HERITAGE
Before there was a whiskey industry as we know it today, there was Kinahan’s.
Founded in 1779, Kinahan’s was one of the world’s first whiskey houses - the pioneer that helped shape the modern whiskey category over centuries. From royal courts to revolutionaries, the iconic L.L. mark has endured centuries of rebellion and refinement.
Today, Kinahan’s continues to honour that legacy by pushing boundaries, redefining craft, and innovating in maturation like no one else.
1779
Before there was whiskey, there was moonshine. Rough. Raw. Colourless. No oak. No ageing. No soul. But Kinahan’s had a different vision.
Founded on Trinity Street, Dublin in 1779, Kinahan’s set out to do things differently - igniting an epic saga that would span centuries, cross continents, and inspire generations.
1780
Having set up the legendary Vaults at Hamilton Row, Dublin in 1780 the Kinahan’s family became one of the world’s first to pioneer the category of aged whiskeys, transforming whiskey from raw spirit to liquid gold for good.
1807
In 1807, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and head of state Charles Lennox, was so impressed by Kinahan’s whiskey, he ordered every cask from the brand’s vaults to be reserved for state and his personal use.
Each cask was branded with “L.L.” — a mark of prestige that turned Kinahan’s into Ireland’s most sought-after whiskey.
1819
1819, Dublin: Kinahan’s steps into the skyline.
Riding a wave of rising fame, the Kinahan family and brand built their first very own four-story HQ at the corner of Burgh Quay and D’Olier Street—The Carlisle Building—named in tribute to the nearby Carlisle Bridge.
More than a headquarters, it was a declaration of intent. A landmark of Irish whiskey’s ascent, born at the hands of the brand family and the visionary Wide Street Commissioners.
From backstreets to boulevards. This is how whiskey shaped a city.
1841
December 31st, 1841: Kinahan’s crosses the Irish Sea and makes its mark on London.
From No.1 White Hart Court, Mr. George Smyth (the brand’s first agent), ignited a global whiskey journey sending matured Irish whiskey from Dublin to the world.
For over 50 years, this London hub became the gateway to Europe, China, India, and beyond.
1845
For decades, the Kinahan family had pushed the boundaries of taste, aging, and craftsmanship. The world took notice. So did the Crown.
In 1845, Kinahan’s was awarded the ultimate seal of excellence—a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria.
With royal recognition came an empire of reach—agents, retailers, and accolades spreading the Kinahan’s name across the globe.
Kinahan’s was no longer just whiskey. It was a household name.
1862
1862. America’s first cocktail book. And Kinahan’s was on the menu.
When the legendary Jerry Thomas—“the father of American mixology”—penned his “Guide on How to Mix Drinks", he made history.
He also made Kinahan’s part of it.
Kinahan’s whiskey featured in this groundbreaking guide (known as the world’s first book on Mixology), blending Irish heritage with the birth of modern cocktail culture.
From Dublin vaults to American bars—Kinahan’s was always ahead of the curve.
1863
Kinahan’s success didn’t just earn admiration—it attracted imitators.
In the 1800s, shady merchants tried to ride our reputation, bottling their own spirits under our name.
But in 1863, history was made: Kinahan’s v. Bolton—a landmark case that protected our L.L. mark from copycats.
The Irish courts ruled in our favour, forever securing the authenticity of Kinahan’s whiskey.
Fame invites fakes. Kinahan’s fights for legacy.
1881
By 1881, “Kinahan’s” didn’t just mean whiskey. It meant quality.
So much so, the name made it into the Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—alongside legends, idioms, and cultural icons.
Kinahan’s L.L. became a well established household name—quoted in books, echoed by authors across Britain and America, and cemented in the vocabulary of whiskey excellence.
1902-1911
The 20th century dawned with promise—but shadows followed.
In 1903, Kinahan’s lost its longest-serving director, George Kinahan.
With him passed a legacy of civic influence, deep business wisdom, and invaluable ties to the whiskey world—including fellow directors from the Jameson family at the Bank of Ireland.
His passing came as Ireland’s economy turned turbulent. Spirit duties soared. Whiskey exports plunged. The golden era dimmed.
But Kinahan’s endured, its heritage isn’t just built in good times. It’s tested—and proven—through the hard ones.
1912 - 1920
The start of 1912 marked a major shift. Across Ireland, the whiskey industry fell into unprecedented turmoil.
In 1914, exports collapsed under pressure from a weakening domestic economy. Hiked spirit duties contributed to the decline, while World War I brought grain shortages, distilling restrictions, and the shadow of Prohibition in key markets.
By the political upheavals of 1916 and the War of Independence, Irish whiskey was in survival mode — and Kinahan’s was battling through one of the most challenging decades in its history.
1920
In 1920, Kinahan’s entered a pivotal new era. As global tides shifted, stewardship of the brand was entrusted to fellow Dublin legacy house, Bagots & Hutton Co.
These pioneers carried the torch with integrity - producing Kinahan’s whiskey, through most of the 1900s. A seamless handover between icons, marking a new chapter rooted in survival and resilience.
Modern Day
Inspired by the founding spirit of 1779, the Kinahan’s heritage continues into the modern times.
Today, a new generation of innovators is raising the bar once more - introducing the world’s first Hybrid Cask whiskey range through bold vision and fearless experimentation. The legacy continues, redefined for tomorrow.
DISCOVER
Founded in 1779, Kinahan’s wasn’t just one of the world’s first whiskey houses - it helped shape what the whiskey category has become.