Garden County Irish Whiskey Makes Its U.S. Debut with Four New Releases

The family-run Irish whiskey brand brings its small-batch approach, traditional distilling techniques, and range of aged expressions to American bartenders.

A new name is entering the American Irish whiskey conversation. Garden County Irish Whiskey, founded by father-and-son team Michael and Gavin Clifford in County Wicklow, Ireland, is making its U.S. debut with three aged whiskey expressions and a cold brew coffee liqueur.

The launch introduces American bartenders to a brand built around traditional Irish whiskey-making techniques, small copper stills, and a focus on distinctive grain and cask profiles. After gaining a following in Ireland with limited-edition and single-cask releases, Garden County is now expanding its reach across the United States.

From Behind the Bar to the Distillery

Garden County’s story began in 2016, when Gavin Clifford returned to Ireland after developing an interest in craft distilling while working behind the bar in New York. He joined his father, Michael, to launch the business, initially producing gin while laying down whiskey stocks and planning their own distillery.

The duo’s approach draws inspiration from older Irish whiskey traditions, particularly Single Pot Still recipes that incorporated oats, rye, and other grains alongside malted and unmalted barley.

Using small copper stills and double distillation, Garden County aims to preserve the weight, spice, and character of its spirits while exploring different grain combinations and cask influences.

Meet the Whiskey Lineup

Garden County’s initial U.S. whiskey portfolio features three expressions, each bottled at 46% ABV and showcasing a different approach to maturation.

• 5-Year-Old Single Grain — $39.99: Matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, bringing together two established influences in whiskey aging.
• 8-Year-Old Single Grain — $49.99: Aged in a combination of virgin American oak, ex-bourbon, and ex-rye casks, offering a broader exploration of wood influence.
• 7-Year-Old Single Malt — $59.99: A limited release matured in ex-maple syrup, virgin American oak, and ex-bourbon casks.

For bartenders, the range offers an opportunity to explore how grain selection, maturation, and cask variety influence the character of Irish whiskey. The different expressions also provide options for guided tastings, whiskey flights, and cocktail experimentation.

Adding Coffee to the Mix

Beyond whiskey, Garden County is introducing a Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, priced at $24.99 and bottled at 25% ABV.

The liqueur combines Brazilian Arabica coffee, locally roasted and brewed for 48 hours at the distillery, with house-made Demerara syrup and neutral spirit.

Its coffee-forward profile makes it a natural candidate for bar programs looking to explore coffee cocktails, from Espresso Martini variations to other after-dinner serves.