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An Interview With Carol Quinn – Archivist For Irish Distillers!

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Carol Quinn – Archivist For Irish Distillers

To help celebrate International Women’s Day this Sunday, March 8th. (@womensday) I was honoured recently to sit down and have a chat with Carol Quinn – Archivist For Irish Distillers.

International Women’s Day (@womensday), this Sunday, March 8th. is a “global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.”

So to help celebrate I was honoured recently to sit down and have a chat with Carol Quinn – Archivist For Irish Distillers – and general trailblazer in the Drinks industry!

These are the questions I asked Carol:-

Does your archive throw up any interesting things about Ireland’s history in parallel with your history?

The distillery is very much part of Ireland’s life and society and changes in the country are reflected in the distillery.

Two particular times spring to mind:-

1. 1916 – Dublin

The Easter Risings saw hand to hand fighting on the streets of Dublin and Jameson distillery being situated on a major route was witness to all this.

As was the norm then, no-one got paid if you didn’t work. One consequence was that even though there was grain in the distillery to feed the horses, they were starving as no-one was there. Fortunately, the workers asked and were allowed in to feed them.

2. World War 2
Called ‘The Emergency’ in Ireland as the country was neutral but this didn’t mean that the effects of war were not felt.
There were No imports or exports so food was scarce, expensive and money was short, again, because no-one got paid if you didn’t work.

Powers Distillery in Dublin had a soil roof to control humidity so it was utilised by planting crops on the roof to produce food which was then used to help feed the population.

Similarly, in Cork a large ornamental garden was ploughed up for food.

Carol reveals the connection between a notebook & some grain!

If you could choose only one, what would your favourite item in the archive be?

Well that can change on a daily basis! But one of them is the Pocket notebook belonging to John Jameson II – the founders son.

It contains Recipes for whiskey which he would have distilled himself with details of daily mash fills.
But the book was in a poor condition so was sent for conservation.

It was while this work was being carried out that trapped grains were discovered in the notebook binding which gave us a real connection to the history of the distillery and felt like a tangible connection to the family tree of their whiskies.

We don’t try and recreate the past with these documents. Instead they serve to provide inspiration for possible products in the future. And may do so yet again!

Is there something you wish you had in your archives?

A person, any person, though not anyone who was famous!

Ideally someone from the 1880’s which was the peak of whiskey production in Ireland.

It would be great to find out what it was like, the atmosphere.

We have a wealth of written records but no personal histories.

So, for the benefit of future archivists, Carol has started an oral history programme to capture the memories, impressions and personal perspectives of former workers.

How do you think future archivists will look back on today’s whiskey business?

I feel were entering a second golden age for Irish Whiskey.

I think they would be astonished at the speed of change that’s taking place in the Industry at this time including new entities, new distilleries and increased choice for consumers.

And I don’t see why Irish Whiskey can’t overtake Scotch Whisky!

There are now 30 distilleries in Ireland (compared to the 1970’s when there were just 2 – Midleton & Bushmills.)

Things started to change in 1966 when Jameson, Powers and Cork distillers combined to form Irish distillers because they decided they never wanted to give up Irish Whiskey as it symbolises everything thats good about Ireland and it’s culture.

It is indeed exciting times!

Carol’s favourite Whiskey? Read on!

Of course my last question had to be …

What is your favourite Whiskey?

It’s Powers Gold Label with soda water.

On the recent product re-design for the Powers range I was involved with going through the history of powers and the distinctive diamond symbol jumped out at us.

The symbol was so iconic that in correspondance they didn’t even say Powers – they just used the diamond symbol!

Many thanks to Carol for taking the time!

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women’s Day. Many organizations declare an annual IWD theme that supports their specific agenda or cause, and some of these are adopted more widely with relevance than others. International Women’s Day is a collective day of global celebration and a call for gender parity.

International Women’s Day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action – whatever that looks like globally at a local level. But one thing is for sure, International Women’s Day has been occurring for well over a century – and continue’s to grow from strength to strength. Learn about the values that guide IWD’s ethos.

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Powers Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Irish Distillers Releases Redbreast 27 Year Old – Their Oldest Permanent Expression!

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Redbreast 27 Year Old

Irish Distillers has introduced Redbreast 27 Year Old, the oldest permanent expression in their beloved Redbreast series.

“A satisfyingly long balance of ripe fruit and wood spices, worthy of a journey of nearly three decades.”

An iconic addition to the collection, Redbreast 27 Year Old includes whiskey matured in ruby port barrels from Portugal’s Douro Valley to bring a new complexity and depth to the Redbreast collection.

Redbreast 27 Year Old will join Redbreast 12, 15, 21 Year Old and Lustau, taking its position at the head of the family with its distinguished age statement.

Spending 27 years maturing under the watchful eyes of the Midleton Masters, it was Master Blender Billy Leighton and Blender Dave McCabe who set their sights on building further on the celebrated foundation of bourbon and sherry casks so synonymous with Redbreast with the addition of a ruby port cask.

For over 30 years the team at Midleton has travelled to the Douro Valley in Portugal where port has been produced for two thousand years, to discover the finest caves in the region in a quest to provide drinkers with a truly unique taste experience. Having sourced ruby port casks, the masters filled them with pot still distillate before leaving them to mature.

The ruby port barrels impart fleshy fruit characteristics with notes of toasted oak which complements the rich and robust style of the distillate.

It gives us great pleasure to reveal the latest member of the Redbreast Irish Whiskey family. In creating this whiskey, Dave and I drew on our experience of working with sherry and other wine casks over the years as we have evolved the range. This time, we wanted to push the boundaries and yet create an expression that would seamlessly take its place at the head of the family.

Nearly three decades in the making, we are incredibly proud to present Redbreast 27 Year Old – a cask strength Redbreast expression that is a joy to behold in each and every sip.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender

Bottled at 54.6% cask strength, the ruby port barrels contribute notes of mango, pineapple and berry to the robust flavour of Redbreast 27 Year Old, clearly distinguishing it from the previous expressions in the collection, treading a beautiful balance of tradition and innovation.
– Dave McCabe: Blender

Produced in limited quantities on an ongoing basis, Redbreast 27 Year Old is available in 11 markets from March 2020 at RRP€495.

Redbreast 27 Year Old tasting notes by Master Blender Billy Leighton and Blender Dave McCabe:

Nose: A mix of exotic fruits and red berries, complemented by fresh herbs and wood spices. Vanilla sweetness and treacle toffee combine with the nuttiness of toasted oak.

Taste: Incredibly rich in texture with a luxurious combination of ripe stone fruits and summer berries, balanced by the prickle of a hint of chilli oil. Cherry menthol, vanilla and cinnamon sweet spices complement red pepper, nutmeg and toasted oak.

Finish: A satisfyingly long balance of ripe fruit and wood spices, worthy of a journey of nearly three decades.

Redbreast is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Midleton Very Rare Release The Oldest Ever Irish Whiskey Collection!

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Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection

February 2020 sees the launch of the first release from Ireland’s oldest ever whiskey collection. Midleton Very Rare, renowned as the Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey, is produced in Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, Ireland and the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection is a collection of six releases.

Availability: only 48 750ml bottles in Ireland, UK, France and US

The first is a 45-year-old Irish single malt. There will be one release annually until the year 2025, ranging in age from 45 to 50 years old, all from the fabled Old Midleton Distillery (operating 1825-1975). The last release will coincide with Old Midleton Distillery’s 200th birthday.

A ‘silent’ distillery is one that has closed its doors and been lost to ages past, achieving almost mythical status. As rumours of this ‘unicorn’ whiskey swirl around the whiskey world, these precious bottlings have become highly sought after by whiskey enthusiasts. A traditional distillery, Old Midleton Distillery was famous throughout the world for Irish whiskey, but when it closed its doors for the last time in 1975, it became an iconic part of Irish distilling legend.

While other silent distilleries have re-opened and been brought back to life, Old Midleton has been fully decommissioned and will never produce again. Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter One will be the first official release from Old Midleton Distillery in 16 years and the collection represents some of the last drops of this inimitable spirit before the distillery closed its doors forever.

When the spirit for Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter One was laid down in 1974 under Master Distiller Emeritus Max Crockett, a year before the closure of Old Midleton Distillery, it was part of a series of innovative trials never to be released or repeated. Crockett’s experimentation with peated single malt whiskey from 1964 to 1974 will come to light for the very first time through this release which paves the way for new beginnings in the world of ultra-rare, luxury Irish whiskey.

Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter One is the only release in this collection to have been created as a peated single malt – pure innovation for Irish whiskey at the time, and rare still today. Decades in the making, the third-fill sherry cask cask that has influenced this whiskey has been lying dormant for 45 years. This makes it one of the world’s rarest whiskeys by its very nature. The cask contributes notes of ripe honeydew melon, red berries and sweet spices of toasted oak.

Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, son of Max Crockett, recalls sourcing the peat for this 45 year old expression, which will be the last peated whiskey ever from Old Midleton Distillery. During this time, Barry was learning his trade from his father, Max Crockett, the ‘forefather’ of modern-day Irish whiskey. In recent years it has been the work of Master Distiller Brian Nation to monitor, sample and determine the ideal bottling time for this rare whiskey laid down by his predecessors. Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection represents a unique opportunity to taste the work of three legends.

Staying true to its proud Irish heritage and luxury craftsmanship, Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter One will be decanted into handblown and etched crystal decanter bottles, produced by Ireland’s Waterford Crystal, with each of the bottles individually numbered. The bottle comes displayed in a wooden cabinet handcrafted by Irish designer, John Galvin, using wood up to 200 years old from ancient reclaimed whiskey vats. This further cements Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection as the ideal treasure for any whiskey enthusiast.

There will be one release annually until the year 2025

It’s remarkable that 45 years on we could even be speaking about a whiskey which was distilled in the very final period of the Old Midleton Distillery. It is the ultimate heirloom and memento of the dedication to precise malt preparation, brewing and distillation skills of generations of distillers at Midleton.

Furthermore, it’s among the very last remaining whiskey distilled through the largest pot still in the world, a skill which in its own right required great refinement of the distiller’s art.
– Barry Crockett: Master Distiller Emeritus

One of the most wonderous parts of my job is that I am often responsible for safekeeping the legacy of another. For many years now, my colleagues and I have been caring for the work of Max and Barry Crockett, to determine the optimum time to share it with the world.

The team at Midleton Distillery is extremely proud that the time has finally come to introduce the Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection.
– Brian Nation: Master Distillers at Irish Distillers



RRP: €35,000, £32,000, $40,000
ABV: 51.2%
Availability: 48 750ml bottles in Ireland, UK, France and US

Two bottles will be sold via ballot system on The 1825 Room, the Midleton Very Rare online members’ programme. Whiskey lovers can register their interest to be entered into a lottery to purchase a bottle from 9pm on 18th February for one week.

Tasting notes by Master Distiller Brian Nation

Nose: The first impression is very rich with deep, dark spices on a satisfying antique oak base. An earthy note of freshly cut peat, along with chamois leather, is lifted by a twist of grapefruit. The very old sherry wine seasoned hogshead cask contributes a touch of ripe honeydew melon and red berries as well as the sweet spices of toasted oak.
Taste: Instantly rich with the initial peppery spices slowly softening as the influence of the malted barley shows through. Liquorice root, barley sugar and honey bring some sweetness, just given a little edge by a touch of sherbet. All build on a solid foundation of toasted oak.
Finish: The rich spices and malted barley are slow to fade.

Midleton Very Rare is the ultimate expression of craftsmanship from Midleton Distillery. Created in 1984, by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, only two Master Distillers have had the privilege of preserving its legacy.

Once a year, Master Distiller Brian Nation hand-selects the finest and rarest whiskeys from the inventory of Midleton Distillery before blending them to create a true whiskey masterpiece, often referred to as the ‘pinnacle of Irish whiskey’. The artistry and expertise of the cask selection process for Midleton Very Rare’s annual vintage ensures that only the finest whiskeys bear the prestigious name.

The 1825 Room, an online membership platform giving exclusive access to rare releases and insights into the world’s most sought-after Irish whiskey, invites whiskey enthusiasts to learn more about the other expressions in the range. Namely the Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach series, which derives its name from ‘Irish Oak’ as the first Irish whiskey to be finished in virgin Irish Oak, and Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy, a tribute to an iconic figure both in the history of both Midleton Distillery and Irish whiskey.

For more information or to become a member visit midletonveryrare.com

St. Patricks & Chips! Jameson’s Limited Edition Employs Technology To Help Us All ‘Join In’

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‘Create your own label’ connectivity offers a first for Jameson consumers

Jameson Irish Whiskey has unveiled its much-anticipated limited-edition bottle, designed by well-known Dublin-based designer and illustrator Hephee (Stephen Heffernan), marking the start of the brand’s global St Patrick’s Day (Tuesday, 17 March) celebrations.

Designed in Heffernan’s signature style, each icon on the label charts the familiar journey of friends all over the world, as they ‘join in’ on the day the world turns Irish. The design reflects a shared belief that while the best plans might start with a text or a call, the real magic happens as the momentum builds and friends come together to create new memories.

This eighth addition to the Jameson collectable limited-edition bottle series will be available from February 2020

Working out of Jameson’s in-house studio, Heffernan’s design goes further than previous editions, with connected technology inviting Jameson fans to get creative and make their own virtual label online using Heffernan’s eye-catching template and icons.

Using a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip and Quick Response (QR) code on the neck of the bottle, Jameson fans can connect with a design experience that allows them to customise their own label through hidden icons also designed by Heffernan. Once happy with their design, they can enter it into a competition to win a bespoke Jameson Bar Sign.

Participating consumers in key markets can also enter into a competition to win their own personalised limited-edition bottle.

We are hugely excited about this innovative Jameson bottle.

This year we are deepening the connection with our fans with an offering that reflects the brand’s appreciation of local talent through Stephen’s artwork, and encourages digital engagement that taps into the growing popularity of customisation through the connected nature of the bottle.
– Brendan Buckley: International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers

This eighth addition to the Jameson collectable limited-edition bottle series will be available through off-trade channels in 22 markets* from the beginning of February 2020.
*Japan, Canada, Poland, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Slovakia, Austria, Romania, Switzerland, Italy, Estonia, Hungary, Croatia, Norway, Korea, Greece, Serbia, Slovenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta and our brand home, Jameson Distillery Bow St. in Dublin, Ireland.

Jameson has been driving growth in the Irish whiskey category for the past 30 years and now sells 7.7 million cases worldwide, up from 7.3 million cases last year. Today, Jameson is in double or triple-digit growth in more than 70 markets across the globe, with that growth driven by the USA, Europe and Africa.

Jameson continues to perform well in emerging markets, up 23%, with Nigeria (+141%), India (+55%), Mexico (+20%) and Brazil (+13%) all recording high levels of growth. The Jameson family also saw sales increase by 12% in Eastern Europe, driven by the Ukrainian (+24%) and Russian (+7%) markets.
(Year ending 30 June 2019)

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Midleton Releases ‘Knockrath Forest’ Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey!

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Midleton – Dair Ghaelach

Irish Distillers has introduced Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest, the third release in the Dair Ghaelach collection. A remarkable addition to the Midleton Very Rare story, the new expression has matured in barrels made from virgin Irish oak grown in Knockrath Forest, County Wicklow, reinforcing Midleton’s provenance and its standing as a true taste of Ireland.

The story of Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach, which translates as ‘Irish oak’, began over a decade ago when the Midleton Masters, ever keen to innovate and create unique and exemplary whiskeys, decided to explore the possibility of maturing Irish whiskey in native oak.

Kevin O’Gorman

Midleton’s talented team, led by Master of Maturation Kevin O’Gorman, Master Cooper Ger Buckley and Master Blender Billy Leighton, set out to source sustainable Irish oak from estates throughout Ireland to produce a series of whiskeys, each with their own individual history and taste profile, that could be traced back to the specific tree from which the oak cask was made.

For the third edition, the Midleton team selected the Knockrath estate in the ancient Vale of Clara where the oak has grown for more than 150 years amidst the landscape of mountains and lakes. Known for its cool summers and heavy rainfall, the climate of County Wicklow impacts the density and porosity of the oak.

This, in addition to a lighter toasting of the wood and unique combination of distillates, results in subtle flavour differences between Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest and its predecessors, Dair Ghaelach Grinsell’s Wood [1] and Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest. [2]

[1] Launched in 2015, Dair Ghaelach Grinsell’s Wood was the first expression in the collection, matured in Irish oak barrels grown on the Ballaghtobin Estate in County Kilkenny.
[2] In 2017 the second edition, Dair Ghaealch Bluebell Forest, was launched created using oak from the Castle Blunden Estate in County Kilkenny.

Since the 16th century the Brabazon family has watched over Knockrath Forest and continues to sustainably manage the trees from one season to the next. Under their guardianship, the Knockrath estate became one of the first sites where the iconic Great Spotted Woodpecker – engraved into the whiskey’s stunning wooden case – set up residence on its return to Ireland following years in exile. Today, after ten years of silence, the woodpecker’s drumming can be heard throughout the forests of Wicklow and beyond thanks to the Brabazon family and the expanding oak forests.

Once felled, the carefully harvested trees were shipped to the Maderbar sawmills in Baralla, north-west Spain, where they were traditionally quarter sawn into staves for barrel manufacturing and transferred to the Antonio Páez Lobato cooperage in Jerez. After a 15-month drying process, the staves were worked into barrels and given a light toasting before returning to Ireland. Back at Midleton Distillery, the virgin oak casks were filled with Irish pot still whiskeys ranging in age from 13-26 years.

Following two further years maturing in the Irish oak, O’Gorman and Leighton diligently checked the barrels each month until finally the pair felt the whiskey had the perfect balance of flavour, aroma and wood contribution ready for bottling.

Knockrath Forest

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest is bottled at cask strength ranging from 56.1% – 56.6% ABV, giving drinkers the opportunity to taste Irish whiskey almost directly from Irish oak. The native wood contributes notes of caramel, fruits, vanilla and chocolate for a smooth and robust whiskey.

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest is an amazing 150-year journey from Knockrath Forest to bottle and one we’re proud to be part of. Traceability and sustainability are at the heart of this whiskey and, until we started this project, Irish oak had not been used to mature whiskey for well over 100 years.

Today, thanks to sustainable practices, we can harvest small volumes and trace each bottle right back to the very oak tree that helped to create it. This has, in turn, fostered an awareness and appreciation among whiskey lovers that there is even a subtle difference between trees which contributes to a whiskey’s unique flavour.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master of Maturation

It’s an honour to present the latest edition in the Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach collection.

Truly a taste of Ireland, the barley, water, oak and indeed craftspeople at the heart of this expression are all home-grown, making us extremely proud to share this latest expression in the Midleton story with the world.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender

Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest is available from January 2020 in Ireland, UK, France, US and China at the recommended selling price of €310 per 70cl.

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest Tasting Notes

Nose: Pot still spices are accentuated by the Irish oak contribution, adding waves of toasted wood with hints of vanilla and roasted coffee, layered over fresh fruit which evolves from orchard fruits to tropical notes.
Taste: Classic pot still spices give a luscious texture to the fore, while the influence of the Irish oak adds a medley of sweet notes including chocolate and honeycomb.
Finish: Remarkably long finish with fruit and spices fading to allow the Irish oak to have the final say.

Midleton is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Powers Irish Whiskey Starts The Decade With A New Look!

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The Powers Repack Family Line up

Powers Gold Label

Powers Irish Whiskey, which is made by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has unveiled a bold new bottle design for its range of premium Irish whiskeys. Debuting on core expression Powers Gold Label in the USA from March 2020, the dynamic new look is set to attract a new generation of drinkers to one of Ireland’s most loved whiskey brands.

The design features a new bottle shape which has been inspired by the distinctive pot still silhouette from the brand’s historical home at John’s Lane Distillery. Another striking aspect of the new design is the label which is styled on the iconic Powers ‘diamond P’ – one of the first ever trademarks registered in Ireland and a link to the legacy of Powers and Irish whiskey history all over Ireland.

Each whiskey in the Powers range is presented with a label in a different colour to bring to life its unique story; Powers Gold Label in red, an homage to the original red Powers diamond marque; Powers Three Swallow in blue, a nod to the feathers of the graceful bird; and Powers John’s Lane Release in metallic ink, to reflect the industrial innovation that the Powers family demonstrated at the original distillery established in 1791 on John’s Lane, Dublin.

Powers John Lane

Powers sense of identity has always focused on the diamond P; that became very clear to me as I worked my way through the historical archive. The diamond P was everywhere; on the casks, stationary, on bills and receipts, emblazoned on everything that left the distillery, and notably on the wonderful Powers mirrors that still hang in Ireland’s pubs today.

Workers at the old John’s Lane distillery even took to wearing a diamond P pin on their lapel, such was their pride to be part of the Powers family. For me it’s wonderful to see the diamond P front and centre on this new label, symbolising all the history of this great whiskey since 1791.
– Carol Quinn: Archivist at Irish Distillers

Following the launch of the new-look Powers Gold Label in March 2020, the new design will be introduced across Powers Three Swallow and Powers John’s Lane from mid-2020 in the USA and the rest of the world from late-2020. In Ireland, Powers Three Swallow and Powers John’s Lane will be released in March 2020, with Powers Gold Label to be reviewed in due course.

Powers Three Swallow

Powers has been famous for its bold taste profile and character since the family distillery was established in 1791. We are excited to introduce this new look to the world and inspire a new generation with the unique history and personality of Powers.

At Irish Distillers, we have pride in Powers as one of the world’s leading Irish whiskeys and we welcome this dynamic new chapter for the brand as we seek to continue the Irish whiskey renaissance around the world.
– Conor McQuaid: Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers

New packaging for Powers Irish Whiskey underpins recent innovation for the brand as it seeks to reach and inspire whiskey drinkers including; the release of Powers Old Fashioned, the brand’s first ever pre-mixed classic cocktail; and the Powers Quarter; a collaboration between six Dublin bars to tell the story of Powers and its illustrious Dublin history.

Powers Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Irish Distillers Wins “World Whiskey Producer of the Year”!

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Irish Distillers scooped the respected accolade after scoring the highest number of medals across its portfolio

Irish Distillers has taken home the World Whiskey Producer of the Year trophy at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, following a prestigious ceremony in London.

Irish Distillers scooped the respected accolade after scoring the highest number of medals across its portfolio of Irish whiskeys throughout the 2019 awards season, beating distillers from Japan, Ireland and the USA.

The result follows an outstanding year of recognition for Midleton Distillery which saw it claim 24 award wins, including the Worldwide Whiskey Trophy for Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still, which continues to be the most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey in the world.

The influential spirits competition also awarded Jameson Cooper’s Croze and Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy with an impressive 98 points out of 100, meaning Irish Distillers won the most Gold Outstanding honours within the Irish whiskey category.

In addition, the Powers Three Swallows release, Powers John’s Lane 12 Year Old, Redbreast 15 Year Old and Red Spot 15 Year Old Single Pot Still were also awarded gold medals.

The international benchmark for quality, the IWSC was the first competition of its kind, set up to seek out, reward and promote the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Now in its 50th year, the IWSC’s relentless pursuit of excellence underpins every aspect of the competition today.

The IWSC is set apart by the formidable reputation of its judging process with panels made up of carefully selected industry experts including Master Distillers, Masters of Wine, wine and spirit buyers and sommeliers, WSET qualified educators and respected wine and spirit journalists.

We are honoured to be recognised as World Whiskey Producer of the Year by one of the most respected awards bodies, and to see such outstanding results across the portfolio.

This trophy is a tribute to the incredibly hard working passionate and skilled craftsmen and women at Midleton – 2019 has truly been a landmark year for Irish Distillers.
– Tommy Keane: Production Director at Irish Distillers


“Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production at Midleton Distillery and bottling capacity at Fox and Geese in Dublin to meet global demand for our products.
We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.”

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Jameson Distillery Bow St. Named “World’s Leading Distillery Tour” For Second Year In A Row!

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Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Irish Distillers, producer of some of the world’s best known and successful Irish whiskeys, today announced that Jameson Distillery Bow St. has been named the World’s Leading Distillery Tour at the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the second year in a row.

The awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence in global travel and tourism. The finalist list included Macallan, Hennessy, Jack Daniels and Jose Cuervo.

Once again, we are extremely honoured to be awarded this very special accolade. The World Travel Awards are voted for by travel and tourism professionals, and consumers worldwide, and this honour recognises our commitment to excellence at the spiritual home of Jameson in Dublin.

This award is an acknowledgement of the incredible work of our team at Bow St., who provide every visitor with an unforgettable and unique experience and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their passion and dedication.

Visitors want to engage with our whiskeys through unique shared experiences. At Jameson Distillery Bow St., we bring our visitors on a journey, engaging all five senses through audio visual aided storytelling from a Jameson Brand Ambassador, aromas, hands-on experiences and, of course, product sampling,
– Greg Hughes: Managing Director, Jameson Brand Homes at Irish Distillers

The awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence in global travel and tourism

The 26th World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2019 took place at the Royal Opera House Muscat, Oman, with the leading decision-makers, figureheads and influencers of travel in attendance. The evening marked the climax of the WTA Grand Tour 2019 – an annual search for the finest travel and tourism organisations in the world, featuring the winners of WTA’s six regional ceremonies going head-to-head for the coveted world titles.

Jameson Distillery Bow St. offers a range of interactive, fun and immersive experiences

Jameson Distillery Bow St. offers a range of interactive, fun and immersive experiences including the flagship distillery tour, a premium whiskey tasting experience, whiskey blending and cocktail making master classes – along with the opportunity to draw and taste whiskey straight from a cask. One of the city’s most unique event locations, Bow St. is also available for private use by evening.

Jameson Distillery Bow St. was also awarded Europe’s Leading Distillery Tour for the second year in a row at The World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2019, held in Madeira in June.

To book tickets for Jameson Distillery Bow St., visit jamesonwhiskey.com.

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Jameson Caskmates Series Gets New Packaging!

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A packaging revamp for the Jameson Caskmates Series

Irish Distillers has unveiled a packaging revamp for its Jameson Caskmates Series.

Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition

The new look includes key updates on both expressions in the Caskmates range – Jameson Stout Edition and Jameson IPA Edition – in response to consumer research in key markets, including US, UK, South Africa and Ireland, which highlighted a desire for a simplified product proposition.

In line with these findings, a new ‘Caskmates Series’ family name will announce the range on the neck and back label. The main label will now feature a stronger focus on the varietal edition and a clear descriptor of ‘Whiskey Finished in Craft Beer Barrels’ to celebrate the liquid within.

The back label also highlights the ‘Caskmates Series’ craft beer partner, Eight D Brewing, whose beers are used to season the casks before being filled with Jameson.

Irish Distillers acquired Eight D Brewing in 2018 to secure a long-term supply of craft beer following the runaway global success of the Caskmates Series. Almost 1 million 9 litre cases have been sold since the range was launched in 2015.

The Caskmates Series was born of innovation – a creative experiment that tapped into the growing appetite for Irish whiskey and love of craft beer. It has been a hugely successful range for us, recording phenomenal growth since its launch in 2015 with global sales standing at almost 1 million 9 litre cases since launch.

While the Caskmates Series has introduced new consumers to Jameson and excited existing Jameson fans, our research showed a need to simplify the product proposition. We are confident that this new streamlined look will play a role in ensuring continued growth image006.pngfor these exciting expressions.
– David Quinn: Head of Whiskey Science at Midleton Distillery

The new look Jameson Stout Edition and Jameson IPA Edition, both bottled at 40% ABV, will be shipped to the US from January 2020 and the rest of the world from March 2020. It will be available through retailers at the RRP of 120 index to Jameson Original as well as through leading bars and restaurants.

The Jameson Caskmates story began when Dave Quinn, Master of Whiskey Science in Midleton Distillery, met a local craft brewer in a local bar in Cork, Ireland. Dave agreed to loan the brewery some Jameson casks to discover their influence on his Irish stout.

When the stout-seasoned barrels were returned to Midleton Distillery, Dave re-filled them with Jameson Irish whiskey, an experimental finishing process from which Jameson Stout Edition was born.

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition

Jameson IPA Edition was the second expression to be added to the range and is a triple-distilled Irish whiskey finished in IPA-seasoned barrels. Local craft brewery Eight D Brewing, from Mitchelstown Co. Cork is now the official partner for this product.

Since its launch, the Jameson Caskmates Series has satisfied the appetite for innovative and authentic tastes among whiskey enthusiasts, Jameson drinkers and craft beer fans in over 40 markets worldwide.

Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Tasting Notes, by Brian Nation, Master Distiller in Midleton Distillery

Nose: An initial aroma of freshly cut hay is complemented by a crisp orchard fruit character – green apples and pears, with a twist of lime zest. Mild pot still spices appear, deepening from green tea to hazelnut and milk chocolate.
Taste: The initial sweet mouth coating typical of the Irish pot still inclusion is quickly complemented by the subtle touch of hops and cocoa beans from the beer cask finish.
Finish: Long and sweet with milk chocolate and butterscotch.

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Tasting Notes, by Brian Nation, Master Distiller in Midleton Distillery

Nose: Floral, herbal hops, grapefruit citrus notes with subtle orchard fruits, complimented by wood shavings and a little nuttiness.
Taste: Hops and light citrus with sweet herbal notes and delicate spicy tones.
Finish: The lingering fresh fruit and hops give way to grains of barley and a signature smooth finish.

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Jameson Whiskey Is On Tour!

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Jameson is on Tour!

Irish Distillers has announced that its award-winning Bow St. Experience is going on tour. From September 2019, the experience will activate in Lisbon, Portugal.

Hands-on experiences abound!

Jameson has created a replica of its flagship experience and shipped it to the Portuguese capital, bringing the home of the brand to new audiences.

Running throughout September at Lisbon’s creative urban district – LX Factory – visitors to the pop-up will experience the history, heritage, production process and taste of Jameson on the definitive tour, guided by Jameson’s world-renowned brand ambassadors.

In addition, the surrounding Jameson Village will offer a range of interactive, fun and engaging experiences and live entertainment; including bartender masterclasses, a tattoo studio and a barber shop for tourists and visitors to enjoy.

Your very own personalised Jameson Distillery Edition bottle is also available to buy

For years, we have welcomed Irish whiskey fans from around the world to our brand homes in Dublin and Cork to engage with our whiskeys through unique shared experiences. Now, we are incredibly excited to show Bow St, the spiritual home of Jameson, to the world. Innovation is central to everything we do at Irish Distillers, so we are thrilled to bring our home on tour using shipping containers to transport and house our Bow St. Experience around the globe.

Our aim is to bring our guests on a journey, engaging all five senses through audio visual story telling from a Jameson Brand Ambassador, aromas, hands-on experiences and, of course, product sampling.

This exciting project is part of Irish Distillers’ long-term brand experience plan. As a member of the Irish Whiskey Association, we’re working to make Ireland the world leader in whiskey tourism by 2030. Following on from the launch of Jameson Distillery On Tour this month, we hope to continue to bring the experience to life in other cities, reaching more audiences around the world.
– Simon Fay: Business Acceleration Director at Irish Distillers

Visitors to the pop-up will experience the history, heritage, production process and taste of Jameson

Each tour lasts 30 minutes with visitors given the opportunity to try a range of Jameson cocktails and beer pairings before or after the tour at The Jameson Bar.

Visitors will also be able to visit the Jameson store where they can find exclusive products and merchandise, including their own personalised Jameson Distillery Edition bottle, which until now, was only available at Jameson Distillery Bow St. in Dublin and Jameson Distillery Midleton in Cork.

In December 2018, Jameson Distillery Bow St. was named the World’s Leading Distillery Tour at the World Travel Awards. Jameson Distillery Bow St. was awarded Europe’s Leading Distillery Tour for the second year in a row at The World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2019, held in Madeira in June.

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

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