Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey
Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey is the revival of Belfast's historic Gelston's brand — a blend of locally sourced Irish malted barley and grain, triple distilled for smoothness and matured in fine ex-bourbon oak casks, bottled at 40% ABV. Elegantly smooth yet expressive, with a long finish, it took Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40%
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: Ireland — a Belfast brand founded 1830
- Production: blend of Irish malted barley and grain; triple distilled; matured in ex-bourbon oak casks
- Accolades: SFWSC Double Gold 2022; London Spirits Competition Silver 2022; SFWSC Silver 2021 (per the official brand site)
Five Generations of the Neill Family
Gelston's Old Irish Whiskey was founded in 1830 by Samuel Gelston, a prosperous wine and whiskey merchant of Belfast. When Gelston died in 1869, the business passed to Harry Neill — an adventurer who had tried his luck in the Australian gold rush — and five generations later it remains with the Neill family. The brand has been revived by Harry Neill's great-great-grandson Johnny Neill, keeping the formula the house always used: Irish malt and grain, triple distilled, aged in ex-bourbon wood. Browse the Samuel Gelston's collection, more Irish whiskey, and Del Mesa's triple-distilled blends shelf.
Tasting Notes
Expect light golden color and a delicate nose — a little dry spice, hints of fruit, and hard candied sweets. The palate is a little spicy with a smooth honeyed mouth-coating, grain and nut notes through the middle, and an enjoyably long, elegant finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat, over ice, or as a long refreshing serve — the classic Irish whiskey flexibilities. Its smoothness makes it a friendly everyday blend, and it mixes into highballs and whiskey cocktails without losing its honeyed character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Samuel Gelston's whiskey?
The Neill family — founded by Samuel Gelston in Belfast in 1830, bought by Harry Neill in 1869, and now revived by Johnny Neill, the family's fifth generation.
Is Gelston's triple distilled?
Yes — a blend of Irish malted barley and grain, triple distilled and matured in ex-bourbon oak casks.
Has Samuel Gelston's won any awards?
Yes — Double Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Silver at the 2022 London Spirits Competition, and Silver at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, per the brand's official site.
A 19th-century Belfast house, still family-owned — order Samuel Gelston's Blended Irish Whiskey online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.