ABOUT
The Gorey Whiskey Club began in 2020 when founder Nigel started hosting informal online tastings during the lockdowns — a way for friends and fellow whiskey enthusiasts to stay connected while exploring great drams together.
When Nigel and John met a few years later, they shared a belief that Gorey was the perfect place to build a like-minded community, with whiskey simply acting as the catalyst. In 2024, the Gorey Whiskey Club stepped out of the shebeen and into the public, and a great partnership with Browne’s was born.
Since then, the club has grown into a vibrant and growing community of more than 100 members. We gather eight to ten times a year to taste great whiskey, welcome guest distillers and brand ambassadors, and share stories with a room full of passionate enthusiasts — from curious newcomers to seasoned whiskey lovers.
Our events range from guided tastings and visiting distillery nights to road trips, distillery tours, whiskey festivals and the occasional judging opportunity — all centred around a shared appreciation for great whiskey and good company.
Our tastings are designed to be relaxed but thoughtful, giving members the chance to explore whiskey with the people who make it.
Since launching in 2024, we’ve welcomed distillers, brand ambassadors and whiskey makers from across Ireland and beyond.
Our club is free to join, and we offer reasonably priced tickets to events throughout the year. For those who want to get more involved, we also offer a Membership Tier (€65 per year), which includes priority access to events, discounted tickets and exclusive member benefits.
At its heart, Gorey Whiskey Club is about discovery — discovering new whiskeys, new stories, and new friends.
Whether you’re beginning your whiskey journey or have been enjoying it for years, the club is open to anyone who appreciates great whiskey and great company.
We’re excited about the year ahead and look forward to continuing to grow the community and welcoming new faces along the way.
Shoot us an email at info@goreywhiskeyclub.com, sign up to our newsletter on the homepage, or join our WhatsApp group to stay connected.
Nigel, John and the GWC Team
Sláinte!
Who We Are
Nigel
From Gorey, Nigel is an enthusiastic amateur whiskey aficionado with a particular fondness for Irish whiskey. These days he finds himself gravitating toward drams with a touch of sherry influence.
John
Originally from Canada but now calling Gorey home, John has spent nearly two decades working in the drinks industry. While he enjoys world whiskeys, he has embraced Irish whiskey with ease and become a natural ambassador for it.
Jen
A globe-trotter and enthusiast of books, languages, music and film, Jen brings curiosity and culture to the club. Her whiskey palate tends to lean toward sophisticated whiskey cocktails.
Sam
With a background in hospitality and cocktail curation, Sam is a fan of Irish whiskey and is currently studying in Carlow with hopes of breaking into the spirits industry in the future.
John C.
A blow-in from Wicklow who has been living in Gorey for the past few years, John’s arrival in town coincided with the start of his whiskey journey. He has developed a particular appreciation for Irish pot still whiskeys but continues to explore the wider world of whiskey.