Illva Saronno’s The Busker Irish Whiskey, produced by Royal Oak Distillery, has launched The Busker Small Batch Single Malt in the UK. The premium Irish whiskey became available on March 2, 2026, through The Whisky Exchange at an RRP of $67(£50).
The expression is crafted from 100% malted barley and triple distilled, drawing on traditional Irish distilling methods. It is designed to meet growing consumer demand for high-quality, flavor-led spirits in the UK market.
Central to the release is a double-aged maturation process. The whiskey is initially matured in bourbon barrels before being transferred to Oloroso sherry casks for final maturation.
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READ THE STORYThis sequential aging builds complexity and structure, delivering layered flavors and a distinctive house style. The Busker Small Batch Single Malt is also non-chill filtered and bottled with its natural color.
Official tasting notes from the brand describe the whiskey as showing intense, woody character balanced by subtle sweetness, with nutty undertones and a rich, chocolate-like mouthfeel.
Annie Ingram, prestige trade marketing manager at Disaronno International UK, said: “We’re excited to bring this new offering from The Busker Irish Whiskey to the UK.”
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Ingram added: “With its combination of triple distillation, double aging, non-chill filtration and natural color, The Busker Small Batch Single Malt arrives with Disaronno International UK as a compelling proposition within the fast-growing premium Irish whiskey category.”
She continued: “Its flavor profile and Royal Oak Distilleries production credentials position it as an accessible yet sophisticated choice for both whiskey enthusiasts and consumers new to premium Irish single malts.”
The launch comes amid sustained growth for the Irish whiskey category in the UK. According to the Irish Whiskey Association, global Irish whiskey sales have seen significant expansion over the past decade, with premium and super-premium expressions driving much of the category’s upward trajectory.
Royal Oak Distillery, located in County Carlow, Ireland, is one of the country’s newer distilling operations. It produces The Busker range under the ownership of Italian spirits group Illva Saronno, which also owns Disaronno Amaretto and Tia Maria.
The brand positions The Busker Small Batch Single Malt as aimed at discerning consumers trading up within the Irish whiskey segment. It is available now via The Whisky Exchange.
