The LCBO is currently running a very impressive promotion where they introduce customers to “the makers” of our favorite spirits and beers. As we continue to feature some of the makers;
There’s paying heed to your elders and honoring the work that has preceded you, but for Bushmills Colum Egan the weight of history could pose a considerable burden.That’s because the company first started distilling Irish whiskey in 1608, which might intimidate the common man, but not Colum.As Bushmills’ Master Distiller, he’s well-versed in carrying out the responsibilities that come with making this world-renowned Irish whiskey.It remains the only distillery to make triple-distilled malt whiskey and the only brand to maintain all stages of production under one roof, which means Colum keeps a close eye on everything.After all, he’s got four hundred years of expectation and appreciation looking over his shoulder.
A single grain whiskey is extremely rare, as the majority of grain whiskeys are used in blended whiskeys.
The new whiskey at the CoWestmeath distillery will be sold in a limited edition supply of 5,000 bottles.
It is aged in single-use bourbon oak casks that were imported from Kentucky, and matured in the Old Kilbeggan Distillery in 200-year-old granite warehouses.
It is believed the further aging produces a whiskey that is more robust, complex and with new layers of flavour.
The whiskey’s ‘normal’ counterpart, the eight-year-old Greenore Single Grain, has won several prizes internationally.
Jameson Irish whiskey has had a record breaking year, according to 2006/2007 annual results released yesterday (September 20).Sales of the whiskey brand, owned by PernodRicard, rose to 2.3m cases in the year, the most ever sold in a 12-month period, and an increase of 11% on 2005/2006. The rise beat the company’s 9% rise in overall sales for its 15 strategic brands.
“You could say we took about 200 years to get to our first million cases - from 1790 to 1996 - and just over a decade to beat the two million cases mark,” said Dublin-based Kieran Tobin of Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard.
…. Confront the malt whiskey lover with Nature and he must commune with it. The world twinkles and hums about him; life becomes miraculous and everything everlastingly picturesque.
With a short in his hand, a decanter by his side, a gil in his bloodstream and a couple of miniatures in his pocket, the whiskey devotee feels that he has life taped; he feels envied and enviable; sane in a mad world.
Dismissing Guinness as a food (millions upon millions of litres of the stuff is scoffed every day worldwide – more on St Patrick’s Day), Irish whiskey is Ireland’s favourite and most popular sport.
Whereas Scotch whisky sales have remained static, Irish whiskey sales have increased, with Jameson’s doubling in a decade…..
