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Meet ‘Robin Redbreast’ – Celebrating The World Famous Irish Whiskey That Takes His Name!

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Robin Redbreast!

Redbreast Irish Whiskey has unveiled Robin Redbreast, an engaging evolution of its iconic character to inspire a new generation of whiskey lovers!

Elevating Robin Redbreast from the icon of the brand to the voice of the brand, Robin is a plucky yet charming character, with a dry wit and Irish sense of humour that reflects Ireland and the home of Redbreast in Midleton, Co Cork.
He is voiced by sketch comedian Ty who brought Robin to life with his fantastic Cork accent and adding his own personality to the project.

The star himself!

Evoking the quality and craftsmanship of Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Robin Redbreast’s new look is carved from wood, paying homage to the wood casks that help to make Redbreast Irish Whiskey so uniquely special.

Redbreast is also launching a global partnership with leading bird conservation charity, BirdLife International, to support the organisation on its mission to keep the common bird common.

Redbreast Irish Whiskey will raise funds, help to conserve and restore bird habitats and support BirdLife International in its quest to monitor bird populations so that deeper environmental problems (and successes) can be rapidly identified.

With the Robin being one of the world’s most recognisable birds, Redbreast Irish Whiskey is delighted to take the opportunity of the launch of its new character to announce its commitment to supporting BirdLife International and the welfare of not only Robins but all birds.
– Laura Hanratty: Head of Prestige and Speciality Brands at Irish Distillers

Robin Redbreast shows us around!

We welcome this partnership with the iconic Redbreast Irish Whiskey which promises support for our conservation work in Ireland and globally.

With the new Robin Redbreast ambassador launched, we’re looking forward to working with the Redbreast team as they join us in our mission to keep common birds, and not so common birds, common.
– Patricia Zurita: CEO, BirdLife International

The ongoing partnership between Redbreast and BirdLife International will aim to educate consumers on how to protect the common birds, and will see the first limited-edition Value-Added Pack launching later next month.

Redbreast is the world’s bestselling single pot still Irish whiskey, a style of whiskey which is historically unique to Ireland. First referenced in 1912, “Redbreast” was a nickname given to the whiskey by the chairman of Dublin whiskey bonders Gilbeys, who was an avid birdwatcher. The robin symbol has been synonymous with the brand’s growing reputation ever since.

Today Redbreast is considered the definitive expression of single pot still Irish whiskey and features a range of expressions from 12-Year-Old through to 15, 21 and now 27-Year-Old – as well as Redbreast Lustau Edition and the brand’s eagerly anticipated annual Dream Cask bottling of the rarest casks in the Redbreast inventory.

Redbreast is launching a global partnership with BirdLife International on its mission to keep the common bird common

The brand has built a global reputation for excellence by marrying a combination of the world’s finest aged pot still whiskeys, created at the world-famous Midleton Distillery in Cork, and finishing them in a combination of the very best bourbon, sherry and port casks.

With ambitious growth plans for Redbreast, which was also recently named in IMPACT’s top five-selling Irish whiskeys in the US, the introduction of Robin Redbreast has been designed to drive discovery with more whiskey fans, broadening its audience by creating a distinctive and memorable character for the beloved range.

Robin Redbreast will feature in a series of digital creatives, flying in to share brand news and celebrate occasions with whiskey lovers across the globe. Shot on location at Midleton Distillery, fans can also expect cameos from Irish Distillers’ expert whiskey blenders Billy Leighton and Dave McCabe.

Check out their amusing videos here:-

Introducing Robin Redbreast

Robin Redbreast Blushing

How to Enjoy Redbreast -With Robin Redbreast

Who introduced you to Redbreast – With Robin Redbreast

How did Redbreast get its name? – With Robin Redbreast

We know that the Redbreast audience is driven by curiosity and that they discover new brands that they can engage with online.

As we seek to widen the audience for the brand, it is a natural next step to introduce a modern-day digital evolution of our revered Robin that encapsulates the essence of the brand and the people who make it.
– Laura Hanratty

Robin Redbreast has been created by The Public House with CGI development produced by Jelly London and will be rolling out across global marketing channels from 1 October.

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

Sampling Jameson ‘Crested’ – Finished In Stout Barrels – Beyond Morish!

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Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels!

I reported earlier this month that Irish Distillers had joined forces with Eight Degrees Brewing to create a unique edition of their beloved Jameson Crested.

Well, I’ve been fortunate to get hold of a sample from Jamesons (thanks!) and you’ll find my sampling notes below.

A limited-edition release of fewer than 10,000 bottles globally

Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels is the next step in an exciting collaboration between Irish Distillers and its Co. Cork neighbour, Eight Degrees, who last year celebrated eight years of adventurous craft beer brewing by releasing a uniquely dark Black Ball Metric Stout finished in Jameson barrels as the last iteration of their Rack ‘em Up Series.

Always seeking an opportunity to innovate, Jameson returned the compliment by selecting a special whiskey to mature in the stout soaked barrels. The result is a stunning evolution of Jameson Crested, with a rich stout influence married with a luscious creamy texture and lingering finish of pot still spices and malt.

A limited-edition release of fewer than 10,000 bottles globally, Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels is available from Jameson’s brand home outlets at Bow Street, Dublin, and Midleton, Cork.
It is also available through Jameson’s online shop at jamesonwhiskey.com, priced at €45 (70cl)

From mid-October, it will also be available to air passengers vising the new Dublin Airport shop in Terminal 2.

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels (40%)


Nose: Creamy stout, sweet, soaked raisins, crisp apples, chocolate and vanilla. After a while there’s woody aromas with hints of furniture polish and a dusty air!

Palate: Creamy mouthful, sweet chocolate, Christmasy fruits and pleasant shades of orange.

Finish: Smooth mild spice, creamy sweetness with a nice long peppery finish.

Overall: Beyond morish!

– If you’re a Jameson fan (and if not, why not?!) you must try this. If you don’t, you will regret it!

Remember – when-its-gone-its-gone!

Beyond morish – if you’re a Jameson fan (and if not, why not?!) you must try this!

Many thanks to the team at (@RxTLondon) for sending me the sample and, of course, jamesonwhiskey.com (@jamesonwhiskey) without whom!

Also, check out eightdegrees.ie (@8degreesbrewing) to see their wares!

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy neat to get the best of this liquid or pair with a craft stout (Black Ball Metric Stout the best suiter).

For something mixed try:

Eight Degrees Stout & Spiced

Ingredients: 40ml Crested x Eight Degrees, 100ml Fever Tree Spiced, Orange Ginger Ale, 3 dashes chocolate bitters.

To Make: Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in whiskey, bitters and top with spiced ginger ale. Garnish with an orange wedge.

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

Introducing Jameson Crested X Eight Degrees Brewing!

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Introducing Jameson Crested X Eight Degrees Brewing!

Irish Distillers has joined forces with Eight Degrees Brewing for a unique edition of the beloved Jameson Crested.

Launching this month, Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels is the next step in an exciting collaboration between Irish Distillers and its Co. Cork neighbour, Eight Degrees, who last year celebrated eight years of adventurous craft beer brewing by releasing a uniquely dark Black Ball Metric Stout finished in Jameson barrels as the last iteration of their Rack ‘em Up Series.

Always seeking an opportunity to innovate, Jameson returned the compliment by selecting a special whiskey to mature in the stout soaked barrels. The result is a stunning evolution of Jameson Crested, with a rich stout influence married with a luscious creamy texture and lingering finish of pot still spices and malt.

This is a limited-edition release of fewer than 10,000 bottles globally

We were delighted when the opportunity arose to create a truly special whiskey.

When we were selecting a whiskey to mature in these barrels, Jameson Crested became the obvious choice. It’s higher pot still component and sherry cask inclusion allowed the whiskey to meet the impact of the stout head on, creating a balanced reaction.

We filled the casks in November last year and carefully monitored the whiskey’s progress. After about four months of ageing we felt it was just right. The stout influence is prevalent in the taste, complementing the whiskey beautifully.

It’s a truly unique liquid, perfect when enjoyed neat, paired with a craft stout, or as part of a spiced cocktail.
– Dave McCabe: Irish Distillers’ Blender

It was an honour to be given the opportunity to create our special 8th anniversary stout using barrels from Jameson, the world’s most popular Irish whiskey.

Today we are delighted to have made our mark on Jameson Crested, an icon of Irish whiskey, through the release of this special edition.
– Derek Neville: Head Cellarman at Eight Degrees Brewing

A limited-edition release of fewer than 10,000 bottles globally, Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels will launch in Jameson’s brand home outlets at Bow Street, Dublin, and Midleton, Cork, this month, and will be available through Jameson’s online shop at jamesonwhiskey.com, priced at €45 (70cl)

It will also be available to air passengers vising the new Dublin Airport shop in Terminal 2 from mid-October.

Tasting Notes: Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels – by Dave McCabe, Blender, Midleton Distillery

Nose: Rich stout influence; malt and vanilla chocolate. Jameson Crested pot still spices and dried fruits.

Taste: Luscious creamy texture, mild spice, roasted coffee beans and chocolate.

Finish: Sweet notes fade, pot still spices and malt lingers.

How to Drink:

Enjoy neat to get the best of this liquid or pair with a craft stout (Black Ball Metric Stout the best suiter).

For something mixed try:

Eight Degrees Stout & Spiced

Ingredients: 40ml Crested x Eight Degrees, 100ml Fever Tree Spiced, Orange Ginger Ale, 3 dashes chocolate bitters.

To Make: Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in whiskey, bitters and top with spiced ginger ale. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Jameson is available to buy from these Merchants:-

‘Stay Inn’ – Jameson & Rap Artist Bas Give Two Young Musicians A Unique Mentorship Opportunity!

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International rap artist Bas

Jameson is rekindling its collaboration with international rap artist Bas to mentor two emerging artists to create new tracks virtually during COVID-19.

Jameson Irish Whiskey has connected the Dreamville rapper with two young musicians from Ireland and the U.S as part of its new campaign – Jameson Connects: The Stay Inn. Together, Jameson and Bas offered the artists a unique mentorship opportunity to help take their careers to the next level.

Bas handpicked the artists, each with a very different sound and background, based purely on their creativity …

The #JamesonConnectsBas project was launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This spring, Bas had planned to run a series of youth music workshops in Sudan, the country of his heritage, as a way of using his experience and expertise to inspire the next generation of musical talent and to give back to the community and culture that he loves.

Unfortunately, the workshops were postponed because of the COVID-19 crisis. Instead, Bas began working with Jameson to see how he could connect with people through this period and the concept of a digital mentorship programme was born.

Bas (who is famously the protégé of J Cole) handpicked the artists, each with a very different sound and background, based purely on their creativity, potential and originality. In recent weeks he connected with Say 3, a US-based music producer and a regular fixture on the Atlanta club scene and Sierra Leonean-Irish art-soul artist, Loah. Through a series of online workshops, the artists worked in collaboration with Bas to produce a new track.

Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to find myself with amazing mentors, and this is something I have always been truly thankful for.

I never underestimate the impact that this has had on my journey as an artist, and I believe it is essential to open up your experiences and share your successes with other aspiring artists so that they can learn from them, and are given the same opportunities.
– Bas

As the global leader in Irish whiskey, Jameson prides itself on bringing people and communities together. Jameson Connects: The Stay Inn is an extension of this, celebrating the diversity and talents of our whiskey fans.

We are delighted to be partnering with Bas once again and look forward to following the musical journey of each of the artists.
– Brendan Buckley: International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers

The project forms the next phase of the Jameson Connects: The Stay Inn platform, designed to keep spirits high as the world stays in by bringing drinks recipes, pub quizzes, merchandise giveaways and virtual gigs to Jameson fans around the world.

Fans can tune into videos from the creative process on Jameson Whiskey’s YouTube channel

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Katherine Condon – The New Distiller At Midleton Co. Cork!

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Katherine Condon – The New Distiller at Midleton Distillery!

Irish Distillers has announced the appointment of Katherine Condon as Distiller at Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork. Katherine will report to newly appointed Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman, with responsibility for the production process from brewing to distillation.

Tasting all distillates daily, Katherine will oversee the quality of all new pot and grain distillates produced at Midleton, to ensure the correct balance of flavours are present, before being matured and bottled.

“I am incredibly excited about the future of Irish whiskey and the role I can play in it.”

A chemical engineer, Katherine joined Irish Distillers in 2014 as part of the Graduate Distiller Programme. Upon successful completion of the programme, Katherine was appointed Distiller at the Micro Distillery in Midleton, Irish Distillers’ hub for innovation and experimentation with new distillate styles. From there she moved to the main distillery as a process technologist and, most recently, production supervisor.

During her time with Irish Distillers, Katherine has played a vital role in the production of many new innovations, including the Method and Madness range.

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Process and Chemical Engineering from University College Cork and a Diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. Katherine was awarded “The Worshipful company of Distillers award” in 2018 and 2019 for outstanding achievement by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

Katherine has consistently demonstrated a passion and exceptional skillset for the art of distillation. Her inquisitive nature and constant pursuit of excellence has made her one of the rising stars of world distilling and we are delighted to announce her appointment as Distiller at Midleton Distillery.

I look forward to continuing to with work with her as she joins a lineage of the great Distillers who have gone before her.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery

I am honoured to be appointed as Distiller. This role represents a time-honoured craft and it has been a privilege to learn about the art and science of distilling from icons of world whiskey like Brian Nation and Kevin O’Gorman.

I look forward to using the wisdom and experience I have inherited to continue their legacy of quality, while driving innovation as I continue my career in Midleton. I am incredibly excited about the future of Irish whiskey and the role I can play in it.
– Katherine Condon: Distiller at Irish Distillers

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Redbreast Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Powers Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Midleton is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Irish Distillers Has A New Master Distiller – Kevin O’Gorman!

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Kevin O’Gorman

Irish Distillers has announced the appointment of Kevin O’Gorman as the new Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery. Kevin takes on the role from Brian Nation, who has served as Master Distiller since 2013. Brian is set to take on the role of Master Distiller at a startup distillery in the US.

Kevin will take on one of the most coveted positions in world whiskey. As part of his new role he will be responsible for protecting the rich heritage of the world’s most famous Irish whiskeys, ensuring the quality of all new pot and grain distillates produced at Midleton while supporting future innovation.

A Cork native, Kevin is a Technology graduate from The University of Limerick and holds a Diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. He is a master craftsman having started his career in Midleton in 1998, working as a distiller under the tutelage of Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett. From there he moved to Maturation where he honed his skills under then Master of Maturation Brendan Monks before assuming the role of Master of Maturation on Brendan’s retirement in 2007.

Kevin successfully continued the ongoing innovation in maturation that has made Midleton famous, while working with the team in facilitating spirit options for new brands like Method and Madness and brand extensions in the Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Midleton Very Rare and Spot range. In his previous role, Kevin spent much of his time travelling the globe to source only the highest quality casks from world renowned cooperages, while overseeing the full maturation process across the portfolio.

I am delighted to announce Kevin O’Gorman as the new Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery. Kevin’s exceptional leadership and talent as Master of Maturation has impressed the whiskey world ever since he took on the role in 2007. We know that he will continue to impress as Master Distiller, an evolved role which will see him lead both distillation and maturation at Irish Distillers.

I am looking forward to working closely with Kevin as he drives the constant pursuit of excellence and innovation that has been exemplified by the entire team in Midleton for centuries.

We are immensely grateful for everything Brian has done for Irish Distillers, and the entire Irish whiskey category, and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavors as he passes the baton to Kevin
– Conor McQuaid: Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers

Since starting my career in Irish Distillers in 1998, I have been lucky to learn from masters like Barry Crockett and Brendan Monks about the intricacies of the whiskey production, from grain to glass. Of course, Brian Nation and I have also worked very closely together on distillation and maturation for the past 10 years and he will be missed by all his friends at Midleton Distillery.

I am excited to use my experience to drive the sector forward by producing innovative new whiskeys that will delight whiskey fans over the coming years.
– Kevin O’Gorman: New Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery

As I step down from the position of Master Distiller, I am struck by what an incredible honour it has been to hold this role. I have been fortunate to work with a fantastic team at Midleton for the past 23 years and have experienced enormous change, development, and innovation, from the recent expansion of our distillery to the development of new distillate styles in the Micro Distillery.

I am delighted to see Kevin take on the role of Master Distiller. I know that, under his leadership, the quality and reputation of Irish Distillers’ portfolio will continue to flourish long into the future.
– Brian Nation: Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Redbreast Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Powers Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Midleton is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Redbreast Dream Cask Ballot Attracts ‘Staggering’ Number Of Entrants!

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Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition

With just 912 bottles produced, a staggering 7,400 people signed up for a chance to purchase this year’s Dream Cask, launched through Redbreast’s Birdhouse online members’ club to mark World Whiskey Day 2020!

A staggering 7,400 people signed up for a chance to purchase this year’s Dream Cask!

Thousands of whiskey fans entered an online ballot to purchase the new limited-edition Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition, produced by Irish Distillers at its world-renowned Midleton Distillery in Cork.

Bottle number one will be auctioned at the Celtic Whiskey Shop in Dublin, with all proceeds going to Marys Meals Ireland, which provides life-changing meals to some of the world’s poorest children every school day.

This is the first year we have launched Redbreast Dream Cask through a ballot system to make it as fair as possible for whiskey lovers to try our dream creation. The response has been phenomenal, with winners from a diverse range of countries; from Ireland, the UK, Germany and across Europe to Hong Kong, New Zealand, Japan and many more.

While we wish every entrant could have the opportunity to taste this year’s Redbreast Dream Cask, we’re delighted that many successful Birdhouse members will soon be enjoying this exceptional whiskey.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender at Irish Distillers

The Birdhouse gives Irish whiskey fans exclusive access to limited edition releases, information on the Redbreast family, interviews from the Midleton Masters and bespoke Redbreast gifts.

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition is the third release in a series of limited-edition Redbreast Irish whiskeys sold exclusively through The Birdhouse.

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

Irish Distillers Named ‘Importer Of The Year’ 2020!

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Redbreast Whiskey was presented with coveted Gold medals!

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has been named Importer of the Year at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020.

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach

The accolade follows a stellar year for the world’s leading distiller of Irish whiskey, with brands across its portfolio achieving an outstanding 25 medals.

The Importer of the Year honour recognises the achievement of the distiller who attains the greatest number and level of medals. This year the award highlights Irish Distillers’ consistent commitment to producing whiskeys of outstanding quality to deliver exceptional experiences for discerning whiskey drinkers around the globe.

In addition to honouring Irish Distillers with one of its top awards, the judges of the annual tasting competition awarded its portfolio of Irish whiskeys with six Double Gold medals – including an exceptional performance from its celebrated and historic Spot range as Red Spot, Green Spot and Yellow Spot all collected a Double Gold medal.

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength also received Double Gold, testament to the unrivalled quality and craftsmanship of the whiskeys produced at Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery in County Cork. Newcomer Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach Knockrath Forest was also highly commended, achieving a Double Gold medal on its first outing at the competition, reinforcing Midleton Very Rare’s standing as the pinnacle expression of Irish whiskey.

Midleton – Dair Ghaelach

The Redbreast portfolio continued its legacy as the world’s most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey as Redbreast 12, Redbreast 15, Redbreast 21 and Redbreast Lustau Edition were presented with coveted Gold medals. The bold and distinctive taste of the Powers range was also recognised, with the judges awarding Powers John’s Lane, Powers Three Swallow and Powers Gold Label with Gold Medals.

The accolades follow a dynamic new bottle design for Powers, announced earlier this year, as part of a bid to attract a new generation of drinkers to one of Ireland’s most loved whiskey brands.

Irish Distillers’ intrepid step into the modern premium gin market was also rewarded, with its METHOD AND MADNESS Irish Micro Distilled Gin taking home a Gold medal after being unveiled last year as the first release from Irish Distillers’ new Micro Distillery in Midleton.

The award acknowledges the commitment to experimentation and innovation within the METHOD AND MADNESS range, which continues to push the boundaries and re-write the future of modern Irish spirits.

We are delighted to have received such a fantastic range of honours from one of the world’s leading tasting competitions, and one of the ultimate accolades for any distiller to win – Importer of the Year.

We are incredibly proud that our whiskeys continue to impress both whiskey experts and connoisseurs around the world. These awards are a true testament of the passion, creativity and commitment of the world-class production team who make Midleton Distillery a special place to work.
– Tommy Keane: Production Director at Irish Distillers

METHOD AND MADNESS Irish Micro Distilled Gin

Now in its 20th year, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the oldest spirits tasting competitions of its kind. A blind tasting process guarantees that every entry is judged fairly and given equal consideration.

Full results from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020:

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength – Double Gold Medal
Midleton Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest -Double Gold Medal
Method and Madness Single Malt – Double Gold
Green Spot – Double Gold Medal
Yellow Spot – Double Gold Medal
Red Spot – Double Gold Medal
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition – Gold Medal
Method and Madness Irish Micro Distilled Gin – Gold Medal
Jameson Crested – Gold Medal
Jameson 18 Year Old – Gold Medal
Jameson Coopers Croze – Gold Medal
Redbreast 12 Year Old – Gold Medal
Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Gold Medal
Redbreast 15 Year Old – Gold Medal
Redbreast 21 Year Old – Gold Medal
Redbreast Lustau Edition – Gold Medal
Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old – Gold Medal
Powers Three Swallow – Gold Medal
Powers Gold Label – Gold Medal
Midleton Very Rare 2019 – Gold Medal
Method and Madness Single Grain Irish – Silver Medal
Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition – Silver Medal
Jameson Black Barrel – Silver Medal
Jameson Distillers Safe – Silver Medal
Jameson Blender’s Dog – Silver Medal

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Redbreast Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Powers Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Midleton is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Redbreast Dream Cask – Ruby Port Limited Edition – Released To Celebrate World Whisky Day 2020!

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Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition

Today, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers at its world-renowned Midleton Distillery in Cork, announced the release of its third limited edition Dream Cask to mark World Whisky Day!

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition will be available exclusively through an online ballot

Inspired by the flavours of the Iberian Peninsula, Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition is the first Redbreast expression to be fully finished in a single port cask, taking whiskey drinkers on a journey from the home of Irish whiskey to Portugal’s wine region.

The inspiration for the 28-year-old Dream Cask began during trials for Redbreast 27 Year Old – the oldest permanent expression in the Redbreast family.

During this time, the Midleton Masters discovered a liquid worthy of the Dream Cask name which uniquely comprises both a ruby port cask component and finish.

Created by Master Blender Billy Leighton, in collaboration with Blender Dave McCabe, Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition is the culmination of four extraordinary whiskey journeys dating back more than 30 years, which were set aside during the crafting of Redbreast 27 Year Old.

Aged for a minimum of 28 years in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels, an oloroso sherry butt and a ruby port seasoned cask, these exceptional liquids were then married in the ruby port cask to mature further as a single Dream Cask.

The result is a smooth and silky Irish whiskey with notes of assertive spices, dark chocolate and cinnamon which slowly reveal a luxurious layer of sweet ripe plums and exotic fruits reminiscent of the signature Redbreast style.

Bottled at 51.5%, the ruby port cask finish further contributes notes of raisins, sultanas and berries, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity. It is this final marrying phase which also gives the expression an intense mahogany colour.

It’s more than three decades since my predecessors went to the Douro Valley and hand selected the cask which would become Redbreast Dream Cask 2020. I’m delighted to be able to share its creation with whiskey lovers around the world.

Our third Dream Cask was created with a very significant fortified wine component. This imparts a unique balance of flavours, with less vanilla sweetness and more fleshy fruits that are associated with port.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender

Because a Dream Cask is not constrained by volume, we have great licence to select a unique expression with a bold flavour which couldn’t be replicated in a permanent offering.

Thankfully, Billy and I were in absolute agreement that this was the right time to release this year’s Dream Cask.
– Dave McCabe: Blender

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition will be available exclusively through an online ballot hosted on Redbreast’s private members’ club, The Birdhouse.

The ballot will be live from 15:00 (GMT+1) on Monday, May 25th until 14:59 (GMT +1) on June 2nd when successful participants will be given an opportunity to purchase a 500ml bottle for €490.

Tasting notes

Nose: Initially abundant with herbs and spices, some lighter notes of rosemary and garden mint combining with cedar and red peppers. Some zesty citrus notes develop into a rich compote of ripe fleshy fruit, melon, kiwi and black cherry on top of marcona almonds. The spicy sweetness of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg acknowledge the contribution of the oak cask.

Taste: A very rich silky mouthful of assertive spices combined with sweet ripe plums. Dark chocolate and cinnamon notes slowly reveal a luxurious layer of ripe dark fruits which combine with raisins, sultanas and exotic fruits and berries which are typical of the Redbreast style.

Finish: The signature Redbreast mix of fruit and spice is slow to fade.

Additional production information:

Redbreast Dream Cask Ruby Port Edition represents four unique whiskeys which were aged for a minimum of 28 years and then vatted together and left to marry in the ruby port pipe cask. These include:

Cask 1- a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1989, matured in an ex-bourbon barrel and re-casked into a ruby port cask in 1995.
Cask 2- a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1991, matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel.
Cask 3- a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1991, matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel.
Cask 4- a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1991, matured in an ex-bourbon barrel and re-casked into a sherry butt in 2011.

Redbreast is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

‘Jameson Hosts’ Supports The Global Bar Community In Challenging Times!

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‘Jameson Hosts’ Supports The Global Bar Community In Challenging Times!

Jameson has launched an online platform to support, inspire and engage the international bar community through an unprecedented period of uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.

“We hope this will offer both practical and emotional support ..”

The culmination of more than three decades of pioneering bartender advocacy, Jameson Hosts, Jameson’s trade engagement platform, has launched an online space where the bar community can come together to connect, learn and share in the wake of the pandemic.

As bars, hotels, restaurants and nightclubs across the globe have been forced to close their doors, Jameson Hosts provides a space for members of the bar trade to receive wellbeing support, enhance their technical knowledge and collaborate from the comfort of their home through video content.

The newly launched Jameson platform follows a $500,000 financial donation from the Irish whiskey brand to the United States Bartenders’ Guild which supports on-trade members affected by Coronavirus.

Through Jameson Hosts, Jameson will also widen its practical support of the industry by offering financial compensation to those creating videos for the platform.

The online videos will cover a range of topics designed to educate and inspire the bar community including cocktail masterclasses, wellbeing sessions, career coaching and whiskey tutorials. It will also feature advice from bar teams around the globe which are pulling together to adapt to the current challenges and better equip themselves for the future when businesses reopen.

Through Jameson Hosts, Jameson will also widen its practical support of the industry by offering financial compensation to those creating videos for the platform.

Beyond the virtual platform, Jameson Hosts will shortly announce a live event in late 2020 or early 2021 where the extensive global bar community, including bartenders, bar owners, brewers, waiters and more, will be invited to take part in a three-day festival at Midleton Distillery, the home of Jameson.

Much like its online counterpart, the festival will invite attendees to host their own workshops to share their knowledge and expertise with fellow participants and inspire new ideas among the community. The festival will also offer visiting ‘hosts’ a chance to immerse themselves in the production of Jameson Irish Whiskey with exclusive access to the Old Midleton Distillery and Blending Lab at Midleton.

The global bar community has dedicated its life and career to the service of others. Now, more than ever, this community needs a new place to come together and share inspiring stories, real-world guidance and encouraging words to help each other overcome the challenges they face today and those that lie ahead.

We hope this will offer both practical and emotional support through this challenging time and we very much look forward to celebrating with all our hosts at Midleton soon.
– Brendan Buckley: International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers

Join the Jameson Hosts community by heading to: @jamesonhosts on Instagram.

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

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