Yeats Irish Whiskey unveils inaugural release
Brand Bridge Liquids has launched an Irish whiskey brand called Yeats, with a first limited edition expression titled The Lake Isle of Innisfree.
Inspired by Irish poet WB Yeats and his connection to County Sligo, the new whiskey brand represents the culmination of a journey spanning more than a decade by independent drinks producer Brand Bridge Liquids. Originally conceived in 2015 as a distillery project, the vision evolved through various pauses, restarts, and reflections. In November 2025, the project entered its final and decisive phase, culminating in the launch of the brand's first expression, The Lake Isle of Innisfree, in late March 2026. Patrick Ward, founder of Yeast Irish Whiskey, explained: "This whiskey is the result of time, resilience, and respect for craft, for tradition, and for storytelling. Like a true Irish whiskey, this is our third distillation of the idea and the one that mattered." The whiskey is created in the company's home county, Sligo, and each release in the series takes its name from one of Yeats' poems. The inaugural blend consists of three components: 90% aged Irish grain whiskey, primarily matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon American oak casks; 9% triple-distilled Irish malt whiskey, finished in Ruby Port casks; and 1% peated malt. Each component has been aged separately for five to seven years before being blended. Bottled at 43% ABV, this expression presents aromas of vanilla, honey, toasted oak, and red berries. The palate reveals notes of dark fruits, subtle wine sweetness, and a soft spice. Yeats The Lake Isle of Innisfree is limited to 4,000 bottles worldwide, with a suggested retail price of €90 (£80/US$104). The inaugural release's packaging is said to honour the poet's legacy and embody the brand's essence, featuring an 'elegant, restrained, and story-driven design'. Yeats has already started creating the second release, with future small batch expressions exploring new cask finishes, styles, and poetic themes. The company also plans initiatives featuring curated tastings, cultural collaborations, and a collector's trilogy box set that includes the first three releases.
