Two legends of Wicklow craft, Glendalough Distillery and Wicklow Wolf Brewery have come together to create THE STILL HAND, a bold limited-edition 13.1% Barleywine aged, in Glendalough’s ex-Oloroso whiskey barrels. Inspired by the legend of St. Kevin’s still hand, where he kept his hand perfectly still, giving a blackbird the time to nest and hatch her young. This collaboration celebrates a simple truth: good things take time.
When two like minded producers come together, something truly special is born. Coming from a shared pride in their Wicklow home and a deep respect for craft, Glendalough Distillery and Wicklow Wolf have carefully combined brewing and distilling expertise to bring THE STILL HAND to life. The Barleywine is aged in the same Oloroso casks used for Glendalough's award-winning Double Barrel Irish Whiskey, sourced from Montilla, a small town in the rolling hills of the Spanish countryside. Each cask is hand-selected for its liquid and terroir through the trusted relationships Glendalough has built over years, ensuring the highest quality and exceptional flavor. Every pour reflects the essence of this land and the craft behind it.
Ciarán ‘Rowdy’ Rooney, Head Distiller at Glendalough Distillery, commented: “This collaboration has been a long time coming. We’ve been neighbours and friends for years, so it’s brilliant to finally come together on something that truly celebrates Wicklow craft. Both Glendalough and Wicklow Wolf share the same passion for patience, quality ingredients, and doing things the right way. These barrels were custom made for us from fine European Oak, seasoned with premium Oloroso for years before we filled them with our Irish Grain Whiskey for our Double Barrel. Freshly emptied we delivered them to Wicklow Wolf and they have added incredible depth, with notes of dried fruit, oak, and gentle spice, that really compliment the flavours of this amazing Barleywine. It beautifully connects the worlds of Wicklow whiskey and beer.”
John Allen, Head of Production at Wicklow Wolf, added: “We’ve always admired Glendalogh’s dedication to their craft, so working together on THE STILL HAND felt like a natural fit. It’s a celebration of time, place and process, that happens when you slow down and let flavour evolve. The beer is big, bold and unmistakably Wicklow.”
Glendalough Distillery, nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, has long been celebrated for its artisanal approach to Irish whiskey. Recognized as Distillery of the Year for four years in a row, Glendalough is guided by a deep respect for tradition and the natural landscape. Every small batch is crafted with care, patience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in every drop telling the story of the land it comes from and the hands that shape it.
Wicklow Wolf Brewery, a long-time neighbor of Glendalough, has made its mark on the Irish craft beer scene with bold, innovative brews and a fearless approach to flavor. Known for its creativity, attention to detail, and use of local ingredients, Wicklow Wolf embodies the adventurous spirit of modern Irish brewing with sustainability at its core.
THE STILL HAND pours a deep mahogany with layers of rich caramel, marmalade, dried fruits, warming sherry sweetness, smooth whiskey character, and toasted oak complexity. Best enjoyed alongside a neat pour of Glendalough Double Barrel whiskey to let those notes truly shine.
THE STILL HAND will be available in stores from Monday, 3rd November. Retailing at €8.00 it will be stocked at O’Briens, Molloy’s, Fine Wines, Number 21, Matson’s, independent off-licences, and select premium SuperValu stores nationwide. For those looking to complete the pairing, Glendalough's award-winning Double Barrel whiskey is currently on promotion at O’Briens and select SuperValu stores.
