It's official: Castle Brands recently discontinued the Clontarf Special Reserve in the U.S. It also discontinued the Clontarf Trinity packaging. The company emailed me the other day to pass the word along and provide updated, better-quality images of the Clontarf Black Label and Clontarf Single Malt that you can use as a field identification guide when you're out whiskey shopping. No details on the particulars but given the work apparent behind their website and advertising there's probably some research behind the move. You may still find a few bottles of either the Special Reserve or Trinity packaging on liquor store shelves. I've seen both within the past six weeks in the Boston area.

New Labels
Here's a better look at the updated labels:

 

These appear to be the "Irish Twins" mentioned in some of the company's latest advertising.

I'm sorry to see the Special Reserve and Trinity head to the Great American Bar In The Sky as I enjoy the Reserve and the Trinity packaging always got raves, including from a few non-whiskey drinkers who said they'd buy it just for the packaging. But upward and onward as they say.