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Irish Distillers Add Two MORE Limited Editions To Its METHOD AND MADNESS Range!

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Larissa Marrichi and Finbarr Curran

Irish Distillers has added two new and experimental, limited edition Irish whiskeys to its METHOD AND MADNESS range; Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Wild Cherry Wood and Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Acacia Wood.

METHOD AND MADNESS: Wild Cherry

The whiskeys represent the latest results of the research that Midleton Distillery and Micro Distillery, in County Cork, have undertaken into maturation in different wood types over more than 10 years.

In a world first, the Midleton masters and apprentices present a single pot still Irish whiskey that has been finished in nine casks crafted from wild cherry wood, sourced from France, for between seven months and four years.

Wood from the cherry tree is characterised by its porosity, which results in significant interaction between the wood and the whiskey and has added complex flavours of shredded ginger, coconut and black tea to the ex-bourbon and sherry cask-matured whiskey.

Bottled at 46% ABV, METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Wild Cherry Wood is available in six markets, including Ireland, the UK and global travel retail, from September 2019 at the RRP of €92.

Since 2014, our research into maturation in different wood types has challenged our expertise and approach to whiskey-making – but none so much as our experimentations with wild cherry casks.

The rare, porous wood is different to anything that we have handled before, so it has been a real achievement to create the perfect balance of flavour – the result is a world-first in Irish whiskey, with a nose of coconut fibre and ginger, a palate of fresh green herbs, black tea and unmistakable pot still spices and a long, fresh finish with prickly spice and hazelnut.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master of Maturation at Midleton Distillery

METHOD AND MADNESS: Acacia

The second new release is a single pot still Irish whiskey that has been finished in barrels crafted from acacia wood, sourced from France, for between one and four years.

Initially matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, the dense acacia wood has a tight grain that slowly imparts rich nutty and chocolatey flavours and a dark mahogany hue.

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Acacia Wood is bottled at 46% ABV and is available exclusively through the Celtic Whiskey Shop in Ireland from September 2019 at the RRP of €92.

METHOD AND MADNESS aims to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey and the Irish spirits category through innovative releases and it has been a real honour to work closely with Kevin in order to craft these two new whiskeys.

The density of the acacia wood presented a challenge in contrast to the wild cherry wood as the maturation process was much slower and required a close eye and nose to achieve the perfect balance. But it was well worth the wait. This stunning single pot still Irish whiskey has a nose of sugared almonds and wood spice, a palate of coffee beans, dark chocolate and chilli and a finish with fading spice, charred wood and barley husk.
– Finbarr Curran: member of the Maturation Research Team at Midleton Distillery

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Wild Cherry Wood

Tasting notes by Master of Maturation, Kevin O’Gorman
Nose: Box Hedge Clippings, Coconut Fibre, Shredded Ginger
Taste: Fresh Green Herbs, Black Tea, Pot Still Spices
Finish: Long and Fresh, Prickly Spice, Toasted Hazelnut

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Acacia Wood

Tasting notes by Master of Maturation, Kevin O’Gorman
Nose: Sugared Almonds, Wood Spices, Crushed Cloves
Taste: Coffee Beans, Dark Chocolate, Chilli Oil
Finish: Fading Spices, Charred Wood, Barley Husk

About METHOD AND MADNESS

Launched in February 2017 to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey, METHOD AND MADNESS is crafted in Midleton Distillery, harnessing the creativity of Midleton’s whiskey masters through the fresh talent of its apprentices. Taking inspiration from the famous Shakespearean quote, ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t’, METHOD AND MADNESS is designed to reflect a next generation Irish spirit brand with a measure of curiosity and intrigue (MADNESS), while honouring the tradition and expertise grounded in the generations of expertise at the Midleton Distillery (METHOD)

Redbreast 12 Year Old Wins More Awards!

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Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, which is crafted at Midleton Distillery by Irish Distillers, has taken home the World Whisky Trophy at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition, one of the world’s most influential spirits competitions, now in it’s 50th year.

Redbreast 12 Year Old scored an impressive 98 points!

The competition awarded Redbreast 12 Year Old with its highest honour across Irish, American and Japanese whiskeys after scoring an impressive 98 points, continuing its legacy as the most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey in the world.

The respected competition also honoured Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy and Jameson Cooper’s Croze with 98 points, which was underpinned by Irish Distillers winning the majority of Gold Outstanding honours within the Irish whiskey category.

Success at the IWSC parallels stand-out performances for the Midleton portfolio at the Beverage Testing Institute, with Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength and Redbreast 21 Year Old receiving platinum medals, the BTI’s most prestigious award, for scoring 96 points respectively.

In addition, Irish Distillers scooped 27 Medals out of the 67 medals on offer at The Irish Whiskey Masters, with sixteen Gold Medals and seven Masters awarded across the range. The Redbreast portfolio was presented with coveted Master and Gold medals, with Redbreast 21 Year Old commended by the judges for ‘showing something different to the rest of the pack.’

We are thrilled to see more fantastic results at such prestigious global spirits tasting competitions. It is great to see the Redbreast range flourish as it continues to excite consumers with its exemplary single pot still Irish whiskey style.

These awards are truly a testament to the craftsmen at Midleton Distillery who assist me in blending the finest Irish whiskeys in the world, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds!
– Billy Leighton: Redbreast Master Blender at Midleton Distillery


About the International Wine and Spirits Competition
Now in its 50th year, the IWSC is one of the most influential spirits competitions in the world with producers entering the awards, confident that they will be judged by the premier experts in any given region and style. With dedicated tasting premises around the world, the awards are widely recognised as one of the most reliable indicators of excellence in spirits globally.

About the Beverage Testing Institute
Founded in 1981, The Beverage Testing Institute is a leading competition with the goal of producing fair, impartial reviews for consumers. A certified member of the American Society of Testing and Materials, BTI is an independent product rating and review initiative which provides valid results and education for consumers and the trade.

About The Irish Whiskey Masters
Organised by the prestigious spirits-based publication, The Spirits Business, the Irish Whiskey Masters is one of the leading annual Irish whiskey awards, seeking to find and reward the finest brands on the world stage. A panel of leading spirits and on-trade specialists discover the finest spirits through a blind tasting, with excellence recognised in category, region, age, design & packaging.

Full results from the Beverage Testing Institute:
Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Old Cask Strength – 96 Platinum Medal
Redbreast 21 Year Old Single Pot Still – 96 Platinum Medal
Midleton Very Rare 2018 Irish Whiskey – 93 Points – Gold Medal
Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest – 93 Points – Gold Medal
Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – 93 Points – Gold Medal
Redbreast 15 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – 93 Points – Gold Medal
Jameson Crested Irish Whiskey – 92 Points – Gold Medal
Red Spot 15 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – 92 Points – Gold Medal
Powers 12 Year Old John’s Lane Irish Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – 92 Points – Gold Medal
Powers Three Swallow Release Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – 92 Points – Gold Medal
Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – 91 Points – Gold Medal
Jameson 18 Year Old Irish Whiskey – 91 Points – Gold Medal
Jameson Signature Irish Whiskey – 91 Points – Gold Medal
Jameson Blended Irish Whiskey – 90 Gold Medal
Redbreast Lustau Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – 89 Points – Silver Medal
Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – 89 Points – Silver Medal
Powers Gold Label Blended Irish Whiskey – 89 Points – Silver Medal
Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition – 89 Points – Silver Medal
Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey – 89 Points – Silver Medal
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Irish Whiskey – 88 Points – Silver Medal
Jameson Cooper’s Croze Irish Whiskey – 87 Points – Silver Medal
Jameson Distiller’s Safe Irish Whiskey – 87 Points – Silver Medal
Jameson Blender’s Dog Irish Whiskey – 87 Points – Silver Medal
Full results from the International Wine and Spirit Competition:
Jameson Cooper’s Croze – Gold Outstanding 98 Points
Jameson 18 Years Old – Silver Medal
Jameson Black Barrel – Silver Medal
Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition – Bronze Medal
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition – Bronze
Jameson Crested – Bronze
Jameson Distiller’s Safe – Bronze
Jameson Irish Whiskey – Bronze
Jameson Signature – Bronze
Method & Madness Single Pot Still – Silver
Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy – Gold Outstanding 98 Points
Midleton Very Rare 2018 – Silver
Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest – Silver
Powers John’s Lane 12 Year Old – Gold
Powers Three Swallow Release – Gold
Red Spot Single Pot Still – Gold
Powers Gold Label – Bronze
Redbreast 12 Single Pot Still – Gold Outstanding 98 Points – Worldwide Whisky Trophy 2019
Redbreast 15 Year Old – Gold
Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Silver
Redbreast 21 Year Old – Silver
Redbreast Lustau Edition – Silver
Full results from The Irish Whiskey Masters:
Irish Distillers Jameson Irish Whiskey – Silver
Irish Distillers Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition – Silver
Irish Distillers Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition – Gold
Irish Distillers Jameson Signature – Gold
Irish Distillers Jameson Crested – Gold
Irish Distillers Jameson Black Barrel – Master
Irish Distillers Jameson Cooper’s Croze – Gold
Irish Distillers Jameson Distiller’s Safe – Silver
Irish Distillers Jameson Blender’s Dog – Silver
Irish Distillers Jameson 18 Years – Gold
Irish Distillers Midleton Very Rare 2018 – Gold
Irish Distillers Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength (Batch 2) – Master
Irish Distillers Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest – Gold
Irish Distillers METHOD AND MADNESS Single Malt – Gold
Irish Distillers Powers Three Swallow Release – Master
Irish Distillers Powers Johns Lane 12 Years Old – Gold
Irish Distillers Redbreast 12 Year Old – Master
Irish Distillers Green Spot Chateau Montelena – Gold
Irish Distillers METHOD AND MADNESS Single Grain – Gold
Irish Distillers Redbreast Lustau Edition – Gold
Irish Distillers Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton – Gold
Irish Distillers Yellow Spot – Gold
Irish Distillers Redbreast 15 Year Old – Gold
Irish Distillers Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Master
Irish Distillers Red Spot – Gold
Irish Distillers Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy – Master
Irish Distillers Redbreast 21 Year Old – Master

Redbreast is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Redbreast Takes Off With New Packaging!

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New Redbreast packaging set to broaden brand’s appeal and recruit a new audience

Irish Distillers has unveiled a new look for its iconic Redbreast range, more than a century after the brand was first introduced.

Redbreast is The world’s largest selling single pot still Irish whiskey

The world’s largest selling single pot still Irish whiskey has been given a refreshed look to highlight Redbreast’s strong heritage and endearing brand personality, while broadening its appeal to a new audience of consumers driven by curiosity, discovery and authenticity.

Bottles will now feature the Robin Redbreast, hand drawn by illustrator Denise Nestor, and dynamically brought to life in different flight positions across the range. Tasting notes on the front label have been added to showcase the unique characteristics of each expression, accentuated by a brighter cream colour and craft textured background on the revamped bottle.

The iconic bottle shape is retained but now features raised new tactile embossing while the capsules have been updated with a vibrant colour palette to differentiate each variant and help whiskey lovers on their journey of discovery through the range. The range of gift cartons have also been upgraded while Redbreast 21 Year Old is presented in a wooden box to reflect the premium nature of the product.

Information from Irish Distillers’ archives indicates that the iconic Redbreast bottle dates back to at least 1912, when Jameson Irish Whiskey entered into an agreement with the Gilbey’s Wines & Spirits Import Company to supply them with a new spirit from their Bow St. Distillery for maturation.

The new Redbreast design will be released throughout the year

The new Redbreast design will be released throughout the year, with Redbreast 12 Year Old, Redbreast 15 Year Old and Redbreast Lustau available from July. The new packaging will be introduced to Redbreast 21 Year Old and Redbreast 12 Cask Strength from autumn 2019.

Redbreast has gone from strength to strength to become the largest selling and most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey in the world. We are committed to investing in the success of Redbreast and are confident that the premium new design will do justice to the exceptional expression in each bottle to attract a new generation of whiskey drinkers.

We look forward to Redbreast flying off the shelves around the world as the Irish whiskey renaissance continues.
– Brendan Buckley: International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers

Redbreast is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Irish Distillers Regain ‘World Whisky Producer Of The Year’ Trophy!

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The Irish Distillers team collect the World Whisky Producer of the Year Trophy at the 2019 ISC ceremony

Irish Distillers has regained its ‘World Whisky Producer of the Year’ crown at the International Spirits Challenge – winning the Trophy for the first time since 2016 at the prestigious awards ceremony in London last night.

Irish Distillers scooped the highest recognition for World Whisky at the competition after scoring the highest medals across its family of Irish whiskeys – beating out whiskey portfolios from Ireland, Japan and the USA. The result follows a stellar year at the competition for Midleton Distillery in which it scooped an outstanding 24 medals, including four new Double Gold medals.

Introduced to celebrate the very best in show, whiskeys across the Jameson, Powers and Midleton
ranges were the only Irish whiskeys tasted at the competition to receive the Double Gold honour in 2019. Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy, introduced in 2011 as part of Irish Distillers’ commitment to rejeavenating the single pot still Irish whiskey category, scooped a Double Gold medal and also went on to win the Tasting Tropy for the best Irish whiskey.

The International Spirits Challenge also honoured Midleton Very Rare 2018, Powers Three Swallows Release and the newly-released Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength with Double Gold medals, in addition to 5 Gold medals for Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition, Jameson 18 Year Old, Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength, Redbreast 21 Year Old and Powers Gold Label.

On the continued success of the 2019 awards season, Master Distiller Brian Nation commented: “We are delighted to reclaim our place as World Whisky Producer of the Year at the ISC and to see such excellent results continue across the portfolio as we move further into the 2019 awards season. It’s fantastic to see the Midleton Very Rare family perform so well – an appropriate accolade for the pinnacle of Irish whiskey. These awards are a tribute to the craftsmen and women at Midleton Distillery Co. Cork, past and present, who work tirelessly to produce whiskeys of unrivalled quality. We look forward to seeing what the remainder of the 2019 will bring!”

Now in its 24th year, the International Spirits Challenge is one of the oldest spirits tasting competitions of its kind, promoting outstanding quality spirits from across the globe for almost a quarter of a century. The competition is founded on a rigorous and independent judging process, which serves to encourage the high calibre of spirits, designs and campaigns entered into the competition each year.

Full results from the International Spirits Challenge 2019:

Irish Distillers – World Whisky Producer of the Year
Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy – Tasting Trophy / Double Gold medal
Powers Three Swallow Release – Double Gold medal
Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength (Batch 1) – Double Gold medal
Midleton Very Rare 2018 – Double Gold medal
Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Gold medal
Redbreast 21 Year Old – Gold medal
Powers Gold Label – Gold medal
Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition – Gold medal
Jameson 18 Year Old – Gold medal
Jameson Irish Whiskey – Silver medal
Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition – Silver medal
Jameson Signature – Silver medal
Jameson Crested – Silver medal
Jameson Black Barrel – Silver medal
Jameson Cooper’s Croze – Silver medal
Jameson Blender’s Dog – Silver medal
Jameson Distiller’s Safe – Silver medal
Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest – Silver medal
Red Spot Single Pot Still – Silver medal
METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still – Silver medal
Redbreast 12 Year Old – Silver medal
Redbreast Lustau Edition – Silver medal
Redbreast 15 Year Old – Silver medal
Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old – Silver medal

Jameson’s New ‘Triple Triple’ – Ideal For The Adventurous Whiskey Drinker!

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JAMESON ‘TRIPLE TRIPLE’

Jameson Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has announced an exciting addition to its family of Irish whiskeys; Jameson Triple Triple (#JamesonTripleTriple).

Available exclusively in global travel retail!

Available exclusively in global travel retail, the new offering is a fresh take on the signature smoothness of Jameson that has been elevated through triple cask maturation – ideal for the adventurous whiskey drinker.

Made in Midleton Distillery, County Cork, Jameson Triple Triple has been triple distilled and blended from a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks with the addition of hand-selected casks that have been seasoned with fortified wine from Malaga.

The Malaga cask contribution adds notes of citrus, orchard fruits and spice resulting in a whiskey that has a subtle sweetness and an extra drop of smoothness. Jameson Triple Triple is bottled at 40% ABV and available in 1L format globally at the RRP of €32.

At Jameson, we’ve known that good things come in threes ever since John Jameson set up his distillery on Bow Street in Dublin and introduced the world to triple-distilled Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Jameson Triple Triple is no exception to this rule. Our single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys have been further enhanced through triple cask maturation to create an exciting new taste experience.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender at Midleton Distillery

Jameson’s approachability has been key to its success around the world, and with its extra smooth yet subtly sweet character, we expect Jameson Triple Triple to further propel the brand forward in the global travel retail sphere.
– Brendan Buckley: International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers

Tasting notes by Billy Leighton, Master Blender at the Midleton Distillery:

Nose: Initial fruit notes of sweet pear that develop into zesty citrus peel with some dark fruits in the background. The American oak adds a rich wood spice contribution along with sweet notes of vanilla, chocolate and toasted oak. Hints of cinnamon and clove delicately work in balance with the sweet Malaga wine cask influence.

Taste: Luscious, with sweet orchard fruits and light hints of blackcurrants, plums and raisins. The spices slowly build adding depth with hints of clove and black pepper, layered over the oak tannins adding dark chocolate and liquorice.

Finish: Lingering, with the spices slowly fading to reveal the fruits and oak.

Jameson Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition …. Sold Out In 14 Minutes!

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Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition …. sold out in 14 minutes!

Irish Distillers has announced that their limited-edition Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition(See this post), released to mark World Whisky Day 2019, has sold out in 14 minutes!

Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition was available through the Redbreast online private members’ club, The Birdhouse

Launched exclusively through the Redbreast Birdhouse at 3.00pm on 27th May, all 924 bottles of Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition were sold by 3:14pm – at a rate of over 65 bottles per minute.

In addition to selling out in record time, Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition has been bought by people from many parts of the globe. From Ireland to Taiwan and many places in between, we’re delighted that so many Birdhouse members will soon be able to share and enjoy this exceptional creation.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender at Irish Distillers

The Birdhouse is the Redbreast online members’ club and 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 Pedro Ximénez Edition is the second in a series of limited-edition Redbreast Irish whiskeys planned for the coming years, which will be sold exclusively through The Birdhouse.

Irish Distillers Launches ‘A Story of Irish Whiskey’ Podcast Series!

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The five-part series brings the history of the highs and lows of Irish whiskey to life

Irish Distillers has announced the launch of its first podcast, ‘A Story of Irish Whiskey’. Produced by Last Cast Media, the five-part series is a story of coming together, sharing, conquering markets and how three families, competitors for generations, united to save Irish whiskey from extinction.

Pictured at the announcement of the merger in 1966 are Mr Frank J O’Reilly (John Power & Son), Mr. Ronald Murphy (Cork Distilleries Company) and Mr Alec C. Crichton (John J)

‘A Story of Irish Whiskey’ begins with Irish whiskey on its knees, about to become extinct after 200 years, crippled by war, prohibition, and bootleggers. It then takes the listener on a journey through the never before heard tale of how Irish whiskey was brought back from the brink, beginning with that pivotal meeting of the Jameson, Powers and Murphy families in Tourin house in 1966.

The podcast goes on to detail the highs and lows of business in the 20th and 21st centuries. Using a mix of interviews, archive recordings and dramatic recreation, the listener is welcomed into a story of community, hardship and the courage to succeed against all odds.

At our core, we believe that Irish Distillers exists to bring people together, be that through the growth of the Irish whiskey category, the experiences we create at our brand homes in Dublin and Midleton, or the simple enjoyment of our portfolio of whiskeys around the world. From the moment three whiskey families came together in 1966, we have been working hard to sustain and grow an industry that is inextricably linked to our Irish heritage.

Everything that we do is driven by a desire to see the continued growth of Irish whiskey on the world stage, and today Irish whiskey has more fans and made more connections than at any other point since the 19th century. We believe that now is the time to tell the story of Irish whiskey to an ever-growing audience and further promote the reputation of one of Ireland’s most iconic exports.
– Conor McQuaid: CEO and Chairman of Irish Distillers

The podcast features commentary from a variety of guests throughout including, Kristen, Tara and Andrea Jameson, Charles C O’Reilly, descended from John Power and Master Distiller Emeritus at Irish Distillers, Barry Crockett, to name a few – all of whom offer first-hand accounts of events that shaped the landscape of Irish whiskey as we know it.

The renaissance that Irish whiskey is now enjoying is not only a testament to all those working in whiskey now, but crucially to those that have gone before us and laid the foundations for growth. In our podcast ‘A Story of Irish Whiskey’, we tell their stories and honour their contribution to the moments that have shaped the course of history for the better.

We are truly honoured to be able to tell the story of Irish whiskey through our podcast series.
– Conor McQuaid

There has never been a more exciting time for Irish whiskey, which is now the fastest growing premium spirit globally, with sales of Irish whiskey now accounting for more than one third of all Irish beverage exports. Jameson continues to spearhead the renaissance of the Irish whiskey category with the brand reaching its 29th year of consecutive growth in 2018, with 7.3 million cases sold in 2017/18, up from 500,000 cases during the mid-90s. The amount of whiskey distilleries in Ireland has grown from four in 2013, to more than 20 in six years.

Episodes are available to download now on Audioboom, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Castbox, RadioPublic.

Powers Irish Whiskey Gets Old Fashioned!

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Powers Old Fashioned. Initially launching in Ireland from the end of May

Powers Irish Whiskey, which is made by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has unveiled a brand-new look and its first ever pre-mixed classic cocktail, Powers Old Fashioned.

The contemporary new bottle features a new label styled on the classic diamond ‘P’

Initially launching in Ireland from the end of May, the innovative new release is set to tap into the growing appetite for whiskey-based cocktails, recruit cocktail drinkers to the Irish whiskey category and inspire a new generation with the bold character of Powers.

Powers Old Fashioned is crafted from a combination of the classic Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey, sugar syrup and bitter herbs flavouring. The result is a smooth, low-sugar (6g of sugar per 100ml (3g of sugar per serving) ready-made classic cocktail that is best served over ice with a twist of orange peel over the glass.

Powers Old Fashioned is bottled at 38% ABV and is available in 500ml bottles through key retailers in the on-trade and off-trade, including SuperValu, Tesco Ireland and Dunnes Stores at the RRP of €29.99.

The first-ever bottled classic cocktail under the Powers marque is presented in a befitting, bold new look that balances modern cues with the rich heritage of Powers, dating back to 1791.

The contemporary new bottle features a new label styled on the classic diamond ‘P’ signifier, which was one of the first ever trademarks in Ireland, registered by the Powers family in 1877.

Powers Old Fashioned is a premium and modern ready-to-serve take on the classic cocktail that is set to tap into the growing interest in Irish whiskey and cocktails among 30-40 year olds in Ireland.

A careful balance of the rich history of Powers with an eye on the future, we are confident that the refreshing ritual of ‘Ice, Pour, Twist’ will appeal to whiskey fans and the cocktail curious alike who are looking for simple and convenient ways to create new Irish whiskey experiences at home or in their local pub.

We’ll be monitoring the progress of Powers Old Fashioned in Ireland ahead of plans for a wider roll-out across other key Powers and Irish whiskey markets in the future.
– Brendan Buckley: Strategy, Insights, Innovation & Prestige Whiskeys Director at Irish Distillers

Redbreast Release Their ‘Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition’ To Mark World Whisky Day!

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The Redbreast Dream Cask

Redbreast Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in their Midleton Distillery, marks World Whisky Day 2019 with the launch of Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition!

Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition will be available through the Redbreast online private members’ club, The Birdhouse, from 3pm on 27th May at the RRP of €380

Available to purchase exclusively through the Redbreast online members’ club, The Birdhouse, the new Redbreast Dream Cask was created from a vatting of bourbon, Oloroso sherry and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks which has been re-casked and finished in a specially selected Pedro Ximénez cask – a first for Redbreast and Midleton Distillery.

Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition is a 20-year-old, single cask single pot still Irish whiskey created by Master Blender, Billy Leighton, in collaboration with Blender, Dave McCabe.

The cask represents the coming together of four unique whiskey journeys spanning 20 to 33 years in age, including a rare Pedro Ximénez-matured Irish whiskey, which have been vatted together and married in the Pedro Ximénez butt to offer a unique interpretation of the signature sherry style of the Redbreast range.

The result is a luxuriously smooth and rich Irish whiskey with assertive spices and sweet, ripe fruit that slowly evolves into exotic fruits and berries, reminiscent of the classic Redbreast character.

Bottled at 52.2% ABV, 924 bottles of Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition will be available through the Redbreast online private members’ club, The Birdhouse, from 3pm on 27th May at the RRP of €380.

Redbreast Dream Cask is made up of the following whiskeys, which represent a cross-section of single pot still distillate styles and maturation techniques:

Dave McCabe & Billy Leighton


Cask 1 – a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1998, matured in an ex-bourbon barrel and re-casked into a Pedro Ximénez sherry butt in 2012
Cask 2 – a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1995, matured in an ex-bourbon cask and re-casked into an Oloroso sherry butt in 2012
Cask 3 – a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1985 and matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel
Cask 4 – a single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1997 and matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel

Rather than try to seek out another extraordinary cask from the Midleton inventory like the inaugural Redbreast Dream Cask, we set out to create a new Redbreast Irish whiskey like you have never tasted before.

The coming together of three exceptional casks, originally destined for Redbreast 21, and a rare Pedro Ximénez butt is a first for Midleton, and the careful balance of sweet, spice and sherry flavours offers a new and complex take on the classic Redbreast Christmas cake flavour profile – it’s sure to add an extra cheer to your World Whisky Day celebrations this year!
– Billy Leighton: Redbreast Master Blender

Redbreast Dream Cask Pedro Ximénez Edition tasting notes, by Head Blender Billy Leighton

Aroma: full rich aroma of liquorice and treacle toffee, giving cover to vanilla sweetness and a concentrate of caramelised dried fruits. Cinnamon and clove acknowledge the presence of the ex-bourbon influence whilst hazelnut and almond nuttiness adds to the complexity delivered by the fine old Pedro Ximénez Butt from Jerez

Taste: A rich viscose mouthful of satisfyingly assertive spices combined with sweet ripe fruit. The liquorice notes slowly evolve to reveal those typical exotic fruits and berries which define the Redbreast style

Finish: Rich and long with those familiar Redbreast berries, slow to fade

Irish Distillers Wins 11 Double Gold Medals At The World Spirits Competition 2019!

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A Strong start to the awards season underpinned by success at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge

Irish Distillers has scooped a remarkable 11 Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019 – the strongest-ever haul for the family of Irish whiskeys crafted at Midleton Distillery, County Cork.

The prestigious competition honoured the Jameson family with six Double Gold medals – including one for their new release, Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength – while the Redbreast and Midleton ranges collected three and two Double Gold medals respectively. Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength claimed its fourth double gold medal in a row, continuing the Redbreast legacy as the most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey in the world.

Success in San Francisco followed stand-out performances for the Midleton portfolio at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge earlier this month, where new whiskeys Red Spot and Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength stole the show – scoring 98 and 97 points respectively. Following a near-perfect score, Red Spot – which was re-introduced in November 2018 after 50 years – was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy for the single pot still Irish whiskey category.

We are delighted to see such excellent results for Irish Distillers, with recognition at the highest level right across the portfolio. The results are a true reflection of the passion, innovation and determination of the talented team at Midleton and hopefully signal the beginning of an exciting awards season. We look forward to further success throughout 2019!
– Brian Nation: Master Distiller

Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the oldest spirits tasting competitions of its kind. With nearly two decades of experience, they have fine-tuned their operation blending passion and professionalism. A blind tasting process guarantees that every entry is judged fairly and given equal consideration.

The Ultimate Beverage Challenge is one of the definitive spirits and wine evaluation companies in the world. Its two world-class competitions, Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Ultimate Wine Challenge, provide unparalleled value, offering results that are reliable and easily understandable in today’s marketplace.

Jameson is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Redbreast is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Midleton is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

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