Boann Distillery unveils 1848 Apple Brandy

Brandy marries two spirits from Ireland and France to produce a unique blend that commemorates the inaugural flying of the Irish national flag in 1848

Boann Distillery has unveiled a new brandy that pays homage to a significant moment in Irish-French history.

1848 Apple Brandy marries two spirits from Ireland and France to produce a unique blend that commemorates the inaugural flying of the Irish national flag in 1848, representing the unity and brotherhood between the two nations.

The bottle’s label tells the story of how, during the Rebellion of that year, a group of French rebels, who had successfully overthrown King Louis Phillipe 1, presented the Irish tricolour to Thomas Francis Meagher, the leader of the Young Irelanders.

Meagher, having travelled to France to study the principles of the French Revolution, proudly hoisted the flag, crafted from fine French silk, atop the Wolfe Tone Confederate Club in Waterford.

The flag remained steadfast for eight days and nights until it was taken down by the British.

Inspired by this historic event, Boann Distillery has meticulously crafted Batch #001 of the 1848 Apple Brandy, a blend that unites the finest elements of France’s renowned Calvados Pays D’Auge from Chateau du Breuil in Normandy with Boann’s own distinctive triple-distilled apple brandy.

“Batch #001 of the 1848 Apple is a testament to our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and heritage. It has already been bestowed with the prestigious gold medal at the renowned 2022 Irish Whiskey Awards, affirming its exceptional quality and distinction,” said Peter Cooney of Boann Distillery.

“Our collaboration with Chateau du Breuil distillery began when we sourced whiskey barrels from them to produce our Calvados cask-finished Whistler whiskey.

“Discovering Boann’s orchard of 6,500 apple trees, they were eager to share their knowledge of distilling apple brandy.

“This led to our decision to join forces and create this new 1848 Apple Brandy to embody the craftsmanship, history and the enduring bond between Ireland and France.

“The label not only explains the historical significance of the date but is in keeping with Boann’s commitment to sustainability, produced using paper derived from 95% FSC certified pulp, sourced from responsibly managed forests, while 5% is repurposed from the waste generated during apple juice production.”

Boann has curated three cocktails that showcase the versatility and allure of their new 1848 Apple Brandy.

1848 Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 60 ml 1848 Apple Brandy
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 2 dashes Orange Bitters
• 5 ml Caramel Syrup (bar spoon)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, add the 1848 Apple Brandy.
2. Add 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters and 2 dashes of Orange Bitters.
3. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
4. Fill a rocks glass with a block of ice.
5. Strain the cocktail into the rocks glass over the ice.
6. Garnish with an orange peel twist.

La Vie en Rose 

Ingredients:

• 40 ml 1848 Apple Brandy
• 20 ml Italicus (Bergamot liqueur)
• 20 ml Lemon Juice
• 10 ml Rich Syrup
• 1 dash Rose Water

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the 1848 Apple Brandy, Italicus, Lemon Juice, Rich Syrup, and a dash of Rose Water.
2. Add ice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the ingredients.
4. Rim a Nick & Nora glass with rose sugar.
5. Strain the cocktail into the prepared Nick & Nora glass.
6. Serve and enjoy.

The French Mule 

Ingredients:

• 55 ml 1848 Apple Brandy
• 70 ml Ginger Beer
• 20 ml Lemon Juice
• 20 ml Rich Honey Syrup
• Ice
• Rosemary Sprig (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the 1848 Apple Brandy to the glass.
3. Add the lemon juice and rich honey syrup.
4. Stir gently to mix the ingredients together.
5. Top with Ginger Beer
6. Garnish the cocktail with a fresh rosemary sprig.
7. Serve and enjoy!

1848 Apple Brandy offers a smooth and rounded balance with notes of honey, dried fruits, hazelnut, apple, cinnamon and vanilla. It can be purchased from boanndistillery.ie , IrishMalts.com, or The Celtic Whiskey Shop and costs €45.95 for a 70cl bottle.