Copeland Distillery was founded on the shores of Donaghadee, County Down, where a passion for innovation and craftsmanship drives the creation of distinctive Irish spirits. Drawing inspiration from the rich maritime heritage of the Ards Peninsula, the distillery combines traditional methods with modern techniques to produce characterful whiskeys that reflect both place and provenance.

The 26.2 release marks Copeland’s first-ever peated single malt Irish whiskey. Crafted from 100% peated malted barley and double distilled in the distillery’s copper pot stills, the whiskey is matured for a minimum of five years on the Ards Peninsula. A combination of first-fill American bourbon casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and charred oak casks brings together smoky intensity, rich fruit character and gentle oak spice. Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and with natural colour, this limited release of just 1,020 bottles showcases the distillery’s distinctive approach to peated Irish whiskey.

The nose opens with charred oak and campfire smoke, complemented by dried herbs, ripe banana and fresh orchard fruits, with a subtle hint of cola sweets. On the palate, sweet and gently tannic notes intertwine with layers of peated malt, while toasted oak, caramel, roasted malt and apple pie emerge beneath the smoke. The finish is long and warming, with lingering smouldering turf, saddle leather and stewed fruit, alongside delicate hints of brine and cinnamon.