Some dates on the calendar are easy to forget: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, they come and go, often lost in the rush of everyday life. But then there are the moments that demand attention—the ones you mark with a permanent circle and a quiet sense of excitement. For whiskey lovers, Two Stacks Pillars of Creation is fast becoming one of those moments. This annual release isn’t just a new bottle, it’s a showcase of collaboration, craft, and character. A carefully curated blend that captures the soul of Irish distilling, bringing together distinct spirits in perfect harmony. Each vintage tells a story of heritage and progress, of bold flavours and subtle finesse. And much like the best things in life, it proves that some things don’t just age — they evolve.

Granted, we’ve only seen one release so far; the 2024 vintage, but what a debut it was. It quickly became a standout, with many whiskey heavyweights ranking it among their top five of the year. Part of the buzz came from the intrigue: Echlinville hadn’t yet released its own spirit, and yet there it was — a 7-year-old pot still in the blend, offering an early glimpse of what was to come from the distillery not long after.

The original collaboration brought together a trio of Irish whiskey heavyweights: Killowen, Echlinville, and Dingle, a formidable lineup by any standard. But with this year’s release, there’s been a shake-up. Killowen has stepped out of the blend, likely because Brendan broke another paddle trying to stir up one of his wild, cask-mashing concoctions in the Mournes. In his place, Boann steps in with grace and sweetness, likely adding some sweetness and depth to the mix. And rounding it out is Micil; smoky, bold, and full of Galway grit, ready to bring a whole new edge to this year’s Pillars of Creation.

So, what exactly do we have here? This year’s blend is an intriguing mix:

• 29% 11-year-old Dingle single malt, matured in first-fill bourbon casks
• 29% 9-year-old Echlinville single pot still, also first-fill bourbon
• 29% 3-year-old Boann single pot still, aged in first-fill Oloroso
• And finally, 13% 3-year-old Micil non-GI peated pot still, drawn from a first-fill Port cask.

Once again, much like last year’s vintage, there’s an imbalance between single malt and pot still, a bold move that speaks to Two Stacks’ confidence. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that they can handle complexity. Think of it like walking a tightrope while juggling flaming torches; balancing cask strength, age variation, and regional character without missing a step.

With such a heavy emphasis on pot still spirit, expect intricate layers of spice, white pepper, menthol, and rich texture. The Dingle component should lend its unmistakable DNA: orchard fruit, sea breeze, and a subtle oiliness, while Boann’s influence promises a rounded sweetness. Micil’s peated pot still, youthful but fiery, should add a smoky heartbeat to the dram, wrapped in the red-fruited richness of that Porto cask, especially in the absence of an iconic Killowen cask from last year’s vintage. In short, this isn’t just a whiskey, it’s a conversation in a glass.

Two Stacks Pillars of Creation 2025 Vintage

ABV: 57%

Price: £115 (Including a £15 dram-in-a-can option too!)

Nose:

Exceptionally complex, with a bold mix of stone fruits: black cherries and under-ripe peach lead the charge. Layers of herbal character unfold, featuring aniseed, clove, and peppermint. There’s an intriguing musty salinity underneath, adding depth. A lovely sweetness emerges with notes of honey and golden syrup, rounded off by a faint wisp of smoke and a hint of old furniture polish.

Palate:

Wow, this is proper complexity. The pot still character is unmistakable, delivering a punchy mix of pepper and intense spice. Herbal notes return with aniseed and peppermint, wrapped in a musky richness. A savoury saltiness lingers, joined by waves of smoke, both fresh and slightly stale, with black liquorice adding an earthy edge. Clear echoes of Echlinville’s first edition shine through, along with Dingle’s signature fingerprint. A sweet-savoury interplay develops, reminiscent of apple crumble.

Finish:

A warm, lingering heat carries through beautifully. Notes of crispy Frazzles and burnt toast emerge, alongside a menthol freshness with a tangy, tobacco note. Hints of worn leather add a final layer of rugged sophistication.

Summary

Now that is one complex dram.

First off, a big thank you to Two Stacks for sending me an early preview. For a brand like theirs to entrust me with the big reveal less than a week before launch — that’s a real privilege. Donal reached out shortly after I posted a photo of the Two Stacks Copita glass filled with the new release, opening with the inevitable question:

“Well, what did you think of it…?”

My response was instant: “I absolutely loved it.”

At first glance, you might think there’s a risk of overcrowding — four powerhouse distilleries, a mix of age statements, a bold young peated whiskey from Micil… it could easily tip into chaos. But as we’ve come to expect, Two Stacks nails the balance. Everything has its place. It’s layered, bold, and expressive — and yet nothing overwhelms. Each component shines, while still serving the whole.

Having been at the Echlinville launch night and tasted their inaugural spirit firsthand, that element shines the brightest for me in this blend. The pot still character is beautifully nuanced — subtly peppery with a soft, recognisable sweetness that’s unmistakably Echlinville. But one of the quiet heroes here is Boann. There’s a rounded smoothness and sweetness that instantly brings their early releases to mind, acting as a perfect counterbalance to the spice. Then there’s the boldness, not brash, but assertive, that I’d bet comes from the Micil component. And honestly, that’s exactly what I want in a whiskey like this. Not something too polished or overly refined, but something with character. An edge. And Micil gives it just that, pushing the whole experience up a notch. And throughout it all, it’s Dingle, the lone single malt that acts as the glue, binding the bold personalities together with its trademark coastal fruit, texture, and poise.

So, the big question: is this release better than last year’s vintage?

Having revisited the 2024 edition just last week, it certainly stirred up some beautiful memories. But I’m going to nail my colours to the whiskey-soaked mast and say — yes — this one edges it. Just slightly, but meaningfully. It’s an exceptional expression: thoughtful, precise, and the result of serious craft. The proportions are perfectly judged. Two Stacks clearly know exactly what they’re doing. And while the price tag might give some pause, don’t forget — once again, you can pick up a 100ml can for around a tenth of the price. Or better yet, grab both. The bottle’s one you’ll want to keep.

Let’s be honest — while Midleton Very Rare continues its annual tradition of being… well, available everywhere and mildly underwhelming, Two Stacks Pillars of Creation is quietly redefining what “rare” should actually mean: bold, brilliant, and genuinely worth the calendar reminder.

Score: 8/10

Disclosure: The sample that informed this article was provided to the Water of Life team by Two Stacks free of charge. Two Stacks has not had any other input into this article, nor has the Water of Life team relinquished any editorial control.