Two Stacks The First Cut – Signature Blend Irish Whiskey

Two Stacks The First Cut Signature Blend Irish Whiskey is a modern, flavor-forward Irish whiskey that revives the historic tradition of Irish whiskey bonding and blending. Crafted from a complex five-part blend of grain, pot still, malt, and even a touch of peated malt whiskey, it delivers a lively balance of fruit, honeyed sweetness, and warming spice. Smooth yet characterful, The First Cut represents the innovative spirit of a new generation of Irish whiskey producers.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Two Stacks is an independent Irish whiskey bonder and blender founded in 2020 by Shane McCarthy, Liam Brogan, and Donal McLynn. Rather than distilling all their own spirit, the company selects and matures whiskey sourced from established Irish distilleriesreviving a historic Irish tradition where merchants matured and blended whiskey under their own labels.

The First Cut is the brands flagship release and is a five-part blend combining several styles of Irish whiskey matured in different cask types to build complexity:

• 40% Single Grain Whiskey aged in ex-bourbon casks

• 40% Single Grain Whiskey aged in virgin American oak casks

• 8% Pot Still Whiskey aged in Oloroso sherry casks

• 10% Double-distilled Malt Whiskey aged in bourbon casks

• 2% Peated Malt Whiskey aged in bourbon casks

The inclusion of a small amount of peated malt whiskey is unusual for Irish blends and adds subtle smokiness and extra complexity to the spirit.

Distilled and matured at Great Northern Distillery in Dundalk, Ireland, the whiskey is bottled at 43% ABV and is presented without chill filtration or added coloring, preserving its natural flavor and texture.

Two Stacks also introduced the concept of the Dram in a Can, offering the same whiskey in a convenient 100 ml portable format alongside traditional bottles.

Critics Reviews
There are no widely published numeric scores from major whisky critics for Two Stacks The First Cut. However, reviewers frequently highlight its creative blending approach and lively flavor profile.

Independent whiskey reviewers describe the blend as delivering sweet fruit, spice, and a subtle smoky note, with a creamy texture and long finish driven by oak and espresso-like depth.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Fresh and fruit-forward with peach, pear, citrus, honey, and vanilla, supported by hints of brown sugar, toasted oak, and faint peat smoke.

Palate:
Smooth and layered with butterscotch, caramel, orchard fruit, and honey, followed by gentle baking spice and subtle smokiness from the peated malt.

Finish:
Long and warming with dry spice, mild char, citrus zest, and lingering fruit sweetness.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Irish Whiskey Sour

• 2 oz Two Stacks The First Cut

• oz fresh lemon juice

• oz simple syrup
  Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass.

Contemporary Irish Highball

• 2 oz Two Stacks The First Cut

• 4 oz chilled soda water

• Lemon twist

Build over ice in a tall glass and stir gently.