This Inaugural Irish Whiskey Blends Fruit, Honey, and a Hint of Smoke

by JonAgustin

Tuesday, 07 April 2026 at 10:35The Spirits Business

What if a whiskey could transport you to the Irish countryside in spring? That is what Yeats Irish Whiskey aims to do with its inaugural release. The first bottle, Yeats The Lake Isle of Innisfree, is inspired by poetry, landscape, and the legacy of one of Ireland’s greatest writers.

Companies or distillers would usually have a wide array of brands under them. Such as, for instance, with Pernod Ricard, which has Chivas Regal, Absolut Vodka, Ballantine's, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and Havana Club.

What's the Yeats The Lake Isle of Innisfree, inaugural whiskey release?

It is starting really carefully with an Irish whiskey brand called Yeats. Under which is the inaugural limited-edition expression, The Lake Isle of Innisfree. From packaging to finish, this Irish whiskey is a must-have. The package design takes its cue from Yeats Country, evident in the use of rich blue tones and gold accents.

The whiskey is the first release of the distillery, but not the first distillation, Patrick Ward, founder of Yeats Irish Whiskey mentions.

‘Like a true Irish whiskey, this is our third distillation of the idea and the one that mattered.’

- Patrick Ward

What are the tasting notes of Yeats The Lake Isle of Innisfree?

Nose: Vanilla, honey, toasted oak, and red berries.
Palate: Richness of flavors of ripe dark fruits like plum and blackberry, complemented by subtle spice and a gentle peat smokiness.
Finish: That lingering honeyed sweetness and oak.

Triple distillation is a hallmark of Irish whiskey, and the brand makes sure it has this. Bottled at 43% ABV, this inaugural blend consists of 90% aged Irish grain whiskey matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon American oak casks, 9% triple-distilled Irish malt whiskey finished in Ruby Port casks, and 1% peated malt.

An ode to a famous Irish poet

This Irish whiskey was born to give honor to Irish poet William Butler Yeats, popularly known as W. B. Yeats. This is where the name derives from as well. “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” is the exact title of his twelve-line poem comprising three quatrains. The upcoming whiskeys in the series will be named after poems as well.

Originally conceived in 2015 as a distillery project, this vision evolved through various pauses, restarts, and reflections.

Where is the Yeats Irish Whiskey for sale?

The inaugural release will be limited in quantities. A total of 4000 bottles are made available. The whiskey is sold through the website of the whiskeymaker for 90 euros per bottle.

Discover more on Irish Whiskey here.

FAQ

What inspired Yeats Irish Whiskey?
It honors Yeats, Irish landscapes, poetry, craftsmanship, and perseverance beautifully.
What flavors define The Lake Isle of Innisfree?
Expect berries, honey, oak, plum, blackberry, spice, and gentle smokiness.
What makes this whiskey distinctively Irish?
Its name gets it from a famous Irish poem.