The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Modern Irish Craft with Classic Roots

Irish whiskey has seen a major revival over the past decade, with new brands redefining what modern Irish spirits can be. One of the boldest entries is The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey, a striking combination of tradition, creativity and style.

With its black hexagonal bottle, copper label and haunting skeleton logo, The Sexton has become instantly recognisable on shelves around the world. But behind that dark design lies a whiskey full of warmth, flavour and character.

The Story Behind The Sexton

The Sexton was created by Alex Thomas, one of Ireland’s few female master blenders, who spent years perfecting her craft at the historic Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Her goal was simple but ambitious, to create a single malt that honoured Irish heritage while appealing to a new generation of whiskey drinkers.

The name “Sexton” refers to the old church custodian responsible for maintaining the grounds and tending to the graves. It’s symbolic of the blender’s own role, caring for the whiskey through its life in the cask, ensuring it matures with balance and purpose.

Launched in 2018, The Sexton quickly gained global attention for both its flavour and its design. Today, it stands as one of the most recognisable modern Irish single malts, proving that innovation and respect for tradition can coexist beautifully.

You can learn more about the brand at The Sexton’s official website

Distillation, Maturation and Craftsmanship

The Sexton is produced in Northern Ireland, where the mild coastal climate and pure water sources create ideal conditions for whiskey maturation.

This single malt is made from 100% Irish malted barley, triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills. The triple distillation gives it the characteristic Irish smoothness, removing harsh elements and producing a delicate, clean spirit.

After distillation, The Sexton matures in carefully selected Oloroso sherry casks made of European oak. These casks, once used for rich Spanish sherry, impart deep flavours of dried fruit, nuts, and spice, giving the whiskey its signature richness and golden-amber colour.

Unlike many other affordable Irish whiskeys, The Sexton relies solely on malted barley rather than blending with grain whiskey. This gives it more body and complexity while maintaining approachability at 40% ABV.

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Nose – The First Impression

On the nose, The Sexton opens with sweet honeycomb, dried figs and raisins, followed by notes of dark chocolate, toasted nuts and oak spice. You can also find subtle hints of orange zest and marzipan, which add a rich, dessert-like sweetness.

The aroma is full yet refined, showcasing the influence of Oloroso sherry casks while keeping that signature Irish smoothness. It invites you in rather than overwhelming the senses, perfect for both newcomers and experienced whiskey drinkers.

If you let the glass sit for a few minutes, more complexity develops, soft malt, brown sugar and a hint of roasted coffee bean appear in the background.

Palate – Smooth Sherry Sweetness with Subtle Spice

The first sip brings a burst of honey, caramel and roasted nuts, followed by waves of dried fruit, chocolate and light oak. Mid-palate, you’ll find nutmeg, cinnamon and almond, with the sherry influence becoming more pronounced.

The texture is silky, with a gentle warmth that builds gradually. At 40% ABV, it’s approachable and smooth enough to drink neat, though a few drops of water can enhance its fruit and spice balance.

As the flavours settle, you’ll notice an elegant marzipan and vanilla sweetness, rounded out by oak and cocoa. It’s a classic sherried Irish malt, soft, smooth, and full of personality.

Finish – Warm, Nutty and Satisfying

The finish lingers with gentle oak spice, a touch of dryness and warm notes of dark chocolate and walnuts. It’s not an overly long finish, but it’s balanced and satisfying.

That gentle fade of honey and nutmeg makes The Sexton a great companion for cool evenings or as a smooth after-dinner pour. Rating 70 out of 100.

When to Enjoy The Sexton and summary

The Sexton is a versatile whiskey. Its smoothness makes it ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also shines in cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan, where its nutty, sherried character adds depth.

If you enjoy Scotch whiskies like Glenfarclas or Macallan Sherry Oak, The Sexton offers a lighter, more approachable Irish take on that same rich, dessert-like style.

It’s also an excellent entry point for anyone new to Irish whiskey who wants something flavourful yet refined. The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey strikes a beautiful balance between accessibility and craftsmanship. It’s modern in design, but classic in taste. It may not be the oldest whiskey on the shelf, but it’s full of charm and thoughtful detail, both in the glass and in its story.

For its price point, it offers excellent value, elegant presentation and a flavour profile that rewards slow sipping.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Sexton a single malt? Yes. The Sexton is a single malt Irish whiskey made entirely from malted barley and distilled in copper pot stills.

Where is The Sexton produced? The Sexton is distilled in Northern Ireland, with most of its production attributed to Bushmills Distillery — one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world.

What casks are used for maturation? It matures exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks made from European oak, which provide dried fruit, chocolate and nutty notes.

Who created The Sexton? Master Blender Alex Thomas, known for her expertise in sherry cask maturation and her time at Bushmills Distillery, is the creator of The Sexton.

What does The Sexton taste like? Expect notes of honey, dried fruits, chocolate, roasted nuts and a hint of spice. The texture is smooth and slightly sweet with a gentle sherry finish.

How should I drink The Sexton? It can be enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or in classic whiskey cocktails. Its smoothness and sherried sweetness make it especially versatile.

Is The Sexton good value for money? Absolutely. It delivers a high-quality single malt experience at an affordable price and is a strong example of modern Irish whiskey craftsmanship.