Tres monumentos

Tri Carragh is a young yet highly regarded independent whisky bottler based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 2022 by industry veterans Ola Lopatowska and Ryan McCafferty, the company has quickly earned recognition for its quality-focused approach and distinctive single-cask bottlings. Despite its recent origins, Tri Carragh has become a respected name among whisky drinkers who value authenticity, transparency, and individuality in the glass.

Founding and philosophy

The name Tri Carragh translates from Gaelic as “three pillars” – a reference to the three essential ingredients of whisky: water, barley, and yeast. This symbolism underpins the company’s philosophy of returning to the fundamentals of Scotch whisky production. Rather than pursuing trends or volume, Tri Carragh seeks to honour the craft by selecting and bottling whiskies that express purity and character.

Both founders bring considerable experience to the venture. Having worked together at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), Lopatowska and McCafferty developed a keen sense for flavour balance, cask influence, and the nuances that make each whisky unique. Their shared background informs Tri Carragh’s meticulous approach to cask selection and quality control.

The production approach

Tri Carragh’s bottlings are chosen with precision and purpose. Each whisky comes from a single cask – whether single malt or single grain – presented without chill filtration and free from added colouring. This ensures the spirit retains its natural texture, colour, and character as intended by the cask.

Cask selection sits at the heart of the operation. Every bottling is chosen for individuality rather than conformity, with the goal of revealing how a specific cask can shape a whisky’s identity. The result is a collection of limited editions that capture a moment in time – like all single cask bottlings, once the cask is empty, it cannot be replicated.

Distinctive characteristics

What sets Tri Carragh apart is its balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern curation. The focus is not on building a house style but on exploring the diversity of Scotch whisky through thoughtful selection. Each bottling tells a different story, whether it comes from a well-known Speyside distillery or a more obscure Highland producer.

The whiskies are often noted for their clarity of flavour and textural depth. By avoiding chill filtration, Tri Carragh preserves the natural oils that contribute to a fuller mouthfeel, while the absence of colouring allows the cask’s influence to be seen as well as tasted. This commitment to integrity has quickly made the brand a favourite among discerning whisky drinkers.

Bottlings and recognition

Tri Carragh issues its whiskies in small batches, known as out-turns, each offering a varied mix of regions and styles. Notable bottlings have included single malts from Speyside’s Linkwood and Braes of Glenlivet, Islay’s Bowmore, and Highland distilleries such as Ardmore and Glen Garioch.

The company’s youth has not hindered its success. Tri Carragh has already earned awards from the International Wine and Spirits Competition (2023) and the World Whiskies Awards (2025), further strengthening its reputation for excellence.

Behind the brand is parent company Stravaig Spirits, which oversees Tri Carragh’s operations and related ventures. However, the bottler maintains full creative control over its whisky selection and presentation, ensuring each bottling reflects the founders’ original vision.

Availability

Tri Carragh whiskies are distributed through select retailers in the United Kingdom and internationally, including the United States, Japan, Canada, and the Netherlands. Owing to its single-cask nature, quantities are limited and bottlings often sell out shortly after launch – a testament to the growing demand for the brand’s distinctive approach.

A brand built on integrity

In an increasingly crowded independent bottling scene, Tri Carragh stands out for its clear sense of purpose. By respecting whisky’s essential ingredients and focusing on genuine cask character, the company demonstrates that modern bottling can still be deeply rooted in tradition. For those seeking whiskies that are both honest and expressive, Tri Carragh offers a compelling and refreshingly authentic perspective.