s an accessible, sensory way to connect with the region’s evolving spirits scene and leave with a clearer sense of how technique, climate, and hospitality shape what’s in your glass. During the tasting expect structured flights that highlight differences between un-malted and malted barley, demonstrations of the gentle cut and cut points, and practical tips for home bartending. Staff will discuss cask influence and Atlantic exposure while offering small food pairings from Kyteler's kitchen to cleanse the palate. The tone is relaxed and instructive—ideal for whiskey-curious travelers who want to learn, taste deliberately, and take home new favorites and savor regional hospitality.