Fercullen – awarded world’s best grain

Powerscourt Distillery is proud to announce that Fercullen 15 Year Old Irish Whiskey has been named World’s Best Grain at the Global Finals of the World Whiskies Awards, held in London on Wednesday, March 25.

In a remarkable achievement, Fercullen 15 has now secured this global title for the second consecutive year — a feat rarely achieved at the World Whiskies Awards and a testament to its consistent quality and craftsmanship at the very highest level.

This prestigious international accolade follows the whiskey’s recent success in being named Ireland’s Best Grain Whiskey at the national awards in Dublin earlier this year, where it earned the right to represent Ireland on the global stage.

The World Whiskies Awards are among the most respected in the industry, judged through a rigorous blind tasting process by leading global experts. Being awarded the top global honour marks a significant achievement not only for Fercullen 15, but for Irish whiskey as a whole.

This recognition comes at a pivotal time for Powerscourt Distillery, following a period of restructuring in 2025 and its subsequent acquisition by Altiva Management Inc., securing new investment and a strong foundation for future growth. The business has continued to operate throughout this period, with the recent transaction ensuring stability, safeguarding jobs and enabling renewed focus on innovation and premium whiskey production.

John Cashman, Head of Brand at Powerscourt Distillery, commented on the win:

“Fercullen 15 is a whiskey that truly showcases the elegance and complexity that grain whiskey can deliver at the highest level. The interplay between the bourbon maturation and the Madeira cask finish creates layers of dried fruit, gentle spice and a natural sweetness that defines its character. To see it recognised as the best in the world - and to achieve that honour for a second year in a row - is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved in its creation.”

Adam Morgan, Chairman of Powerscourt Distillery, added:

“This award is a powerful endorsement of both the quality of Fercullen whiskey and the resilience of the Powerscourt Distillery team. Following a challenging period for the business, this global recognition underscores the strength of the brand and the exciting future ahead. Winning this title for a second consecutive year is a rare distinction and reinforces our confidence in the long-term potential of the brand. With new investment and a clear strategic vision, we are committed to building on this momentum and establishing Powerscourt as a leading force in Irish whiskey worldwide.”

Fercullen 15 Year Old Irish Whiskey is crafted from a mash of corn and malt, initially matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels before a portion is finished in carefully selected Madeira casks. This dual maturation imparts a distinctive profile of vanilla sweetness, dried fruit complexity and a smooth, refined finish.

This latest achievement further cements Fercullen’s position among the world’s leading premium whiskey brands and highlights the continued evolution and global recognition of Irish whiskey.