Hi-Spirits launches ‘The Spirit of Paddy’
As a nod to Paddy’s heritage, the launch event took place in Cork recently in Rearden’s Bar on Washington Street. The launch kicked-off a series of events taking place across the country celebrating this iconic, historic brand that predates many other well-known Irish whiskeys.
Born in the heart of Cork on Maylor Street, Paddy joined the Cork Distilleries Company as a commercial traveller in 1882. On his travels as a salesman in Cork and its surrounding towns and villages he traditionally bought a round of drinks for everyone in the pubs he frequented. People began to know this drink as “Paddy’s whiskey”. Paddy wasn’t just associated with the whiskey, the whiskey was associated with him.
In 1913 it was made official and the whiskey has been known as “Paddy” ever since. He retired after nearly 40 years in 1921.
On the special night in Cork invited guests sampled specially-themed cocktails including the iconic ‘Paddy Cocktail’, created by Harry Craddock of the Savoy Hotel. Paddy Whiskey was the only Irish whiskey to feature in Harry’s famous 1930’s Book The Savoy Cocktail Book and it is this 1930s cocktail that was recreated on the night.
There was also a Cork take on the “Ginger Paddy” and a very special Irish Coffee brewed.
Entertainment was provided by Cork’s neo-trad band Moxie – and Cork legend John Spillane unveiled his own unique tribute in a specially-commissioned song to Paddy Flaherty.
“It’s only fitting that we launch ‘The Spirit of Paddy’ in Paddy’s home city,” stated George Roberts, Country Manager of Paddy distributors Hi-Spirits Ireland, “Paddy was a trailblazer and we wish to celebrate this fantastic man, the whiskey he felt passionate about and which is now being enjoyed by the next generation of trailblazers in Cork, in Ireland and beyond.”
For further information on “The Spirit of Paddy” events and activities follow Paddy @PaddyWhiskeyIreland on Instagram and @PaddyIrishWhiskeyIreland on Facebook.
