Murphy’s Launches Limited Edition 170 Whiskey Cask Stout in Cork
- Heineken Ireland is releasing a limited-edition Murphy's 170 Whiskey Cask Stout with an 8.4% ABV to celebrate 170 years of brewing at the Lady's Well Brewery in Cork.
- To create the commemorative drink, brewers produced Murphy's Stout in the traditional manner at the Lady's Well Brewery on Leitrim Street in Cork.
- The collaboration links two historical beverage makers with a shared family lineage in the region.
Heineken Ireland is releasing a limited-edition Murphy’s 170 Whiskey Cask Stout with an 8.4% ABV to celebrate 170 years of brewing at the Lady’s Well Brewery in Cork. The high-strength stout, more than twice the 4% alcohol-by-volume of traditional Murphy’s, will be available across more than 80 outlets in Cork city and county starting in late September 2026.
Brewing Process and Barrel Ageing at Midleton Distillery
To create the commemorative drink, brewers produced Murphy’s Stout in the traditional manner at the Lady’s Well Brewery on Leitrim Street in Cork. Once fully fermented and matured, the stout was transferred to whiskey barrels at the Midleton Distillery for ageing. After absorbing the Irish whiskey flavors from the wooden casks, the liquid returned to Lady’s Well for further maturation, kegging, and the addition of nitrogen for a smooth finish. The resulting stout features tasting notes of caramel, vanilla, roast coffee, and dark fruit, alongside a whiskey aroma with traces of oak and dark berries.
A Shared Cork Family History
The collaboration links two historical beverage makers with a shared family lineage in the region. James Murphy founded the Midleton Distillery in 1825, and he was the grandfather of James J. Murphy. Subsequently parting ways with the family’s distilling business, James J. Murphy and his brothers acquired the former Cork Foundling Hospital located at Lady’s Well, where they set up the brewery and commenced operations in 1856.
We were delighted to partner with Heineken Ireland on Murphy’s 170 Whiskey Cask Stout, a collaboration that brings together two proud Cork traditions with a shared history.
Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery
According to Kevin O’Gorman, finishing the stout in Midleton whiskey barrels honors that heritage while offering an innovative product for both stout and whiskey enthusiasts. PJ Tierney, head brewer at Heineken Ireland, noted that the special edition harks back to the foundational year of the brewery.
Local Distribution and Market Performance
The limited run is rolling out to more than 80 outlets throughout Cork. Confirmed stockists include city establishments such as The Woodford and the Bishopstown Bar. The launch arrives as Heineken Ireland reports strong regional momentum for its domestic stout portfolio, with both Murphy’s and Beamish experiencing a 28% growth in the local market. The Lady’s Well Brewery remains a central operational hub for Heineken Ireland, producing over 95% of the company’s draught beer sold in Ireland.
