IrishAmerican 19 Year Old Single Malt Founders Reserve Cask Strength Irish Whiskey
IrishAmerican 19 Year Old Single Malt Founders Reserve Cask Strength Irish Whiskey is a 54% ABV (108 proof) single malt Irish whiskey in a 750mL bottle, gently matured for 19 years in Jamaican rum casks, non-chill filtered, and bottled at cask strength as a limited release of only 625 bottles — selected by founder John McKay before his death, each bottle bearing his signature of approval, available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 54% (108 proof) — cask strength
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 19 years in Jamaican rum casks
- Style: single pot-distilled-style single malt, non-chill filtered, copper pot stills
- Origin: Ireland — sourced Irish single malt, bottled by IrishAmerican Trading Company
- Rarity: only 625 bottles released, commemorating founder John McKay's birthday, June 25, 1960
- Presentation: piano black presentation box
The Founder's Final Selection
Founder's Reserve is the premium series of the IrishAmerican Trading Company, and this 19-year-old single malt is its inaugural release — personally selected by founder John McKay before he passed, with his signature of approval on every bottle. The whiskey spent nineteen full years maturing in Jamaican rum casks, picking up deep, rich character before being bottled un-chill-filtered at cask strength. His sons, Michael and Sean McKay, now carry the company forward from Achill Island. With just 625 bottles in existence — the count marking McKay's own birthday, 06/25/1960 — this is a collector's bottle as much as a drinker's one. Explore more rare releases in our whisky collection and the full IrishAmerican lineup.
Tasting Notes
Official brand copy describes deep, rich flavor with citrus undertones mellowed by time, a fresh aroma, and a remarkably smooth single malt with a long finish. Retailers add texture: round and full-bodied, with oak, toffee, and leather folding into Caribbean fruit character from the rum casks — the 19 years of maturation and full 54% strength working together rather than against each other. (Note: the brand's WSWA and San Francisco medals were earned by the Classic Blend and 10-year single malt, not this release.)
How to Enjoy
Neat in a Glencairn, with a few minutes to open — cask-strength Irish whiskey at this age deserves patience. A teaspoon of water softens the strength and lifts the fruit and toffee. Reserve it for cocktails you truly mean business with, or better yet, keep it for contemplative sipping. Pair with dark chocolate or a fine cigar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bottles were made?
Only 625 bottles — the count commemorates founder John McKay's birthday, June 25, 1960.
What is the Founders Reserve?
It is the inaugural release of IrishAmerican's premium Founder's Reserve series, selected by founder John McKay himself before his death; each bottle bears his signature of approval.
What casks was it matured in?
Jamaican rum casks for the full 19 years. It is bottled non-chill filtered at cask strength.
What is the alcohol content?
It is bottled at cask strength, 54% ABV (108 proof).
625 bottles. Nineteen years. One founder's signature. Order the IrishAmerican 19 Year Old Founders Reserve online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.