Behind the Cask with Paddy Foley Head of Maturation, Dingle Distillery
October 10 | 12 minute read
When it comes to whiskey, few know the craft like Paddy Foley. As Head of Maturation at Dingle Distillery, Paddy’s job is to make sure every drop that leaves their coastal warehouse is rich with character, balance, and a sense of place. We sat down with him to talk about the Dingle way of doing things—from triple distillation and coastal ageing to the stories behind their bottles and what’s coming next. If you’re into small-batch, hands-on whiskey made with heart, this one’s for you.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Where is this whiskey produced?
Paddy Foley: Every drop of Dingle Whiskey is proudly crafted in our Distillery on the edge of the wild Atlantic in Dingle, Co Kerry. Since opening our doors in 2012, we have distilled, matured, and bottled our whiskey entirely on-site, giving us complete control over quality from grain to glass.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Can you provide some background on the distillery and its history?
Paddy Foley: Dingle Distillery was founded with a bold vision, to bring independent, artisanal whiskey-making back to Ireland’s southwest. Since 2012 we’ve been dedicated to crafting exceptional, small-batch spirits with care and authenticity. Our range includes our Dingle Single Malt and Dingle Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys, alongside our multiple award-winning spirits such as Dingle Gin – the official ‘World’s Best Gin in 2019’ and our quintuple-distilled Dingle Vodka. Everything we do reflects our commitment to quality, innovation, and our unique sense of place on the Dingle Peninsula.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What is the distillation process used for this whiskey?
Paddy Foley: We triple-distil all our whiskey in three bespoke copper pot stills located in the heart of our distillery. This traditional process gives Dingle Whiskey its signature depth and rich, layered character.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What makes Chinkapin Oak unique?
Paddy Foley: In terms of the wood profile, it falls somewhere between that of Quercus Alba (White Oak) and Quercus Robur (European Oak) that we are accustomed to. It doesn’t quite have as strong a vanilla and honey influence as the White Oak, or the spice and astringency of European Oak. It’s flavour profile often features earthy notes, coffee, umami and subtle spice.
It's most commonly used in the production of Rye Whiskey. The profile of the Chinkapin Oak really lends itself to the spice you’d expect from a Rye Whiskey. We’ve found that this is also true for our Pot Still Irish Whiskey, which is renowned for is spice quality from the use of both malted and un-malted barley.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Is the whiskey aged in barrels? If so, what type of barrels are used?
Paddy Foley: Absolutely, every whiskey we produce is matured in carefully selected casks sourced from some of the finest cooperages around the world. At Dingle, we place a strong emphasis on both bourbon and fortified wine casks, with a particular focus on sherry and port for our new core range. These casks are key to our own hand-crafted style, imparting layers of rich, complex flavours and leaving an unmistakable mark on the whiskey’s character and finish.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What is the ageing duration and conditions?
Paddy Foley: Our whiskey matures slowly and naturally in our coastal warehouse, just one kilometre from the distillery. The Kerry climate and Atlantic air create the perfect conditions for maturation to create our unique Dingle spirit. Each cask is individually monitored and only selected for bottling once it meets our high standards for flavour and balance, whether destined for our core range, limited editions, or single cask releases.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How would you describe the flavour profile of this whiskey?
Paddy Foley: Our core range consists of three distinct whiskeys, each with its own personality. Expect layers of rich malt sweetness, dried fruits and nutty complexity from single malt whiskey, and a gentle spice from our pot still whiskey. All three core SKUs deliver a rounded, complex and unmistakably Dingle experience.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What sets your whiskey apart from others in terms of taste and quality?
Paddy Foley: At Dingle, authenticity in everything. We focus on small-batch production and handcraft every drop, using traditional methods that let the true character of our spirit shine. This dedication to craft and place gives Dingle Whiskey its remarkable depth, complexity, and unique sense of identity that’s truly unique to Dingle.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How do you ensure the quality and consistency of your whiskey across different batches and releases?
Paddy Foley: Each batch is meticulously selected, blended and tasted by our expert team before release. We carefully marry casks to achieve a balanced, consistent flavour profile while still allowing the natural individuality of each batch to come through. This attention to detail ensures that every bottle of Dingle Whiskey delivers the quality and character our consumers have come to expect.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Can you share details about the packaging design and bottle presentation?
Paddy Foley: Our new packaging design reflects the evolution of Dingle Distillery while remaining deeply rooted in who we are. The design draws inspiration from the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula and the vibrant Wren’s Day tradition. The result is a striking, premium bottle that stands proudly on any back bar and captures the consumers imagination, just like the whiskey it holds.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Is there any significance or story behind the label or bottle design?
Paddy Foley: Absolutely, our bottle design pays tribute to Dingle’s heritage with the Wren’s Day tradition at the heart. The Wren Boy (our icon) represents community, celebration, and the independent spirit of the town. Every detail, from the label texture to the embossing on the glass, is designed to honour our home and reflect the character of Dingle Distillery. It's a bottle that not only looks beautiful but tells the story of where it comes from.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Has this whiskey received any awards or recognitions?
Paddy Foley: Yes, we’re incredibly proud that our new 10-Year-Old whiskey was awarded the prestigious Masters Award at the most recent Spirits Business Awards, the highest accolade you can achieve. Over the years, Dingle Whiskey has been recognised with multiple awards, both at home and internationally, a testament to the dedication, craft and passion of our entire team.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How do you recommend consumers enjoy this whiskey? Neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails?
Paddy Foley: Our whiskey is wonderfully versatile. Personally, I love to enjoy it neat to enjoy the full aroma and flavour, but just a drop of water can open it up beautifully. It also performs brilliantly in classic cocktails, think a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour, where its depth and complexity truly elevate the drink.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Are there any specific food pairings that complement the whiskey?
Paddy Foley: Absolutely, Dingle whiskey pairs brilliantly with bold, robust flavours. Rich dark chocolate, mature cheeses or slow cooked meats are perfect companions. For a lighter pairing, try it with smoked salmon. The balance of sweetness, spice and subtle maritime influence makes for a memorable match.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How do you engage with whiskey enthusiasts and consumers?
Paddy Foley: We’re fortunate to meet whiskey fans from all over the world at our events. From USA, France, UK, Germany to our own backyard in Ireland, these shows give us a chance to connect directly, share the Dingle story, and bring our whiskey from grain to glass for enthusiasts everywhere. For those visiting Dingle, our distillery tours, offer a true behind the scenes experience, where guests can see firsthand how to craft our award winning spirits and enjoy a tasting, of course.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Are there any specific trends or changes in consumer preferences that you've noticed in the whiskey industry recently?
Paddy Foley: Definitely, today’s whiskey drinker is more curious and knowledgeable than ever. They want to know the story behind the brand, where their whiskey is made and how it’s crafted. We’ve seen a growing appetite for transparency, authenticity and small-batch releases. Consumers are prioritising quality over quantity and this shift aligns perfectly with Dingle’s ethos.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Does the distillery have any community or sustainability initiatives?
Paddy Foley: Yes, being part of the Dingle community is incredibly important to who we are. We actively support local events throughout the year and place a strong emphasis on giving back to the community wherever we can. Dingle is a thriving town, and we’re proud to play our part in its continued success. Sustainability is also a key focus for us, we are committed to reducing waste, conserving energy, and making choices that help protect the incredible environment we are lucky to call home.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Are there efforts to source ingredients locally or implement eco-friendly practices?
Paddy Foley: Yes, wherever possible, we work with Irish suppliers and local farmers to source or offload our ingredients, from our malted and unmalted barley we use for whiskey production to the botanicals in our gin. Our production process is designed with sustainability in mind, and we’re constantly exploring new ways to become even greener, from packaging innovation to energy efficiency.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Can you provide any insights into future releases or innovations in your whiskey lineup?
Paddy Foley: Innovation is key to success at Dingle Distillery. Launching our new core whiskey range is a proud milestone which means whiskey lovers can now enjoy our Dingle Single Malt 10-Year-Old and Single Pot Still expressions year-round alongside our existing Dingle Single Malt. We will continue to experiment with new cask finishes, maturation styles to keep things fresh and exciting.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Are there any upcoming releases or limited editions within your brand that you are particularly excited about?
Paddy Foley: Absolutely, In addition to our new core range, we are preparing to launch our first new single cask in the refreshed packaging at Whiskey Live Paris and we’re also planning a special limited-edition bottling for the upcoming Kerry Drinks Festival in Killarney this November. Looking ahead, we have some surprises lined up for 2026 that will delight our fans including single cask releases and further age statement whiskeys.
When it comes to whiskey, few know the craft like Paddy Foley. As Head of Maturation at Dingle Distillery, Paddy’s job is to make sure every drop that leaves their coastal warehouse is rich with character, balance, and a sense of place. We sat down with him to talk about the Dingle way of doing things—from triple distillation and coastal ageing to the stories behind their bottles and what’s coming next. If you’re into small-batch, hands-on whiskey made with heart, this one’s for you.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Where is this whiskey produced?
Paddy Foley: Every drop of Dingle Whiskey is proudly crafted in our Distillery on the edge of the wild Atlantic in Dingle, Co Kerry. Since opening our doors in 2012, we have distilled, matured, and bottled our whiskey entirely on-site, giving us complete control over quality from grain to glass.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Can you provide some background on the distillery and its history?
Paddy Foley: Dingle Distillery was founded with a bold vision, to bring independent, artisanal whiskey-making back to Ireland’s southwest. Since 2012 we’ve been dedicated to crafting exceptional, small-batch spirits with care and authenticity. Our range includes our Dingle Single Malt and Dingle Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys, alongside our multiple award-winning spirits such as Dingle Gin – the official ‘World’s Best Gin in 2019’ and our quintuple-distilled Dingle Vodka. Everything we do reflects our commitment to quality, innovation, and our unique sense of place on the Dingle Peninsula.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What is the distillation process used for this whiskey?
Paddy Foley: We triple-distil all our whiskey in three bespoke copper pot stills located in the heart of our distillery. This traditional process gives Dingle Whiskey its signature depth and rich, layered character.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What makes Chinkapin Oak unique?
Paddy Foley: In terms of the wood profile, it falls somewhere between that of Quercus Alba (White Oak) and Quercus Robur (European Oak) that we are accustomed to. It doesn’t quite have as strong a vanilla and honey influence as the White Oak, or the spice and astringency of European Oak. It’s flavour profile often features earthy notes, coffee, umami and subtle spice.
It's most commonly used in the production of Rye Whiskey. The profile of the Chinkapin Oak really lends itself to the spice you’d expect from a Rye Whiskey. We’ve found that this is also true for our Pot Still Irish Whiskey, which is renowned for is spice quality from the use of both malted and un-malted barley.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Is the whiskey aged in barrels? If so, what type of barrels are used?
Paddy Foley: Absolutely, every whiskey we produce is matured in carefully selected casks sourced from some of the finest cooperages around the world. At Dingle, we place a strong emphasis on both bourbon and fortified wine casks, with a particular focus on sherry and port for our new core range. These casks are key to our own hand-crafted style, imparting layers of rich, complex flavours and leaving an unmistakable mark on the whiskey’s character and finish.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What is the ageing duration and conditions?
Paddy Foley: Our whiskey matures slowly and naturally in our coastal warehouse, just one kilometre from the distillery. The Kerry climate and Atlantic air create the perfect conditions for maturation to create our unique Dingle spirit. Each cask is individually monitored and only selected for bottling once it meets our high standards for flavour and balance, whether destined for our core range, limited editions, or single cask releases.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How would you describe the flavour profile of this whiskey?
Paddy Foley: Our core range consists of three distinct whiskeys, each with its own personality. Expect layers of rich malt sweetness, dried fruits and nutty complexity from single malt whiskey, and a gentle spice from our pot still whiskey. All three core SKUs deliver a rounded, complex and unmistakably Dingle experience.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What sets your whiskey apart from others in terms of taste and quality?
Paddy Foley: At Dingle, authenticity in everything. We focus on small-batch production and handcraft every drop, using traditional methods that let the true character of our spirit shine. This dedication to craft and place gives Dingle Whiskey its remarkable depth, complexity, and unique sense of identity that’s truly unique to Dingle.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How do you ensure the quality and consistency of your whiskey across different batches and releases?
Paddy Foley: Each batch is meticulously selected, blended and tasted by our expert team before release. We carefully marry casks to achieve a balanced, consistent flavour profile while still allowing the natural individuality of each batch to come through. This attention to detail ensures that every bottle of Dingle Whiskey delivers the quality and character our consumers have come to expect.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Can you share details about the packaging design and bottle presentation?
Paddy Foley: Our new packaging design reflects the evolution of Dingle Distillery while remaining deeply rooted in who we are. The design draws inspiration from the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula and the vibrant Wren’s Day tradition. The result is a striking, premium bottle that stands proudly on any back bar and captures the consumers imagination, just like the whiskey it holds.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Is there any significance or story behind the label or bottle design?
Paddy Foley: Absolutely, our bottle design pays tribute to Dingle’s heritage with the Wren’s Day tradition at the heart. The Wren Boy (our icon) represents community, celebration, and the independent spirit of the town. Every detail, from the label texture to the embossing on the glass, is designed to honour our home and reflect the character of Dingle Distillery. It's a bottle that not only looks beautiful but tells the story of where it comes from.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Has this whiskey received any awards or recognitions?
Paddy Foley: Yes, we’re incredibly proud that our new 10-Year-Old whiskey was awarded the prestigious Masters Award at the most recent Spirits Business Awards, the highest accolade you can achieve. Over the years, Dingle Whiskey has been recognised with multiple awards, both at home and internationally, a testament to the dedication, craft and passion of our entire team.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How do you recommend consumers enjoy this whiskey? Neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails?
Paddy Foley: Our whiskey is wonderfully versatile. Personally, I love to enjoy it neat to enjoy the full aroma and flavour, but just a drop of water can open it up beautifully. It also performs brilliantly in classic cocktails, think a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour, where its depth and complexity truly elevate the drink.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Are there any specific food pairings that complement the whiskey?
Paddy Foley: Absolutely, Dingle whiskey pairs brilliantly with bold, robust flavours. Rich dark chocolate, mature cheeses or slow cooked meats are perfect companions. For a lighter pairing, try it with smoked salmon. The balance of sweetness, spice and subtle maritime influence makes for a memorable match.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How do you engage with whiskey enthusiasts and consumers?
Paddy Foley: We’re fortunate to meet whiskey fans from all over the world at our events. From USA, France, UK, Germany to our own backyard in Ireland, these shows give us a chance to connect directly, share the Dingle story, and bring our whiskey from grain to glass for enthusiasts everywhere. For those visiting Dingle, our distillery tours, offer a true behind the scenes experience, where guests can see firsthand how to craft our award winning spirits and enjoy a tasting, of course.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Are there any specific trends or changes in consumer preferences that you've noticed in the whiskey industry recently?
Paddy Foley: Definitely, today’s whiskey drinker is more curious and knowledgeable than ever. They want to know the story behind the brand, where their whiskey is made and how it’s crafted. We’ve seen a growing appetite for transparency, authenticity and small-batch releases. Consumers are prioritising quality over quantity and this shift aligns perfectly with Dingle’s ethos.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Does the distillery have any community or sustainability initiatives?
Paddy Foley: Yes, being part of the Dingle community is incredibly important to who we are. We actively support local events throughout the year and place a strong emphasis on giving back to the community wherever we can. Dingle is a thriving town, and we’re proud to play our part in its continued success. Sustainability is also a key focus for us, we are committed to reducing waste, conserving energy, and making choices that help protect the incredible environment we are lucky to call home.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Are there efforts to source ingredients locally or implement eco-friendly practices?
Paddy Foley: Yes, wherever possible, we work with Irish suppliers and local farmers to source or offload our ingredients, from our malted and unmalted barley we use for whiskey production to the botanicals in our gin. Our production process is designed with sustainability in mind, and we’re constantly exploring new ways to become even greener, from packaging innovation to energy efficiency.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Can you provide any insights into future releases or innovations in your whiskey lineup?
Paddy Foley: Innovation is key to success at Dingle Distillery. Launching our new core whiskey range is a proud milestone which means whiskey lovers can now enjoy our Dingle Single Malt 10-Year-Old and Single Pot Still expressions year-round alongside our existing Dingle Single Malt. We will continue to experiment with new cask finishes, maturation styles to keep things fresh and exciting.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Are there any upcoming releases or limited editions within your brand that you are particularly excited about?
Paddy Foley: Absolutely, In addition to our new core range, we are preparing to launch our first new single cask in the refreshed packaging at Whiskey Live Paris and we’re also planning a special limited-edition bottling for the upcoming Kerry Drinks Festival in Killarney this November. Looking ahead, we have some surprises lined up for 2026 that will delight our fans including single cask releases and further age statement whiskeys.