This whiskey was gone for over a century, but now it's back

What happens when you discover your family once owned an Irish distillery? Naturally, you start making whiskey yourself. That’s exactly what the owner of Limavady Irish whiskey did. In this Limavady Single Malt Irish Whiskey review, you’ll read how that turned out.

In 1750, the Limavady Distillery was founded in Ireland. The distillery was named after a local legend of Léim a' Mhadaidh, the Leap of the Dog. The tale tells of a dog that, during an attack by a rival clan, leapt across the River Roe at O'Cahan’s Rock to get help and warn his clan.

While the dog allegedly saved his clan, the fate of the Limavady distillery was different. The Irish distillery closed its doors more than a century ago, in 1915.

The distillery hasn’t returned, sadly, but the Irish whiskey has. Darryl McNally discovered that his family once owned the distillery and decided to bring the brand back to life.

McNally is no stranger to the whiskey world. He spent years at Bushmills and has multiple award-winning releases to his name. Together with WhistlePig, he crafted his first Limavady expression: Limavady Single Malt Irish Whiskey.

The whiskey is made from spirit distilled using 100 percent Irish barley. It’s triple distilled and matured in ex-bourbon casks, then finished in ex-PX sherry casks before being bottled at 46 percent alcohol by volume.

The bottle that Limavady whiskey comes in is a tribute to the original Limavady bottles. Near McNally’s home, an old whiskey bottle was once unearthed—still intact. That distinctive shape was ultimately recreated for the brand’s revival.

The bottle’s design jumps off the shelf at first glance. The neck features a “blob-top,” a rounded lip at the top. There’s also a glass stopper instead of a traditional cork, and tiny air bubbles are visible throughout the glass: a clear nod to bygone days.

The label is unique as well. The bright blue strip is long and slim, making it stand out on the shelf and in your cabinet among other bottles. The back label tells the Limavady story and McNally’s, in brief. It ends with the words: “This is my leap.”

On the nose, this Irish whiskey opens with the sweet aroma of ripe bananas, layered with vanilla and a sugary sweetness. With a little time, floral and malty notes emerge, along with underripe peach and honey.

It’s an inviting bouquet that will especially appeal to fans of sweeter styles. In the background, there’s a pinch of oak tucked away.

On the palate, Limavady feels pleasantly creamy. The flavors echo the nose at first, then gradually evolve. Honey, banana, green apple, and toffee lead the way.

A gentle prickle of spice appears on the tongue, growing as the whiskey rests in the mouth. Notes of ginger, dark chocolate, and nutty tones follow—a fascinating twist.

The finish is fairly short, with Limavady slipping away without leaving a lingering burn. The flavors on the palate fade more slowly, and a touch of malt returns right at the end.

Limavady Single Malt Irish Whiskey is an intriguing pour that seems to sit between profiles. It leans sweet on the nose but doesn’t follow through as sweet on the palate. That makes it a compelling whiskey to try, no matter your preferences. Just don’t expect a highly complex flavor profile or an extended finish.