In Cork, stout is heading into whiskey casks. To mark the 170th anniversary of the Lady’s Well brewery, Murphy’s is launching a limited edition aged in casks from the Midleton distillery. Named Murphy’s 170 Whiskey Cask Stout, it is set to be available in more than 80 venues across the city and county from late September 2026. It brings together two local traditions, in a beer that is noticeably stronger than regular Murphy’s.
A Murphy’s aged in whiskey casks in Cork
From Lady’s Well to Midleton, then back to the brewery
Production begins at Lady’s Well, Cork’s brewery. Following fermentation and maturation, the stout is transferred to whiskey casks in Midleton for ageing. It then returns to the brewery for further maturation and kegging. The process is designed to bring the beer’s character into conversation with the aromas of wood and whiskey.
That journey is what makes this edition distinctive: it is a cask-aged beer, rather than a cocktail combining stout and whiskey at the bar. The exact length of time spent in casks is not specified in the launch information consulted.
An anniversary that tells the story of Cork brewing
Two houses linked by the Murphy family
Lady’s Well began brewing in 1856. The number 170 therefore refers to the brewery’s anniversary in 2026. Murphy’s stout, meanwhile, was first produced there in 1889: the two dates should not be confused.
The collaboration with Midleton revives a long-standing family connection. James Murphy, who founded the distillery in 1825, was the grandfather of James J. Murphy. He and his brothers left the family’s distilling interests to establish the Lady’s Well brewery. The limited edition now brings together the two activities from which this story began.
What does this limited edition promise?
A more intense profile, at 8.4%
The brewer describes aromas of caramel, vanilla, roasted coffee and dark fruit, alongside notes of whiskey and oak. These are the characteristics claimed by the producer, rather than the result of a tasting carried out by Guide Irlande.
The clearest difference is its alcohol content: 8.4% for the 170 Whiskey Cask Stout, compared with 4% for traditional Murphy’s, according to local press reports. For the same volume, this edition therefore contains a little more than twice as much alcohol. Ask at the bar about serving size and price.
Where can you try Murphy’s 170 Whiskey Cask Stout?
Local availability announced from late September 2026
The launch covers more than 80 venues in Cork and County Cork. For travellers who enjoy stout, it offers an opportunity to discover a new release with a strong local connection during a stay in the south of Ireland.
The full list of participating venues, their stock levels and the end date of availability have not been confirmed in the sources consulted. Before making a detour, ask the pub whether it is serving the 170 Whiskey Cask Stout: having regular Murphy’s on tap is not enough. This limited edition is distinct from the stout usually served.
Sources: Irish Examiner, 24 September 2026; The Echo, 26 September 2026; Drinks Industry Ireland, 29 September 2026, drawing on information and statements from Heineken Ireland and Midleton. Featured image: regular Murphy’s, not the limited edition. Jeremy Keith / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
