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Jameson New Global Campaign Puts ‘Taste’ Centre Stage!

March 1, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

JAMESON PUTS ‘TASTE’ CENTRE-STAGE IN NEW GLOBAL CAMPAIGN!

JAMESON PUTS ‘TASTE’ CENTRE-STAGE IN NEW GLOBAL CAMPAIGN

Jameson Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has unveiled its latest advertising platform, entitled ‘Taste, That’s Why’. The campaign launches across television, out of home, digital, display and social media in the USA from this month, ahead of a wider roll-out later this year.

Two television films that reimagine true stories about Jameson and its workers have been created by TBWA Dublin under the helm of John Kane, Executive Creative Director, produced in Ireland and directed by award winning Dutch filmmaker Matthijs van Heijningen.

The first film, ‘Scully was to Blame’, charts a story of redemption for Bill Scully in late 19th Century Dublin. A character on the Bow Street distillery floor, Scully absentmindedly makes a mistake during the third distillation in the production of Jameson Irish Whiskey – wasting gallons of precious distillate.

The drama captures Ireland’s history of embellishment in storytelling in a humorous and light-hearted yet authentic way. The film premieres on US television in March.
Click here to view it: https://youtu.be/Di16EanY_wQ

‘Coopers’ follows the tale of Dempsey and Flanagan, master and apprentice Coopers, at the modern-day Midleton Distillery, County Cork. Passionate about the provenance and craftsmanship of their barrels, the duo panic when their prized barrels are loaned to a local brewery – and only an experiment in maturation, which results in Jameson Caskmates, eventually appeases their concerns.
Click here to view it: https://youtu.be/WIekiS5A3vs

‘Coopers’ follows the tale of Dempsey and Flanagan, master and apprentice Coopers

A documentary series, ‘The Story behind the Story’, has also been produced and provides never-before-seen glimpses into the real stories, people and places behind Jameson Irish Whiskey. Directed by Nick Rutter, these light-hearted films are available across Jameson social media channels:

Coopers – https://youtu.be/thlH0C45b3c
Scully – https://youtu.be/m4oyVL4uFUg

“Our ‘Taste, That’s Why’ campaign presents a fresh, engaging and emotive creative for Jameson…”

The campaign has been adapted for out of home, with award-winning US photographers The Wade Brothers shooting a stills campaign in bars in Dublin and New York that brings to life ‘Taste, That’s Why’ through confident and engaging copy for key Jameson expressions and serves.

In this campaign we wanted to put the unique taste of the Jameson Family centre-stage of the creative, as this is the reason behind our success – and why bartenders, whiskey lovers and premium spirits drinkers alike all over the world continue to discover Jameson.

It was also important for us to inject the light-hearted, humorous attitude of Jameson into the campaign in a very direct and transparent way. We feel, along with our partners at TBWA Dublin, that we have achieved the perfect balance of this.

Our ‘Taste, That’s Why’ campaign presents a fresh, engaging and emotive creative for Jameson that is set to build the profile and personality of the brand in the USA, the world’s largest Irish whiskey market, and beyond. We see further growth potential for Jameson all around the world and we are confident that ‘Taste, That’s Why’ will help us to continue the 28 years of growth that we have achieved with Jameson.
– Simon Fay: International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers

While there are very few global brands that could dip into the well of provenance and authenticity like Jameson, here we are not reliant on the past to be relevant today.

‘Taste, That’s Why’ is pure storytelling and like all the best stories, if they happen to be based on the truth, the more impactful and lasting they tend to be.
– Mark Nolan: Chief Strategy Officer TBWA Dublin

Jameson is an iconic Irish brand, so it was a privilege to be given the opportunity to create this global platform. We surrounded ourselves with the best talent we could find and had great fun bringing this work to life.

We feel ‘Taste, That’s Why’ really captures the honesty and substance of the brand.
– John Kane: Executive Creative Director globally for Jameson at TBWA

The ‘Taste, That’s Why,’ campaign will be unveiled across the USA in March, ahead of its introduction to other key Irish whiskey markets throughout 2018.

Jameson is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

  • Master of Malt
  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
  • Abbey Whisky
  • Whisky Online

Filed Under: Irish, Irish Distillers, Jameson, News

Jameson Caskmates IPA Launched Globally!

December 1, 2017 by Gary Leave a Comment

Global launch follows success of Jameson Caskmates IPA trial in Ireland

Irish Distillers have announced a new, global extension to the innovative Jameson Caskmates range with Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition, following a successful trial run in Ireland in September 2017.

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition is available from December 2017 in the USA and January 2018 in Ireland. RRP is €38

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition is a triple distilled Irish whiskey finished in craft IPA-seasoned barrels. The result is a whiskey that features the signature smoothness of Jameson alongside hints of light hops, fresh citrus and floral notes, and can be served neat, on the rocks, or paired with a beer.

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition is the next chapter of a story that began in 2013, when Brian Nation, Master Distiller in Midleton Distillery, and Dave Quinn, Master of Whiskey Science in Midleton Distillery, met Franciscan Well Founder and Head Brewer, Shane Long, in a local Cork bar. The Midleton masters agreed to loan some Jameson casks to the brewery to discover their influence on Irish stout and when the stout-seasoned barrels were returned to Midleton Distillery, Dave Quinn re-filled them with Jameson Irish whiskey – a finishing process that created Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition. Having previously hit it off with stout, the team in Midleton were curious to try a new beer mate, and after much exploration discovered that a zesty IPA was the perfect partner.

Irish Distillers has a long history of innovation within the Irish whiskey category and we are incredibly proud of the latest chapter in this story of creative experimentation. This new addition to the Jameson Caskmates family was trialed in the Irish market exclusively since September 2017 and the response has been fantastic.

We have no doubt that Jameson Caskmates IPA will be as popular throughout the world as it has been in its homeland of Ireland.
– Jean-Christophe Coutures: Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers

Without the curiosity and collaboration that took place that night in Cork and the expertise, passion and dedication that followed, we may have missed out on what has become a staple innovation within the Jameson family. It’s great to see the range growing so that more craft beer and whiskey fans alike can experience Jameson Caskmates.

I recommend that you try the new release on the rocks or paired with a craft IPA but always with good friends over great conversations.
– Dave Quinn: Master of Whiskey Science in Midleton Distillery

Since launching in 2015, Jameson Caskmates has satisfied the appetite for new, innovative and authentic tastes among whiskey enthusiasts, Jameson drinkers and craft beer fans in over 40 markets worldwide.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition is available from December 2017 in the USA and January 2018 in Ireland. RRP is €38.

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 is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

  • Master of Malt
  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
  • Abbey Whisky
  • The Whisky Barrel
  • The Green Welly Stop
  • Whisky Online

Filed Under: Irish, Irish Distillers, Jameson, News, Whiskey

Irish Distillers Named Distiller of the Year at the First Icons of Whisky Ireland awards!

November 28, 2017 by Gary Leave a Comment

Jameson Distillery Bow St

Irish Distillers has been named Distiller of the Year at the first Icons of Whisky Ireland awards. The Icons of Whisky Ireland aim to recognise the diversity and passion within the Irish whiskey industry today, they are presented by Rob Allanson, Editor of Whisky Magazine and include the Hall of Fame Ireland ceremony. Irish Distillers was also honoured with a number of top accolades including Visitor Attraction of the Year, Master Blender and the Irish Whiskey Brand Ambassador categories.

We are delighted to have been acknowledged with such a prestigious range of awards in this year’s Icons of Whisky Ireland. To receive recognition in a number of areas from whiskey tourism to innovation from our industry peers is extremely special.

It is also a tribute to the growth and success of Irish whiskey and Jameson that the organisers of the Icons of Whisky, Whisky Magazine, decided Ireland warranted its own category from this year.
– Jean-Christophe Coutures: Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers

(L-R) Ray Dempsey, General Manager at Jameson Distillery Bow St., Ger Garland, Irish Distillers whiskey ambassador and Paul Wickham, General Manager of Midleton Distillery.

Jameson Distillery Bow St was recognised as the top visitor attraction, which is particularly significant following the €11m redevelopment of Jameson Distillery Bow St in 2017. Despite being closed for six months to accommodate construction, Jameson Distillery Bow St saw a surge in visitors as whiskey enthusiasts, local and international, have flocked to enjoy the new look distillery and the new experiences it offers.

This is a fantastic endorsement of the hard work our team has carried out in the redevelopment and opening of the brand-new Jameson Distillery Bow St. We’ve been bowled over by the goodwill and feedback from everyone who has come to our home on Bow St to touch, smell and most importantly, taste Jameson in the original Bow St Distillery building.

– Ray Dempsey: General Manager at Jameson Distillery Bow St

Although I have the privilege of accepting this award, this win is down to the dedication, commitment and the passion of everyone at Midleton Distillery. This award is a testament to the hard work we have put in through our commitment to innovation.

This quest to innovate and build the category has helped us to create a portfolio of whiskeys that can be enjoyed worldwide and offers something for every occasion, every palate and price.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender at Irish Distillers

Advocating on behalf of Irish whiskey is central to the Irish Distillers mission and this was celebrated at the awards when Gerard Garland, Advocacy Team Manager and Irish Whiskey Ambassador, received the coveted Irish Whiskey Brand Ambassador 2017 Award.

I am truly honoured to accept this award. My job involves championing Irish whiskey and its production process, but it never feels like work. Since I joined the industry almost 20 years ago, I have been proud to help tell the story of Irish whiskey to people from all around the world. It’s always great to help increase the interest in and passion for Irish whiskey.

I am delighted for the whole team tonight as we see that the industry is just as excited about quality Irish whiskey as we are.
– Gerard Garland: Advocacy Team Manager and Irish Whiskey Ambassador

Irish Distillers was also highly commended in the Brand Innovator category and Paul Wickham was highly commended in the Distillery Manager category. The night celebrated a wide range of established and new whiskey brands and distilleries, highlighting the continued renaissance that Irish whiskey is experiencing in recent years.

Jameson is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

  • Master of Malt
  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
  • Abbey Whisky
  • The Whisky Barrel
  • The Green Welly Stop
  • Whisky Online

Filed Under: Irish Distillers, Jameson, Midleton, News

Irish Distillers’ Prestige Whiskies Win Double Platinum!

October 20, 2017 by Gary Leave a Comment

MIDLETON An Dair

Irish Distillers’ Whiskey range has collected another impressive haul of medals at the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) with nine Gold or above awards, demonstrating the unrivalled quality and craftsmanship of the whiskeys from the Midleton Distillery.

Midleton Dair Ghaelach won a Platinum medal

Midleton Dair Ghaelach won a Platinum medal – BTI’s highest honour – and was praised by the judges for its classic rich, spicy single pot still taste profile. It scored 97/100, making it the the no.1 Irish Whiskey and the joint second highest scoring whisk(e)y in the entire competition.

Redbreast 12 Cask Strength also Platinum, and with Redbreast 12, Redbreast 15 and Redbreast 21 each winning Gold medals, Redbreast has cemented its place as the most awarded single pot still whiskey in the world.

We are thrilled to see more fantastic results for Irish Distillers’ Prestige range at a global spirit tasting competition. Over the course of the 2017 awards season each of our Prestige ranges – Redbreast, Midleton, Powers, Spot and METHOD AND MADNESS – have won acclaim.

Midleton Dair Ghaelach and Redbreast 12 Cask Strength have enjoyed the limelight at the Beverage Testing Institute and we look forward to further wins in 2018. It’s great to be able to raise a glass once again to the passionate and skilled production team at Midleton.
– Brian Nation: Master Distiller at Irish Distillers

Full results from Beverage Testing Institute 2017:

97 • Midleton Dair Ghaelach – Platinum
96 • Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Platinum
95 • Redbreast 21 Year Old – Gold
93 • Redbreast 12 Year Old – Gold
93 • Redbreast 15 Year Old – Gold
92 • Powers Three Swallow Release – Gold
92 • Midleton Very Rare – Gold
90 • Green Spot – Gold
88 • Redbreast Lustau Edition – Silver

Filed Under: Irish, Irish Distillers, Midleton, News, Redbreast, Whiskey

Redbreast 21 Year Old Is Best Irish Whiskey!

October 17, 2017 by Gary Leave a Comment

REDBREAST REMAINS THE WORLD’S ‘BEST IRISH WHISKEY’ FOR JIM MURRAY

Redbreast 21 Year Old has been recognised as the ‘Second Finest Whiskey in the World’ by leading whiskey writer, Jim Murray in his annual Jim Murray Whisky Bible – the highest accolade ever awarded by Murray to an Irish whiskey.

Redbreast 21 Year Old

Scoring a near-perfect 97 out of 100 points, the pinnacle of the Redbreast range was also awarded ‘Best Irish Whiskey of the Year’ and ‘Best Irish Pot Still Whiskey of the Year’ for the second year running and the third time in four years since its launch in 2013.

The announcement closes another highly successful awards season for Redbreast 21 Year Old, having won five top gongs around the world, including gold medals at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, International Spirits Challenge and The Irish Whiskey Masters, in addition to scores of 95 and 97 out of 100 at the Beverage Testing Institute and Ultimate Spirits Challenge respectively.

This nod from Jim Murray is truly heartwarming for me and everyone at Midleton Distillery who has helped to make Redbreast such an enjoyed whiskey. We are humbled by this and it’s really encouraging to see traditional Irish pot still whiskey take one of the top spots in the world of whiskeys and whiskies.

When we were preparing for the launch of Redbreast 21 in 2013 and we were doing our tastings, we knew we had something special on our hands so it is great to see this appreciation shared by people across the world. This award is a testament to the team at Midleton and especially to my predecessors who had the foresight to squirrel away those casks that helped us to bring Redbreast 21 to the world.
– Billy Leighton: Redbreast Head Blender

Now in its 15th edition, Jim Murray has tasted more than 4,500 different whiskeys in order to compile Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2018, evaluating each entrant out of 25 for its nose, taste, finish and balance in order to curate a score out of 100.

Filed Under: Irish, Irish Distillers, News, Redbreast, Whiskey

Irish Distillers Proudly Unveils Green Spot Chateau Montelena!

October 3, 2017 by Gary Leave a Comment

Green Spot Chateau Montelena Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Irish Distillers have unveiled Green Spot Chateau Montelena, the first Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey to be finished in French oak Zinfandel wine casks. Matured until the combination of wine, whiskey and oak has reached the perfect balance, this new release is the second in the Wine Geese series of Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys that have been finished in unique wine casks.

The first Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey to be finished in French oak Zinfandel wine casks

Green Spot Chateau Montelena has been initially matured in American Bourbon and sherry casks and then finished for one year in casks previously filled with Zinfandel wine from the famed Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley. This rare cask finish contributes pomegranate, cranberry and maraschino cherry on the nose, a dry note to the silky mouthfeel and the finish combines classic long pot still spice flavours with a delicate wine influence, all in perfect harmony.

Green Spot Chateau Montelena also represents the coming together of two stories of Irish endeavour and enterprise. The Mitchells, who bottled and sold the original Green Spot under bond until 1968 and Jim Barrett, who restored the California-based Chateau Montelena to its former glory in 1972.

Son of John Barrett, a Waterford man who emigrated to the USA after World War I, Jim Barrett followed in a long list of Wine Geese – Irish migrants that established leading wineries around the world. Today, the time-honoured traditions of Chateau Montelena are upheld by Jim’s son, Bo Barrett.

Crafted at the Midleton Distillery by Kevin O’Gorman, Head of Maturation and long-serving Head Blender, Billy Leighton, Green Spot Chateau Montelena is the second edition in the Wine Geese series following the launch of Green Spot Château Léoville Barton in 2015.

Bottled at 46% ABV and without chill-filtration, Green Spot Chateau Montelena will be available in limited quantities each year in the USA, Canada and Ireland (including Ireland Travel Retail).

Green Spot Chateau Montelena is the celebration of three famous Irish institutions – Midleton Distillery, Mitchell and Son and Chateau Montelena – working in harmony to craft a new and innovative Irish whiskey that will appeal to whiskey and wine drinkers alike.

Exploring the influence of these prized wine casks on Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey was our inspiration. We found that the black-skinned Zinfandel grapes are full of ripe, spicy berry flavours, which imparts a distinctive and refined fruitiness to the wine and also the casks in which they matured.

Working closely with Billy Leighton, we monitored the finishing process over the course of one year until we reached the perfect balance of flavours – the result is a rich pot still whiskey with classic Green Spot red apples, pears, vanilla and liquorice complemented by the dry and fruity Zinfandel wine.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Head of Maturation at Midleton Distillery

Chateau Montelena wine casks

It has been a pleasure to work with Billy Leighton, Kevin O’Gorman and the whole production team at Midleton Distillery on this exciting project. We were brought together by a shared heritage and common respect for excellence in craft that has been wholly realised in Green Spot Chateau Montelena.

I hope consumers will enjoy the Zinfandel twist to the classic Green Spot single pot still flavour.
– Bo Barrett: Chief Executive Officer at Chateau Montelena

Tasting notes by Kevin O’Gorman, Head of Maturation at Midleton Distillery

Nose: Crisp oak combines with the soft sweetness of vanilla, white chocolate and marshmallow, balanced with signature Green Spot red apples and ripe pears, along with pomegranate, cranberries and maraschino cherries, the contribution of the wine cask.
Taste: Sweet mouth coating takes on a dry note thanks to the effect of the wine cask. Pot still spices subside with zesty citrus leading to ripe orchard fruit and red berries. A touch of marzipan and toasted oak add to the complexity.
Finish: Satisfyingly long with pot still spices in harmony with the delicate dry wine contribution.

Chateau Montelena

Filed Under: Green Spot, Green Spot Chateau Montelena, Irish Distillers, News

Irish Distillers Scoop 12 Out Of 52 Medals At The Irish Whiskey Masters 2017!

August 10, 2017 by Gary Leave a Comment

METHOD AND MADNESS, Irish Distillers’ new and experimental range of super premium Irish whiskeys

Irish Distillers’ prestige range of Irish whiskeys has demonstrated its unrivalled quality at The Irish Whiskey Masters 2017, scooping 12 out of the 52 medals on offer. 10 Gold medals were awarded across the portfolio, while Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys, Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength and Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy, were recognised with coveted Master medals.

Redbreast reinforced its position as the world’s most awarded Single Pot Still Irish whiskey after also winning four of the portfolio’s 10 Gold medals for its Redbreast 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 21 Year Old and recent Lustau Edition. METHOD AND MADNESS, Irish Distillers’ new and experimental range of super premium Irish whiskeys, rose straight to the top of the table with Gold medals presented to the Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak and Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut expressions.

Each family of Irish whiskeys from The Midleton Distillery won at least one leading medal, reinforcing the exceptional quality and craftsmanship found across the prestige portfolio. Key Gold medal results were awarded to Redbreast 12 Year Old, Green Spot, Powers Three Swallow Release, Midleton Very Rare 2016 and METHOD AND MADNESS Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak.

It has been a tremendous awards season, so far, for our Prestige family of Irish whiskeys with 75 individual awards. Each prize is a reminder of the timeless quality that continues to pour out of Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, and gives credence to the hard work and dedication of the production team, past and present. Sláinte!
– Brian Nation: Master Distiller at Irish Distillers

The Redbreast Family

Full results from The Irish Whiskey Masters 2017

Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Master
Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy – Master
Midleton Very Rare 2016 – Gold
Redbreast 12 Year Old – Gold
Redbreast 15 Year Old – Gold
Redbreast 21 Year Old – Gold
Redbreast Lustau Edition – Gold
Green Spot – Gold
Powers Three Swallow Release – Gold
Powers Signature Release – Gold
METHOD AND MADNESS Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak – Gold
METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut – Gold
METHOD AND MADNESS Single Grain Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Spanish Oak – Silver

Filed Under: Irish, Irish Distillers, News, Redbreast

Irish Distillers’ Prestige Whiskey Range Gets Top Marks!

April 4, 2017 by Gary Leave a Comment

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines

IRISH DISTILLERS’ PRESTIGE WHISKEY RANGE IMPRESSES JUDGES AT ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE 2017

· Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey scored 99/100 – the joint highest score by any whisk(e)y in any category for 2017
· Highest score for an Irish whiskey since Redbreast 21 scored 100/100 in 2014
· Eight of Irish Distillers’ single pot still Irish whiskey entrants scored 95 or above
· Top six highest scoring Irish whiskeys are all crafted by Irish Distillers

Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been awarded an almost perfect 99/100 score at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2017 – one of the leading US based spirits awards. Yellow Spot was recognised by the judges for its quintessential single pot still character and is the highest scoring Irish whiskey in any category since Redbreast 21 was awarded 100 points in 2014.

Irish Distillers’ Prestige whiskey range was awarded eight scores of 95/100 or above, from nine entrants, demonstrating the unrivalled quality and craftsmanship of the whiskeys from the Midleton Distillery. For a full set of Ultimate Spirits Challenge results from the Redbreast, Spot and Powers ranges see below:

· Yellow Spot 12 Year Old (Chairman’s Trophy) – 99/100
· Redbreast 15 Year Old – 98/100
· Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength 12 Years Old – 97/100
· Redbreast Lustau Edition – 97/100
· Redbreast 21 Year Old – 97/100
· Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton – 96/100
· Powers John’s Lane Release 12 Year Old – 95/100
· Redbreast 12 Year Old – 95/100
Green Spot – 89/10

The Irish Distillers Prestige range has once again demonstrated its enduring class at a global spirits tasting competition. In particular, we are delighted that Yellow Spot scored a fantastic 99 out of 100, but we would also like to recognise Redbreast, which has cemented its position as the most awarded Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey in the world.

The Ultimate Spirits Challenge signals the start of the awards season and we look forward to supporting the range throughout 2017.
– Lorna Kavanagh: Senior Brand Manager for Redbreast & Spot Range at Irish Distillers

Filed Under: Irish Distillers, News

Irish Distillers’ Masters and Apprentices Unite to Create The Next Generation of Irish Whiskey

February 24, 2017 by Gary Leave a Comment

Irish Distillers’ Masters and Apprentices Unite to Create The Next Generation of Irish Whiskey

Irish Distillers introduces METHOD AND MADNESS; a new range of experimental super premium whiskeys designed to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey. METHOD AND MADNESS launches with a series of unique whiskeys that underpin a continued commitment by Irish Distillers to experimentation and innovation at the home of Irish whiskey in Midlelton, Co. Cork, Ireland.

METHOD AND MADNESS aims to harness 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).

Available in the UK, France and Ireland from this month

The METHOD AND MADNESS range launches with four new Irish Whiskeys, each with its own twist; a Single Grain Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Spanish Oak; a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut; a Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak; and a 31 Year Old Single Cask, Single Grain Limited Edition bottled at cask strength.

At the Midleton Distillery, we are committed to innovation and experimenting with new whiskey styles. We are also invested in training and nurturing the next generation of Irish whiskey makers and this project really brings that commitment to life.

The passing on of knowledge and skills is part of our DNA from our long line of master distillers, to the generations of coopers that served their apprenticeships at the Midleton Distillery. In fact, this summer our apprentice cooper, Killian O’Mahony will become our first qualified cooper in over 40 years.
– Brian Nation: Master Distiller at Irish Distillers

METHOD AND MADNESS is a great opportunity for myself and the team to work closely with and learn from the whiskey masters. Our Micro Distillery in Midleton will act as an experimental hub enabling us to trial and test new spirit types followed by aging in new cask types. The process will see new METHOD AND MADNESS releases but also others that may never see the light of day.

It’s a really exciting project to be involved with.
– Karen Cotter: Irish Distillers graduate distiller

At Irish Distillers, we are constantly searching for new ways to bring Irish whiskey to a wider audience. Jameson has been the iconic brand which has led the way, supported by niche connoisseur brands such as Redbreast, The Spot Range and Midleton Very Rare so with METHOD AND MADNESS, we are able to not only create an outlet for our whiskey makers to really experiment but also to create a uniquely original brand which will pique the interest of spirits drinkers throughout the world.

– Brendan Buckley: Global Innovation & Prestige Whiskeys Director at Irish Distillers

The METHOD AND MADNESS Single Grain, Single Pot Still and Single Malt Irish Whiskeys will be available in the UK, France and Ireland from this month at the respective RRPs of €49, €69 and €79. The METHOD AND MADNESS 31 Year Old, Single Cask, Single Grain will be available in the same territories from April 2017, priced at €1,500.

Filed Under: Irish Distillers, News

Irish Distillers Scoops Top Awards!

April 7, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

San Francisco World Spirits Competition Medallion

San Francisco World Spirits Competition Medallion

Awards Galore!

Awards Galore!

Awards Galore - Part 2!

Awards Galore – Part 2!

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard continues to lead the field in the Irish whiskey category with top honours at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) and World Whiskies Awards (WWA)

Redbreast 21, from Ireland’s most awarded single pot still Irish whiskey range, was awarded ‘Best in Show’ at SFWSC, overcoming all other whiskeys – not only Irish but Scotch, American and from the rest of world. In an equally impressive feat, Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton, was crowned World’s Best Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey at WWA,

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard collected an outstanding haul of awards across its portfolio of Irish whiskeys in both competitions:

  • Redbreast 21, ‘Best in Show’ (SFWSC)
  • Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton, World’s Best Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (WWA)
  • Redbreast 12, Gold Medal: Single Pot Still Whiskey (WWA)
  • Jameson Caskmates, Gold Medal: Irish Blended Whiskey no age statement (WWA)
  • Jameson Original, Category Winner: Irish Blended Whiskey no age statement (WWA)
  • Midleton Very Rare, Best Blended Irish Whiskey and Double Gold medal (SFWSC)
  • Redbreast 15, Double Gold medal (SFWSC)
  • Redbreast 12 Cask Strength, Double Gold medal (SFWSC)
  • Yellow Spot, Gold medal (SFWSC)
  • Powers Signature Release, Gold medal (SFWSC)
  • Redbreast 12, Gold medal (SFWSC)

In total, The Midleton Distillery claimed 20 awards across the two prestigious competitions. Commenting on the awards, Brian Nation, Master Distiller, stated that, “These awards are testament to the dedication and commitment of the passionate craftspeople at the Midleton Distillery; past and present. We should remember that many of the whiskeys that are receiving plaudits today were imagined and distilled many years ago and are now being brought to life by our current team of very skilled whiskey makers”

Now in its 16th year, San Francisco World Spirits Challenge is one of the most influential spirits competitions in the world, widely recognised as one of the most reliable indicators of excellence in spirits.

World Whiskies Awards are part of the World Drinks Awards programme, launched in 2007. Presented by Whisky magazine and TheDrinksReport.com, World Whiskies Awards reward and promote the best whiskies to consumers and trade across the world.

Filed Under: Irish Distillers, News

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