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Jameson Crested Launches Second Collaboration With Eight Degrees Brewing!

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Jameson Crested X Eight Degrees

Irish Distillers has joined forces with Eight Degrees Brewing to create a second experimental limited edition of the beloved Jameson Crested.

Launching this month, Jameson Crested Finished in Devil’s Ladder Belgian Tripel Barrels is the next step in an exciting collaboration between Irish Distillers and its Co. Cork neighbour, Eight Degrees.

Making the most of their close relationship, in 2020 Eight Degrees finished their Beligian Tripel craft beer in Jameson sherry casks. Named Devil’s Ladder after the best-known hiking route up Ireland’s tallest peak, the beer truly takes taste to new heights.

This is a limited-edition release of fewer than 6,000 bottles

Always seeking an opportunity to innovate, Jameson returned the compliment by selecting a special whiskey to mature in the beer-soaked barrels. After four months of maturation, the result is a stunning evolution of Jameson Crested, with abundant spices, floral hops and sweetness, while the oak and malt work in tandem to add a toasted cereal character.

It’s no secret that the flavours found in beer and whiskey complement each other.

We are delighted that in recent years our relationship and indeed proximity to Eight Degrees Brewing here in Cork has created a canvas for collaboration and experimentation in this space, both as part of the Jameson Caskmates Series and beyond.

The Belgian Tripel beer finish brings a balanced contribution to Jameson Crested, accentuating elements such as sweetness in the form of vanilla and brown sugar, as well as a roasted malt character and elevated clove notes.
– Dave McCabe: Irish Distillers’ Blender

It was in the spirit of innovation that we decided to rest Devil’s Ladder in Jameson sherry casks, adding sweetness and Christmas cake notes to our Belgian Tripel. We are thrilled that the story has now come full circle, with our beer imparting a delicate hoppy character to this iconic Irish whiskey.
– Daniel O’Shea: Head Brewer at Eight Degrees Brewing

A limited-edition release of fewer than 6,000 bottles, Jameson Crested Finished in Devil’s Ladder Belgian Tripel Barrels will launch in O’Brien’s Wines from 23rd April, specialist retailers off licenses from 26th April, and select markets through Jameson’s online shop at jamesonwhiskey.com from 28th April priced at €50 (70cl)

Jameson Crested Finished in Devil’s Ladder Belgian Tripel Barrels

Tasting Notes, by Dave McCabe, Blender, Midleton Distillery

Nose: Initial notes of clove spice and cinnamon along with rich caramelised brown sugar and a roasted malt character that complements the sherry casks’ influence of toasted oak and dried fruits.
 
Taste: Round with abundant spices and a delicate floral hoppy character. Vanilla sweetness comes to the fore with a soft fruit note lingering in the background while the oak and malt work in tandem adding a toasted cereal element to the whiskey.
 
Finish: Lingering with the spices slowly fading, allowing the sweet nature of the oak and malt to remain until the very end.

How to Drink:

Enjoy neat to get the best of this liquid or pair with a craft beer (Eight Degrees Devil’s Ladder Belgian Tripel). For something mixed try:

An Chéad Chéim / The First Step

Ingredients: 35.5ml Jameson Crested X Devils ladder, 150ml freshly squeezed Apple Juice (or store-bought cloudy apple juice), 3 dashes of cardamom bitters.

To Make: Fill Glass with ice. Pour whiskey. Add apple juice. Add 3 dashes of bitters, quick stir. Garnish with apple fan or wedge, serve.

Jameson Products are also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Dubliner Whiskey Partners With Irish Hip Hop Duo ‘Tebi Rex’ To Celebrate Contemporary New Designs!

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Tebi Rex

The Dubliner is rolling out a new design and marketing campaign set to breathe fresh life and style into the Irish Whiskey category!

Dubliner Bourbon Cask

Distilled in the heart of the Liberties district of Dublin, the award-winning Dubliner whiskey isn’t changing what’s inside the bottle. The new logo and bottle design forgo traditional packaging in favour of an updated contemporary look and feel.

Created by an all-Irish team, the new design puts the focus squarely on the brand’s distinct personality and provenance, while the simplicity of the new packaging aims to reflect the straight-talking style for which Dubliners are renowned for.

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey is part of the Dublin Liberties Distillery’s portfolio of Irish whiskeys, majority owned by Quintessential Brands. A young, dynamic team are hard at work to at The Dublin Liberties Distillery in the Liberties; opened in February 2019 and considered one of the leading players in reviving Dublin’s local whiskey production.

The Dubliner range is available to purchase at www.theDLD.com for €28.00 for 70cl bottle.

The new Dubliner Irish Whiskey look will be introduced across the brand’s core range: The Dubliner Irish Whiskey, a 3-year-old blended whiskey aged in bourbon casks; and The Dubliner Whiskey & Honeycomb.

The new look packaging will be available in Ireland and the US from this month [March], with an introduction to other key markets later in the year. In addition, refreshed brand creative is being rolled out across the globe in 2021 – including a new website, advertising campaign and new communications on social media channels.

Dubliner Honeycomb Liqueur

Irish Whiskey is one of the most dynamic categories in the world currently, enjoying significant growth in the last year, but we believe there’s a great deal more growth yet to be unlocked by appealing to Gen Z and millennial consumers with The Dubliners distinct Bourbon Cask finish. The Dubliner offers outstanding quality and with its eye-catching new look, it is the complete package and really stands out on shelf.

We’re excited to see how the new look is received by customers old and new, and while this year won’t be your usual St. Patrick’s Day, we do hope they’ll join us in raising a glass to Ireland. Here’s hoping we’re all back celebrating together next year.
– Bronagh Hunt: Global Brand Director

Paying homage to our hometown, this fresh design aims to reflect the vibrant modern Dublin we know and love. Our aim was to create something bold, bright, and beautiful that can also be accessible.

Whiskey is a great vehicle for bringing people together and, too often, old school tactics like confusing jargon and secret clubs can exclude people. Whiskey isn’t just for old, rich guys.
– Darren Mooney: Global Brand Manager

Watch the Tebi Rex launch video on YouTube

Whiskey isn’t just for old, rich guys!

ABOUT THE DUBLINER

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey is part of the Dublin Liberties Distillery’s portfolio of Irish whiskeys, majority owned by Quintessential Brands. A young, dynamic distillery team are led by Distillery Manager John Park and located at The Dublin Liberties Distillery in the Liberties; opened in February 2019 and considered one of the leading players in reviving Dublin’s local whiskey production.

Irish Distillers Unveils METHOD AND MADNESS Mulberry Wood – A New Single Pot Still & World First For Irish Whiskey!

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METHOD AND MADNESS Mulberry Wood!

Irish Distillers has unveiled a new single pot still Irish whiskey finished in virgin Mulberry Wood into its celebrated and innovative METHOD AND MADNESS range!

In a world first for Irish whiskey, the limited-edition release has been finished in White Mulberry Wood felled in central Hungary, where the local climate creates the perfect growing conditions. The wood is then harvested and air-dried for two years at the Kádár sawmills in Tokaj before being transferred to a cooperage in Budapest.

The relatively high porosity and medium toasting of the exceptional Mulberry Wood casks impart elevated flavours of wood spices and enhanced toffee sweetness, along with a natural golden hue to the whiskey.

METHOD AND MADNESS Mulberry Wood is available to purchase online now and on shelf in Ireland and Finland from tomorrow at an RRP of €95

The whiskey, a single pot still distillate, was first matured in a combination of first fill and re-fill American Oak barrels, before being left to finish in 50-litre Mulberry Wood casks. Bottled at 46% ABV, the resulting whiskey is wonderfully complex with notes of smoked paprika, flavours of sweet toffee apple and a freshly cut wood character imparted from the virgin Mulberry Wood.

First launched in 2017, METHOD AND MADNESS continues to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey through innovative releases by harnessing the experience and creativity of the masters and fresh thinking of the apprentices at Midleton Distillery and Micro Distillery.

Just as the spirit of exploration and experimentation has guided the collection to date, this new release was born out of trials dating back to 2019, when Midleton’s Wood Planning and Maturation Team Lead, Finbarr Curran, sourced the rare Mulberry Wood casks from Budapest.

Back in Ireland, the team at Midleton experimented with different whiskey styles and maturation times for the perfect marriage between liquid and cask.

Just 50 litres in size and conducive to accelerated maturation, given the large surface-to-volume ratio, the Midleton Masters and Apprentices kept a close eye on the whiskey before finally settling on a finishing period of between three and eight months for a perfectly balanced wood contribution.

We are delighted to launch our limited-edition Mulberry wood finish, a world first for the category and the third world first in the METHOD AND MADNESS range. So far, our commitment to wood experimentation and maturation has taken us all over the world and led to the development of some of the most exquisite Irish whiskeys.

It’s been a joyous journey of discovery and we look forward to continuing this exploration as we keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Irish whiskey.
– Finbarr Curran: Wood Planning and Maturation Team Lead

With its unusual wood structure and small cask size, there’s no doubt that Mulberry Wood presented its challenges, with early trials failing.

But in the ethos of the METHOD AND MADNESS range, our relentless dedication to trial and error has produced a beautifully balanced whiskey. And it’s with great pride that we share this with the world today.
– Anna Lazaridou: Maturation Research and Innovation Technologist

METHOD AND MADNESS Mulberry Wood is available to purchase online now and on shelf in Ireland and Finland from tomorrow at an RRP of €95.

See it on YouTube

Tasting Notes

Aroma:
Caramelised Toffee Apple.
Freshly Cut Wood.
Toasted Pine Nuts.

Taste:
Sweet Pear.
Green Apple.
Smoked Paprika.

Finish:
Deep & Mellow.
Lingering Fruits
Intense Wood Spice.

Sampling Lambay Whiskey – Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day The ‘Island’ Way!

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The Lambay Malt Irish Whiskies!

To celebrate St. Patricks’s Day Lambay Whiskey was the subject of last Monday nights @TweetTastings.

Steve from The Whisky Wire guided us through two Irish Whiskies:-

  • Lambay Malt Irish Whiskey
  • Lambay Single Cask Strength Irish Whiskey

The Lambay Whiskey Brand was inspired by Cyril Camus, President of Maison Camus; an independent Cognac house since 1863, which remains one of the last family owned cognac houses.

Camus previously created the world’s first maritime matured cognac, Ille De Ré. Having explored the impact of maritime conditions on these casks and seeing how the Irish whiskey category was growing he wanted to create a truly unique Irish whiskey with a cognac cask finish, using the influence of the sea in maturation.

Partnering with his friend Alexander Baring, the owner of privately owned Lambay island, located in the Irish Sea off the coast of north County Dublin, they converted the old lifeguard boathouses into what are now bonded warehouses for their casks.

Lambay island is private nature reserve and was chosen because it is always a few degrees warmer than the mainland and right on the gulf stream. It has the highest portion of sea spray aerosols in Europe making it perfect for cask maturation in their bonded warehouse.
(Apologies to Steve for pinching his notes!)

There is also an opportunity to WIN a Lambay Small Batch Gift Set for you and a friend!

For more details go to thewhiskywire.com and get entering!

If you want to catch up on what all the tweet tasters had to say you can view their comments by searching for the hash tag #LambayWhiskey on Twitter.

AND we managed to trend 9th. on Twitter in Ireland – a great finish for our St. Patrick’s Day Tasting!

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite on the night!

Tasting Notes – Lambay Malt Irish Blended Whiskey (43%)


Available from Lambays’s online store for €50.00

A blend of single malts that are both double and triple distilled. Matured in bourbon barrels for at least three years, before being finished in cognac casks from the renowned Maison Camus.

Lambay Malt Irish Whiskey, was the result of a complex process of consistent testing back and forth to ensure the light and delicate notes of the bourbon cask matured single malts weren’t overtaken or dominated by the cognac cask finish.

Lambay Island’s own volcanic Trinity Well water was added at the final stage of finishing before bottling.

Nose: A little tropical with a big slice o’ banoffee pie! Popcorn, creamy vanilla, apples and cereal notes. Lemon, citrus and oak also make an appearance. After a time some nice porty aromas appear – which was nice!

Palate: Creamy, vanilla custard, with hints of tropical fruit. Some growing popcorn and refreshing rose water.

Finish: Punchy pepper with a little chocolate I think. The sweet tropical flavours are still there though.

Overall: All-in-all a very sippable dram – plenty going on!
Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – Lambay Single Cask Strength – Cask 4613 – Irish Single Malt Whiskey (56.5%)

Limited to 400 bottles and launching April 1st. via their online store, for a RRP of €120.00

Initially matured in bourbon barrels for four years, before being finished in cognac casks from Maison Camus for three years.

The Lambay Single Cask Strength bottlings, are from the earliest casks laid down on Lambay back in 2018. Twenty casks were set aside for their Barrel Program and Cask 4613 is the fourth cask release and the only one so far released to the public.

Camus are known for their rich aromatic cognacs, but the casks Lambay use are not always old, as the younger casks are higher in sweet compounds, rather than the deeper rancios notes that you get from the older casks.

Nose: Slow burner me thinks … patience required … So, vanilla toffee, floral loveliness, honey and stewed fruits – a great nose!

Palate: Rich, intense, cane sweetness with tropical flavours and banana. There’s glorious licorice & fennel – very unusual – and it had all the tweeters harking back to the childhood sweets they used to love!

Finish: Very sweet finish with fiery pepper fighting it all the way!

Overall: A very interesting and tasty dram – I’d be curious to know if further releases from their earlier casks produce these types of flavours!
Available to buy from these Merchants:-

My Favourite On The Night

Out of the 2, I think it’s got to be the Lambay Single Cask Strength – such an unusual tasty dram that makes me want to come back for more!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for a great evening and Lambay Whiskey (@LambayWhiskey) for sending the generous samples!

Many thanks to Lambay Whiskey for sending such generous samples!

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-


@TheWhiskyWire @whiskeychap @WhiskyWings @whiskyrover @SpiritAndWood @WhiskyGeekPete @MrEdwardMilner @whiskyRubhach @ReviewsWhisky @WhiskyApocalyps @Whisky_And1 @houstonbrian @FiShoop @Sav70 @whiskey_paddy @Jamiewronan @Teachmor1 @sekurumbudzi @stepheny7168 @dram_gazette @antheocy @ManyMilesWhisky @_PMcDermott @HelenORahilly @StillTripleDist @missjudithboyle @ultanfinegan @DavidMarra @MaltyMission

Redbreast 10-Year-Old Launched To Celebrate 30 Years Of The Resurrected Brand!

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Redbreast 10-Year-Old!

The release celebrates 30 years since Irish Distillers resurrected the Redbreast Irish Whiskey brand in 1991!

Redbreast Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers at Midleton Distillery, has unveiled Redbreast 10-Year-Old, a reimagining of Gilbey’s historic expression, last produced half a century ago.

The limited-edition release celebrates 30 years since the resurrection of Redbreast Irish Whiskey and salutes the continuous revival of single pot still Irish whiskey on the world stage.

The packaging of Redbreast 10-Year-Old has been designed to enhance the traditional credentials of the Redbreast brand
Photo: Eoin Holland – www.eoinholland.com

Redbreast 10-Year-Old pays tribute to the historic expression originally produced by W.A Gilbey, a wine and spirits merchant operating in Dublin at the turn of the 20th century. As importers, Gilbey’s had an ample supply of sherry casks in their vaults and would source distillate exclusively from the nearby Jameson Distillery to mature in their casks. This special bottling of Redbreast 10-Year-Old has been reimagined for a contemporary audience, signifying the ongoing renaissance of single pot still Irish whiskey.

The liquid is composed of three exceptional distillates, spanning 10 to 15 years in age, matured in both American oak ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry seasoned butts from Spain. A truly special offering, the inclusion of a rare, more traditional style of single pot still distillate which is usually reserved for older age-statement whiskeys in the Redbreast range pays tribute to the historic expression last produced in the 1970s.

A significant contribution from the sherry butts references the prominent use of fortified wine casks in whiskey bonding throughout Ireland in the 1960s. Evoking the quality and craftmanship of Redbreast Irish Whiskey, this expression brings together rich and fruity flavours from across the world while paying homage to bonding, a tradition embedded in Ireland’s whiskey history.

The distinctive packaging of Redbreast 10-Year-Old has been designed to enhance the traditional credentials of the Redbreast brand, which was first brought to life in 1912, and features a timeline of significant dates in the brand’s history. The label, an outlier within the current Redbreast Irish Whiskey family and reminiscent of the original white label and red seal from the historic Gilbey’s 10-Year-Old, is set to appeal to the nostalgia of dedicated Redbreast fans around the world.

Bottled at cask strength, at an ABV of 59.1%, Redbreast 10-Year-Old will retail at €100. The expression will be available exclusively via The Birdhouse, Redbreast’s online membership platform, as a reward for loyal Redbreast fans whose dedication is driving the brand’s success as the most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey in the world.

Redbreast 10-Year-Old will retail at €100

This release rejoices the longstanding history of Redbreast Irish Whiskey and celebrates the distinctive qualities which Redbreast is known for globally. Redbreast 10-Year-Old offers a unique, rich flavour profile with notes of tropical and dried fruit, which gives way to a balance of richness from the inclusion of sherry casks.

I am delighted to share this release with whiskey advocates and Redbreast fans across the globe.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender

Redbreast has gone from strength to strength to become the largest selling single pot still Irish whiskey in the world, with a fascinating and rich history of which we are incredibly proud. For this limited-edition bottling, we seized the opportunity to praise the iconic sherry influence on the range and pay tribute to the rich history between Spanish and Irish craft.

This is a representation of the coming together of tradition, and true craftsmanship, which has been handed down for generations.
– Dave McCabe: Blender

Tasting notes:

Aroma: Intense aromatics of honeycomb and cedarwood with earthy notes, dried tobacco leaf and worn leather. Dark fruits linger in the background and slowly develop overtime along with toasted almonds and demerara sugar, while a pot still spice intensity continues to build, adding to the complexity of flavours layered over a strong foundation of oak.

Taste: Rich in tannins that work in tandem with the inclusion of traditional pot still distillate creating balance between oak and spirit. The oloroso wine casks emerge to contribute marzipan and fig along with subtle hints of mixed berry compote, while delicate touches of vanilla and treacle are found lingering in the background.

Finish: The pot still spices rise to a crescendo and then finally give way to the toasted oak and delicate sweetness that lingers until the very end.

Redbreast Whiskey is available to buy from these online Merchants:-

Jameson Irish Whiskey Invites Everyone To ‘Join In’ With Its Month Long St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!

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‘Join in’ with Jameson Irish Whiskey for St Patrick’s Celebrations!

Jameson Irish Whiskey is extending a global invite to join in this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, with a series of curated events, special edition party-at-home kits, and competitions that will run throughout March 2021.

The showcase of events will include a series of live streams, including performances from Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez alongside Dublin rappers Denise Chalia and Kojaque, R&B artist Savannah-Re, and Canadian rapper Junia-T on St Patrick’s Day (17th March).

Fans will also be invited to tune into a weekly live stream, from the beginning of March, via Boiler Room, and to join the Jameson team through the brand’s collaboration with Brooklyn-based internet football club, Nowhere FC.

Highlighting emerging talent and creatives from across the world, Jameson hopes to connect fans with communities by sharing unique experiences only accessible through its online partners, or via its Jameson Connects platform.

To kick off the global celebration Jameson will be bringing back its partnership with online music broadcasting platform Boiler Room, streaming sets every Wednesday in the run up to St Patrick’s Day, kicking off on 3rdMarch. The two performances are focused on connecting Jameson consumers with local talent, bringing the best of Dublin Rap and Indie to screens across the globe, allowing music fans to join in the celebration wherever they are. Customers can stream the gigs live via the Jameson Connects platform.

Jessie Reyez

The highlight of the month will fall on St Patrick’s Day, as Jameson streams into homes across the globe with a series of immersive performances. Celebrating hometowns and communities, fans will be brought to the streets of Toronto, Canada – home to Grammy nominated, Juno Award winning artist Jessie Reyez, the headline act of the main event Jameson Connects Jessie and Friends. Reyez, a long-time fan of Jameson, will be performing some of her critically acclaimed tracks including Coffin, Shutter Island and Figures. The global livestream will be available across four time zones on the 17th of March 2021, via the Jameson Connects platform. The performance is set to feature, Dublin based rappers Denise Chalia and Kojaque, alongside two Canadian artists Savannah-Re and Junia-T. Sign up for free tickets and check performance times on the Jameson Connects website.

In addition to the performance series, Jameson as also collaborated with Nowhere FC, the borderless internet football club based in Brooklyn, to create a collection of three limited edition football shirts, and accessories. The collection blends the aesthetics and histories of both partners, through the colours, style and motifs present on each design, symbolising the coming together of the Jameson and Nowhere FC communities as they join in with the St Patrick’s Day celebration. Fans can join the team, when the collection launches on on 10th March via Jameson.com and NwFC’s website.

Finally, Jameson will be launching a competition to offer one fan the ultimate opportunity to join in with its global celebration, by giving away a once in a lifetime St Patrick’s Day experience for 2022. All fans have to do is let the team at Jameson know – via the brand’s social channels and Jameson Connects platform – where they would like to spend St Patrick’s Day next year and why. , with one lucky winner being given the opportunity to live out their ultimate celebration in 2022!

St Patrick’s Day is a day to celebrate all that Ireland represents – culture, music and togetherness.

Jameson is ensuring that this year is no different as the whiskey brings its proud Irish spirit to life through a series of global virtual events and collaborations that encourage everyone to adapt an Irish state of mind and join in to safely celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2021.
– Brendan Buckley: International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers

For more information on Jameson’s St Patrick’s Day Celebrations head to the Jameson Connects platform that will house all of the activity mentioned above or follow via @jamesonwhiskey

Key links for the Jameson’s SPDS ’21 celebration:

To stream the Boiler Room gig click here
For Jessie Reyez’s & Friends tickets click here
To purchase the NwFC collection click here
To purchase a St Patrick’s Day cocktail kit click here

Jameson Products are also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Deirdre O’Carroll Appointed As Blender At Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork!

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Deirdre O’Carroll, newly appointed blender at Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers has announced the appointment of Deirdre O’Carroll as Blender at Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork!

In her new role, Deirdre will work with Master Blender Billy Leighton in Midleton Distillery, and will be responsible for the development of new and existing blends, marrying together specific and intricate flavours and aromas, ultimately, creating a palette of tastes that make up Irish Distillers’ portfolio of Irish whiskeys.

“I look forward to channelling my knowledge and experience into my new role, while learning from Billy and the team.”

She will also be responsible for the management of stock, including cask profile and age profile, as well as laying down stock for future generations.

Deirdre holds a degree in Food Science and Technology from University College Cork and a diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. Deirdre joined Irish Distillers in 2012 as part of the first year of the Jameson Engineering Programme.

During the two-year programme, Deirdre gained a solid foundation in the whiskey-making process and upon completion, was appointed as a Process Technologist. In this role Deirdre was part of the team involved the commissioning of the new pot stills in the Garden Stillhouse and the new columns in the Midleton Distillery expansion project. Most recently, she served as Bond Supervisor.

There are over 1.7 million casks maturing in Midleton. As Bond Supervisor, Deirdre helped oversee the filling and emptying of these casks with a wider team of 61 people over a split shift.

Deirdre was one of the first graduates to join as part of the Graduate Distiller Programme. The programme is designed to give graduates ownership of their career aspirations, supported by practical experience and training to help them succeed and Deirdre is a shining example of what success looks like.

In a few short years, Deirdre has risen through the ranks, proving how competent and capable she is in the roles that she has held, most recently managing a team of 13 people. She is an invaluable member of the team in Midleton and I am delighted to announce her appointment as blender.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender at Midleton Distillery

Deirdre will work with Master Blender Billy Leighton in Midleton Distillery and will be responsible for the development of new and existing blends

In simple terms, four simple ingredients can make an array of whiskeys; water, yeast, cereal and wooden casks. However, it is the sensory aspect, balancing the flavours, is what defines the taste.

I look forward to channelling my knowledge and experience into my new role, while learning from Billy and the team.
– Deirdre O’Carroll: Blender at Irish Distillers

Midleton Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Waterford Irish Distillery Unveils New ‘Single Farm Origins’ Whiskies For Spring!

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New Single Farm Origins for Spring!

Winner of the coveted Distiller and Brand Innovator of the Year awards at the 2021 Icons of Whisky Ireland, Waterford Distillery is pleased to announce a new set of Single Farm Origin releases for Spring 2021!

Waterford Whisky is an Irish Single Malt, fully matured (no finishes) in a spectrum of super-premium casks including first-fill and virgin US, and French oak. All whiskies are bottled at 50% ABV without colouring, chill-filtration or any additives.

Hook Head 1.1

Waterford Whisky is influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, obsessively bringing the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to single malt whisky by exploring Irish-grown barley – one farm, one terroir, at a time.

The fully traceable Single Farm Origin whiskies each carry a unique digital number – the TÉIREOIR code – on the back label, which introduces the Irish farm origin, the people that work it, the casks used to compose the whisky, and an array of media.

These Spring releases introduce two new globally available expressions and five national exclusives.

Two Waterford Single Farm Origins will be available worldwide from mid-March onwards:-

Hook Head: Edition 1.1 – The lighthouse at Hook Head, an extreme maritime terroir, stands resolute against the full force of the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland’s southern coast. Exposed to salt-laden storms, Martin Foley’s barley grows on clay/loam soils of the Elton series. This edition is a spice bomb with notes of cloves, salted caramel, liquorice, ginger biscuits, lemon zest, and chilli chocolate.

Lakefield 1.1

Lakefield: Edition 1.1 – Lakefield, inland in lush Co. Laois, is farmed by the enigmatic Seamus Duggan – a Barley Grower of the Year trophy winner. Derived from limestone and sandstone, these well-drained, deep loam soils produce exceptional barley. This edition is a mellow dram with hints of rhubarb and apple tart fresh from the oven.

Part of Waterford’s strategy is to allow individual markets to follow the development of ‘their own’ single terroir over a number of years. Five Single Farm Origins have been allocated to European countries on an exclusive basis:
Grattansbrook: Edition 1.1 – UK only
Lacken: Edition 1.1 – France only
Tinnashrule: Edition 1.1 – Germany only
Mortarstown: Edition 1.1 – Belgium only
Wilkinstown: Edition 1.1 – Netherlands only

We are very proud to have won the top two coveted titles of Distiller and Brand Innovator of the Year at the Icons of Whisky, after just 7 months of our first bottlings.

While our unique terroir approach has been extremely well received, it has been rather frantic meeting the rapid growth – a good problem to have in these troubled times. These new releases allow the discerning drinker to further compare, contrast, and enjoy Irish barley, farm by farm.
– Mark Reynier: Waterford CEO

The internationally renowned Icons of Whisky awards are announced annually by Whisky Magazine, the world’s largest whisky publication. The Icons of Whisky Awards recognise the people, places and products that complete the whole dynamic of the whisky industry. Waterford Distillery – in just seven months of its whiskies being on sale – won not just one, but two of the biggest Icons of Whisky Ireland awards of the event: Distillery
of the Year and Brand Innovator of the Year.

Waterford founder and CEO Mark Reynier has over four decades’ experience in the drinks industry – 20 years in wine, and over 20 years in spirits. A maverick entrepreneur who has done perhaps more than any other figure to apply the rigours of terroir to the spirits world, he began his career in the London wine trade in 1980, formed La Réserve – one of London’s premier wine & spirit merchants – before resurrecting the mothballed Bruichladdich Distillery at the end of 2000.

After introducing pioneering cask finishing policies that went on to change the whisky industry, and launching The Botanist, one of the world’s best-selling gins, Bruichladdich was sold to Rémy Cointreau for £58 million in 2012. Reynier then bought the former Guinness brewery in Waterford in 2014 – transforming a state-of-the-art brewery into a modern distillery, and in September 2020 commenced distillation at the game-changing US$30 million Renegade Rum Distillery in Grenada.

Waterford’s pioneering technology offers unprecedented levels of transparency, and every single bottle features a TÉIREOIR code, which when entered online gives full disclosure on each whisky, including barrel breakdown, barley agronomy, farm origin maps, distillation data, farm photography and field audio.

Waterford is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Midleton Very Rare 2021 Released – First Midleton Vintage Whiskey From Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman!

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The First Midleton Very Rare vintage from Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman!

Irish Distillers has opened a new chapter in Irish whiskey as they reveal Midleton Very Rare 2021 – the 38th edition in the renowned and highly collectable range and the first in the series to be masterfully created by Irish Distillers’ new Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman!

Kevin O’Gorman took several months to explore the finest casks in the Midleton inventory

The Midleton Very Rare legacy began over four decades ago when the then masters, ever keen to create exemplary expressions, began setting aside small amounts of exceptionally performing whiskey for a new luxury offering in the world of Irish whiskey. Today, Midleton Very Rare is globally renowned as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.

In keeping with tradition, #MidletonVeryRare2021 is a balanced blend of rare and hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys from Midleton’s extensive inventory. It includes whiskey aged between 15 and 36 years and matured in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels.

Making his first selection as Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman took several months to explore the finest casks in the Midleton inventory as he sought to put his own mark on this eagerly awaited annual limited-edition release. Drawing on his experience in both distillation and maturation, O’Gorman elevated the grain whiskey contribution for the 2021 vintage to create a delicate and elegant whiskey.

In order to maintain a luxurious, balanced aroma and taste profile, O’Gorman selected a perfect mix of first fill and second fill casks to enhance the wood contribution while allowing the pot still component to express itself.

Midleton Very Rare 2021 vintage will be the first to be launched at the start of the year

The result is a whiskey of great finesse, with a floral, perfumed character. The higher selection of grain whiskeys extends the spectrum of flavours and aromas to include baked orchard fruits, lime zest and kiwi, perfectly rounded off with mild pot still spices and soft waves of vanilla from the exceptional bourbon casks.

It is a great honour to become the custodian of this extraordinary Irish whiskey family and to have my signature adorn our 2021 vintage.

The journey to launching this vintage began almost 40 years ago. Continuing the work of my predecessors was both a daunting and extremely enjoyable process that allowed me to explore some of our rarest casks and create an exceptional blend that sits seamlessly within the family.

I am particularly proud to have been able to include distillate that was laid down in 1984, the year the collection was first conceived by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, from who I have learned so much.

For me, this vintage adds a new dimension and elegance to the style and quality for which the range is renowned. I couldn’t ask for a better way to begin my chapter as Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller

Midleton Very Rare 2021 is available online and in Ireland now!

Beginning a new tradition under the guardianship of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, the Midleton Very Rare 2021 vintage will be the first to be launched at the start of the year, in response to consumer demand.

As the new Midleton Very Rare calendar establishes this year, Ireland, online platforms and select markets will retain an allocation for a second sales period in late autumn to ensure availability before the festive period, in keeping with customer expectations.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2021 is available online and in Ireland now, and will hit shelves in the UK, USA, Global Travel Retail, Australia, Germany, France and Canada in the coming months at the RRP of €180.

Shop online: midletonveryrare.com

Midleton is also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Jameson Distillery Bow St. Awarded “World’s Leading Distillery Tour” For The Third Year In A Row!

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Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Jameson Distillery Bow St. has been named the World’s Leading Distillery Tour at the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the third year in a row!

The awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence in global travel and tourism and the win further strengthens Bow St.’s position as a leader in tourism, globally.

Jameson Distillery Bow St. have been open for over two centuries

The 27th World Travel Awards Grand Final Ceremony took place virtually this year. The ceremony marks the final of the WTA Grand Tour 2020, an annual search for the finest travel and tourism organisations in the world, where the winners of WTA’s six regional ceremonies go head-to-head for the coveted world titles. Having been awarded Europe’s Leading Distillery Tour earlier this month, Jameson Distillery Bow St. competed against an impressive finalist list from around the world that included Macallan, Hennessy, Jack Daniels and Jose Cuervo.

We are extremely honoured to be awarded this very special accolade, which is voted for by travel and tourism professionals, and consumers worldwide. To win three years in a row is incredible and, given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the disruption that the travel and tourism industries have faced globally, this acknowledgement is particularly special this year.

The award honours and recognises our commitment to excellence at the spiritual home of Jameson and is an acknowledgement of the incredible work of our team at Bow St., who provide every visitor with an unforgettable and unique experience – in-person, and now, virtually. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continued passion, dedication, hard-work and creativity, especially as we navigate these more difficult times together, as a team.
– Greg Hughes: Managing Director, Jameson Brand Homes at Irish Distillers

Congratulations to Jameson Distillery Bow St. on being named the World’s Leading Distillery Tour at the World Travel Awards, for the third year in a row. It is a truly well-deserved accolade and an acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication of the team. In what has been an extremely difficult year for everyone working in travel and tourism, this is some really good news for Irish tourism.

Over the years, Jameson Distillery Bow St. has established itself as an important attraction on the itineraries of international visitors to Dublin. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the team there, in 2021 and beyond, to welcome many more overseas visitors when the time is right, coming to experience all that Jameson Distillery Bow St. and our great city of Dublin have to offer.
– Niall Gibbons: CEO of Tourism Ireland

Greg Hughes, Managing Director, Jameson Brand Homes at Irish Distillers and Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland.

The doors of Jameson Distillery Bow St. have been open for over two centuries, with millions of people crossing the threshold over the years. While in-person distillery tours are closed in line with Government recommendations, Bow St continues to welcome Jameson fans in new and unique ways.

This December, Government guidelines permitting, the home of Jameson will begin offering a range of interactive, fun and immersive virtual experiences from the comfort of home. From cocktail making classes to whiskey tastings perfect for teambuilding or Christmas parties, Jameson provides kits, know-how and of course, whiskey, to create a memorable at-home experience.

In addition, Jameson has a range of Christmas gifting ideas online and in store when retail reopens at Jameson Distillery Bow St, and Jameson Distillery Midleton, from the world’s best loved Irish whiskeys to personalised bottles, cocktail kits, hip flasks and glasses.

Jameson Products are also available to buy from these Merchants:-

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