Sazerac Enters Irish Whiskey Market with Hawk’s Rock Distillery and 20-Year-Old Garavogue Single Malt
- Filip Janczak
- Oct 29
- 3 min read
The Sazerac Company, a global spirits powerhouse, has officially entered the Irish whiskey category with the launch of Hawk’s Rock Distillery. This new venture, announced in April 2025, marks a significant investment in the rapidly growing Irish whiskey market. To commemorate its debut, the distillery has released its inaugural expression: Garavogue 20-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey.
A New Chapter for Irish Whiskey
Hawk’s Rock Distillery represents Sazerac’s long-term commitment to Ireland’s growing whiskey category. Formerly known as Lough Gill Distillery, the site in County Sligo was rebranded in 2025 to mark a new era for the brand.
The name Garavogue takes inspiration from the Garavogue River in Sligo, connecting the release to its local heritage and landscape. This focus on authenticity and provenance aligns perfectly with Sazerac’s approach to whisky making.
For more about the company’s heritage and portfolio, visit Sazerac’s official website.
Garavogue 20-Year-Old Single Malt: A Premium Beginning
The Garavogue 20-Year-Old Single Malt is more than just a first release. It is a statement of intent.
Age Statement: 20 years
Category: Single Malt Irish Whiskey, made from 100 percent malted barley
Maturation: Initially aged in ex-bourbon American oak before further maturation in French Muscat, Sauternes, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and Barbadian rum casks
Release Date: June 2025
Expected Price: Around $249/£€190 per 700 ml bottle
This multi-cask approach creates layers of sweetness, fruit, and spice while retaining the smoothness associated with fine Irish single malts. Collectors and enthusiasts will appreciate its rarity, with limited quantities distributed globally.
Learn more about the distillery’s vision and future releases at Hawk’s Rock Distillery.
Sazerac's Broader Ambitions
The creation of Hawk’s Rock Distillery forms part of Sazerac’s larger global strategy. Alongside its Irish expansion, the company continues to grow brands such as Buffalo Trace Distillery and The Last Drop Distillers. These projects underline Sazerac’s dedication to preserving heritage while pushing innovation.
By launching a distillery and an aged Irish single malt simultaneously, Sazerac signals that it is not simply joining the category, it intends to shape its future.
Impact on the Irish Whiskey Market
Sazerac’s entry into Irish whiskey adds momentum to one of the fastest-growing spirits sectors in the world. Its global reach, distribution strength, and marketing experience will likely help elevate Irish whiskey’s position among luxury spirits.
For drinkers, the arrival of Hawk’s Rock Distillery brings excitement and variety. The Garavogue 20-Year-Old offers a new perspective on Irish single malt, combining local character with international expertise.
As the distillery develops and new releases follow, it will be fascinating to see how Sazerac influences Ireland’s whiskey renaissance in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawk’s Rock Distillery?
Hawk’s Rock Distillery is Sazerac’s new Irish whiskey production site in County Sligo. It was previously known as Lough Gill Distillery and was rebranded in 2025.
What makes the Garavogue 20-Year-Old special?
It is the first release from Hawk’s Rock Distillery and represents Sazerac’s commitment to premium Irish whiskey. Aged for two decades across multiple cask types, it combines richness, balance, and complexity.
When was the Garavogue 20-Year-Old released?
The official launch took place in June 2025, with limited global distribution across select markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Is Garavogue available for purchase online?
Availability varies by region. You can check updates through Sazerac’s news section
Comments