Win a Whisky Adventure: Explore McConnell’s Distillery in Belfast with Belfast Born 1776
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.
Belfast Born 1776 – Trip Details:
- 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.
About 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.
McConnellsIrishWhisky, #RestoringTheLegend, #BelfastBorn1776
Social Media Handles: @Mcconnellsirishwhisky | @Mcconnells_whisky_africa
About Belfast Distillery Company
The original home of McConnell’s was in Belfast City, and they produced whisky until it closed its doors in 1930. It’s fair to say McConnell’s had its fair share of troubles over the 150 years of production, with fires and prohibition bringing that great era to an end.
But the hibernation period is over for McConnell’s and once again it’s alive and well. In Belfast City, a state-of-the-art distillery and Visitor Experience has opened, and McConnell’s Irish Whisky is once again flourishing in this great city! For more information >>>Click Here<<<
About Firebrand Africa
Since 2018, Firebrand Africa has been building Premium Liquor Brands with a strong foundation in its values of being trustworthy, fostering brand awareness and conducting sustainable business operations. Firebrand Africa is committed to delivering long-term quality, through powerful marketing, effective sales, and nationwide distribution. For more information, >>>Click Here<<< or email Carolina van der Horst – carolina@firebrand.africa