Conor McGregor and Proper No. Twelve: A Brief Overview

Irish mixed‑martial‑arts champion Conor McGregor teamed up with the Irish whiskey brand Proper No. Twelve to create a signature spirit that reflects his bold personality. The collaboration, announced in 2022, resulted in the Conor McGregor Proper Twelve expression, a variant of the original Proper 12 whiskey that emphasizes richer flavors and a higher proof. The partnership leverages McGregor’s global fan base and Proper’s reputation for crafting smooth, approachable Irish whiskey.

The Origin of the Partnership

Proper No. Twelve, founded in 2018, quickly became known for its “no‑frills” approach to Irish whiskey—single‑cask, unfiltered, and bottled at 46% ABV. Recognizing a shared Irish heritage, the brand approached McGregor to develop a limited‑edition offering that would appeal to both whiskey enthusiasts and sports fans. The result was a joint venture that combined McGregor’s brand power with Proper’s craft expertise.

Key Milestones

Product Details and Tasting Profile

The Conor McGregor Proper Twelve is distilled from a blend of barley, corn, and rye, then aged in ex‑bourbon barrels for a minimum of three years. It is bottled at 48% ABV, offering a slightly higher alcohol content than the standard Proper 12. Tasting notes typically include:

  1. Initial aromas of vanilla and toasted oak.
  2. Mid‑palate flavors of honey, caramel, and a hint of spice.
  3. Finish that is smooth, with lingering notes of dark chocolate and a subtle peppery edge.

These characteristics make the whiskey suitable for neat consumption, on the rocks, or as the base for classic cocktails such as the Irish‑style Old Fashioned.

Marketing Campaign and Media Presence

The launch was supported by a high‑energy commercial titled “NEW CONOR MCGREGOR PROPER