Two Stacks The First Cut is the flagship expression from one of Ireland's only independent bonders and blenders — a five-part blend that proves Irish whiskey doesn't have to be soft, simple, or forgettable. Founded in 2020 by Shane McCarthy, Liam Brogan, and Donal McLynn, Two Stacks sources the finest spirits from across Ireland and blends them at their 100% solar-powered production facility. The result is a non-chill filtered, naturally colored whiskey at 86 proof that has more going on than most Irish blends twice the price.
The blend is unusually transparent: 40% dark grain aged in virgin oak, 40% light grain aged in ex-bourbon, 8% pot still aged in ex-oloroso sherry casks, 10% double malt aged in ex-bourbon, and 2% peated malt aged in ex-bourbon. All components were aged a minimum of four years, some up to seven. No added color. No chill filtration. No shortcuts.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Vanilla cream, dried pineapple, honey, toasted oak, subtle citrus, light peat
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Palate: Creamy and dense — butterscotch, candied citrus, dried fruit, sherry richness, black tea, touch of smoke
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Finish: Long and spicy with oak, black pepper, vanilla, pineapple, and lingering peat. One of the longer finishes in its price range.
Product Details
| Type |
Blended Irish Whiskey |
| Producer |
Two Stacks Whiskey, Ireland |
| Blend Components |
5-part blend (dark grain, light grain, pot still, double malt, peated malt) |
| Cask Types |
Virgin oak, ex-bourbon, ex-oloroso sherry |
| Age |
4–7 years |
| Proof |
86 (43% ABV) |
| Filtration |
Non-chill filtered, naturally colored |
| Size |
750ml |
How to Drink It
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Neat: The non-chill filtration gives it a thick, creamy mouthfeel that rewards sipping straight. Let it breathe 10–15 minutes.
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Signature Highball: Two Stacks' own serve — whiskey over ice, top with soda water, garnish with a lemon peel. Simple and ideal.
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Irish Old Fashioned: The sherry and virgin oak components make it a natural for spirit-forward cocktails.
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Drop of water: Opens up the fruit and subdues the 2% peat component if you want it rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Two Stacks The First Cut different from standard Irish blends?
Most Irish blends are soft, light, and heavily filtered. The First Cut is non-chill filtered, naturally colored, and built from five distinct components including pot still and peated malt — giving it texture and complexity that's unusual at this price point.
What is the proof and ABV of Two Stacks The First Cut?
The First Cut is bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV) — the same as most standard Irish whiskeys, but the non-chill filtration makes it feel fuller and richer in the glass than the proof suggests.
Is there peat in Two Stacks The First Cut?
Yes, but subtly — 2% peated malt is included in the blend, aged in ex-bourbon casks. It's noticeable from nose to finish but doesn't dominate. Think light smoke and earthiness rather than Islay-style peat.
Who distills Two Stacks whiskey?
Two Stacks is an independent bonder and blender, sourcing spirit from leading Irish distilleries — widely believed to include Great Northern Distillery — then bonding, blending, and bottling at their own facility in Ireland. All production is solar-powered.
How does The First Cut compare to Jameson or other Irish whiskeys?
The First Cut is more complex and has noticeably more texture than Jameson at a similar price. The sherry cask component and virgin oak aging add depth that mass-market blends don't offer, and the absence of chill filtration gives it a creamier mouthfeel.
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase. Please drink responsibly.
