Marketing

Sunny sales outlook this Summer

We’re on the way to the longest day of the year at this point and the sunshine is happily a constant with us once again. Good weather’s vital for alcohol sales. That’s why Summer is so important. Soft drinks, beer (especially lager) and cider tend to be the main beneficiaries of this season of the sun but light spirits such as gin and vodka as well as wine get a look in too at both the pub and off-licence. Our Industry Report looks at the market opportunities for publicans and retailers this Summer.

 

 

Shoppers in the supermarkets (excluding discounters) spent €34.6 million on alcohol in just one week this year – the week leading up to Easter according to Nielsen data. This represents a 5.3% increase on sales last year which was itself a 3.9% jump in sales on the previous year and Nielsen attributes this to the warm weather just prior to Easter.

Growth in alcohol sales continued to soar over Easter with particular increases in cider (up 33.4%), lager (up 19.5%), ale (up 16%), spirit mixers (up 64.8%) and sparkling wine/Champagne (up 13.9%), reports Nielsen.

“We know that warm weather also had a big impact on alcohol sales” explained Karen Mooney, Nielsen’s Ireland Market Leader, “and we can expect these categories to continue to grow should we experience another warm Summer akin to 2018.”

It’s true that drinks-led pubs benefit the most from warm weather with the Coffer Peach Business Tracker there putting like-for-like sales up 10.9% on last year in the UK, for example, where pubs and bars generally experienced a 5.3% uplift in sales over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

But pubs can outdo restaurants during warm weather.

“You simply can’t escape the fact that the weather always has a major influence on the fortunes of the pub and restaurant sector and what is good for pubs is rarely good for restaurants,” stated CGA Director Karl Chessell.

As the licensed trade moves to peak Summer season over the next seven weeks, we look at what suppliers have got to offer.

 

Wines

Lolea Sangria

Lolea, a 100% natural and unpasteurised Sangria, is produced with the best ingredients: good wine, fruits and spices. It’s a “ready-to-drink” wine cocktail. Its fruity flavour, adequate alcohol level and sparkling touch makes it easy and pleasant to drink at almost any time of the day.

 

Lolea Nº1

Red wine Sangria

Made with Mediterranean citrus, quality red wine from the Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with cinnamon and a sparkling touch Lolea is not pasteurised thus keeping all of the organoleptic qualities of fresh wine. Serve it cold, with ice, Lime, Grapefruit, Strawberries and Peaches.

Surprisingly good with a bit of Mint.

 

 

Lolea Nº2

White wine Sangria

This unique Sangria is made with Mediterranean citrus, young white wine from the Macabeo and Chardonnay grapes with Vanilla and that same sparkling touch. Serve it cold, with ice, Lime, Grapefruit and Pineapple or Banana.

It’s also surprisingly good with some aromatic herbs!

 

Lolea Nº5

Rosé

Rosé is back in fashion because good rosé is a genuine wine for all occasions. Lolea Rosé is a perfect blend of rosé wine with the elegant aroma of Hibiscus flower and a spicy Ginger aftertaste with a fine sparkling finish. Lolea Rosé is made using Grenache and Tempranillo grapes, as refreshing as a white wine, but with all the character of a good red, with the grace and freshness of the former and the seriousness and depth of the latter.

 

 

 

Barefoot is number one and fastest selling Californian wine brand in Ireland

As the number one selling Californian Wine Brand in Ireland, Barefoot

sales have increased more than 12 fold in the last six years. Barefoot is also the fastest growing Californian Wine brand in Ireland. Barefoot Pinot Grigio is the Number one New World Pinot Grigio sold in Irish supermarkets.

The brand has grown organically in Ireland through supporting worthy causes with for instance the LGBT community, beach cleans with An Taisce and local charitable causes.  “We want our wines to be varietally correct, fruit forward and food friendly,” says Barefoot Cellars winemaker Jennifer Wall.

Upcoming Barefoot Wine Events this Summer

Pride Run 

This year Barefoot Wine is proudly supporting The Pride Run, organised by the Dublin Front Runners, and first held in 2012 is now the leading LGBT sporting event in Ireland and one of the first events of the Dublin Pride calendar. In the last seven years, it has raised nearly €60k for charity.  Each year we select charities that support the LGBT community. Barefoot Wine is excited to be a Gold Sponsor at this event, this is our first year sponsoring this event, and we see it as an exciting partnership, growing for years to come.

Sea Sessions 

In 2019, Sea Sessions with Barefoot Wine will be moving into the festival’s 12th year. It has firmly established itself as Ireland’s only Surf Music and Lifestyle event and Barefoot Wine are the principal sponsors for the festival. Sea Sessions is recognised as a key summer event and one of Ireland’s top music festivals.  Indeed winning the award at the IMRO awards for best festival in Ireland alongside several other key nominations.

4th July at the US Embassy 

Barefoot Wines are delighted to sponsor the wines at the 4th July party that takes place annually at The US Embassy at the Phoenix Park.

 

Faustino

 

With over 150 years of history, the Faustino brand is a timeless classic in the wine world, famed for its quality wine produced in the Rioja region of Spain. Faustino is the leading name when it comes to Spanish wine.
Established in 1861 and steeped in the history of the area the Faustino family are still at the helm of the business to this day.
Set on 650 hectares, the Bodegas Faustino vineyards offer the exceptional qualities of chalky-clay soil and an ideal microclimate to produce the outstanding grape varieties used for the full Faustino range.

Faustino Gran Reserva RRP €25.85
Faustino V Red and White RRP € 18.99
Faustino VII Red and White RRP €12.49.

 

McWilliam’s Wines appoints Ampersand as Irish distributor

McWilliam’s Wines Group has appointed Ampersand to represent its table and fortified wines as well as the iconic Mount Pleasant collections here.

“Our wines continue to delight consumers with their distinctly cooler climate styles from some of Australia’s most exciting new wine regions,” states the Head of International for McWilliam’s Wines Group Garrick Harvison.

“McWilliam’s is exactly the kind of wine partner we look to work with: family-owned and quality-driven, whose provenance and innovation is evident in a stunning line-up of wines,” added Ampersand’s Wine Manager Willie Dardis who pointed out that Mount Pleasant was named Winery of the Year in the Halliday Wine Companion 2017 while its 2011 Maurice O’Shea Shiraz gained 99 points. The Maurice O’Shea, Lovedale Semillon and Rosehill Shiraz are regarded among some of Australia’s most iconic wines, he added.

 

 

Beers

Eight Degrees Brewing – Naturally Adventurous

Eight Degrees is an award-winning Irish microbrewery renowned for its innovation and experimentation. Established in 2010 at the foot of the majestic Galtee mountains by Kiwi Scott Baigent and Aussie Cam Wallace, since they starting brewing in 2011, the team has produced 65 unique beers.

In late 2018 Eight Degrees completed an ambitious brewery expansion in Mitchelstown, installing a state-of-the-art 60 Hectolitre brewhouse, offering tremendous scope to rapidly expand domestic and international sales with the largest craft brewery production facility in the country.

In May 2018, Eight Degrees joined the Irish Distillers family and is now the preferred beer supplier for the Jameson Caskmates Series.

All beers are brewed and packaged in-house at Eight Degrees’ Mitchelstown brewery and supplied to customers in Ireland, Italy, France, UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Luxembourg, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and South Korea in draught (30 litre and 50 litre kegs), 330ml bottle and 440ml cans.

Eight Degrees Brewing
Coolnanave Industrial Park, Mitchelstown, Cork
Tel +353 (25) 84933 accounts@eightdegrees.ie www.eightdegrees.ie

 

Punk IPA is where the BrewDog revolution began

This scene-stealing flagship is an India Pale Ale that has become a byword for craft beer rebellion; synonymous with the insurgency against mass-produced, lowest common denominator beer. Punk IPA charges the barricades to fly its colours from the ramparts – full-on, full-flavour; at full-throttle.

Layered with new world hops to create an explosion of tropical fruit and an all-out riot of grapefruit, pineapple and lychee before a spiky bitter finish, this is the perfect summer drink to quench your thirst.

This 5.6% trans-Atlantic fusion IPA is light golden in colour with tropical fruits and light caramel on the nose. The palate soon becomes assertive and resinous with the New Zealand hops balanced by the biscuit malt. The finish is aggressive and dry with the hops emerging over the warming alcohol.

This fresh, full flavour natural beer is said to be a tribute to the classic IPAs of yesteryear. The post modern twist is the addition of amazing fruity hops giving an explosion of tropical fruit flavours and a sharp bitter finish.

Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam, sales are at an all-time high and we don’t see the rebellious Punk IPA slowing down anytime soon.

 

 

 Ciders

Appleman’s brings simple cider choice this Summer

Some people find cider too sweet. Others find it too dry. So, Heineken Ireland created a cider that’s not too sweet and not too dry.

Appleman’s is a beautifully simple, perfectly balanced cider that offers a true apple taste. It won’t change your life but it will change your choice of cider.

Launched last year and developed specifically for Irish people’s tastes, Appleman’s  is here to make social times simpler again. With a clear choice of better, beautifully balanced cider, you’ll spend less time choosing and more time enjoying yourself.

A brand on the rise, Appleman’s will look to grow further this Summer as it launches a Through-The-Line campaign including TV, out-of-home and social, with a new look-and-feel and self-deprecating tone of voice.

On-trade plans for the Summer include the launch of Appleman’s Cider Sundays, a series of mini ‘cider garden’ festivals taking place across the country. Cider fans can also enjoy Appleman’s at Ireland’s biggest festivals throughout the Summer.

Appleman’s has an ABV of 4.5% and is available nationwide in 568ml  bottle and draught in the on-trade.  For more, check out www.applemanscider.ie.

 

Spirits

Jägermeister

The Coolpack is a new type of packaging for Jägermeister. In addition to the distinctive glass bottle, the world-famous herbal liqueur is now sold in a lightweight PETG container in the signature green colour. The new packaging is flat and resembles a freezer pack.

Jägermeister is a long-established brand but its sense of tradition also means striking out in new directions by developing new packaging that supports its communication goals. The key message: Jägermeister is best enjoyed ice cold at -18⁰C. The Coolpack creates entirely new scenarios for enjoying the product and is perfect for outdoor activities. From festivals and barbeques to fishing and hiking, the Coolpack is ready for any adventure.

This new packaging doesn’t change what’s inside: Jägermeister is best enjoyed as an ice-cold shot. The new Jägermeister Coolpack makes it easy for consumers to take Jägermeister with them wherever they go – and keep it cooler longer for that perfect taste experience at -18°C.

Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

 

Graham Norton Gin

Graham Norton has joined with independent wine and spirit company Barry & Fitzwilliam to distribute his award-winning GN range of still wine, Prosecco – and now his award-winning gin.

Gin is one of Graham’s favourite tipples so he really wanted to put his own Nortonesque twist on one. He wanted something that spoke of the splendour and beauty of West Cork, its countryside and its unique botanicals. The bottle shape and design have great stand-out.

Graham has launched an Irish Clear Gin and Irish Pink Gin – both celebrate the beauty and unique flavours of West Cork. Distilled and produced using 100% Irish grain Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin and Graham Norton’s Own Irish Pink Gin draw flavours from a combination of 12 botanicals including Angelica, Fuchsia flowers, Orris roots, Rosehip, Basil and Liquorice root.

The Clear Gin is smooth & fragrant with floral & berry sweetness mingled with fresh green undertones capturing the hedgerows of West Cork with subtle hints of berry and Fuchsia. Enjoy with Indian Tonic, lashings of ice and fresh Lime to garnish.

The Pink Gin is smooth and fragrant with a touch of spice. Floral, light berry sweetness with fresh undertones finishing with subtle hints of berry and wild Rose. Enjoy with Indian Tonic, lashings of ice and Summer berries to garnish, it’s particularly nice with sliced Strawberries.

 

Cointreau – the cornerstone of cocktails

Spirit lovers recognise Cointreau as a core building block in creating premium cocktails. Cointreau is the cornerstone of more than 350 internationally-renowned cocktails such as the Margarita, Sidecar and Cosmopolitan.

“A masterpiece crafted through the unique distillation of all-natural sweet and bitter Orange peels resulting in a crystal clear liqueur that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and freshness,” according to Master Distiller Carole Quinton.

For more than 30 years the finest Orange peels are carefully selected by Carole to create the definitive Orange liqueur.

Cointreau Blood Orange is a bold variation of the recipe. It makes use of blood Oranges from Corsica along with the peels of sweet and bitter Orange found in the traditional Cointreau.

The blood Oranges are harvested just when the peels are packed with the highest concentration of oils, resulting in rich expressive citrus notes all the way through. The perfect balance between sweet, bitter and blood Orange peels, Cointreau Blood Orange is like tasting a ripe fruit.

This fruitiness makes Cointreau Blood Orange a beautiful drink especially during the Summer. It’s also a fantastic ingredient for cocktails such as the Cointreau Fizz Blood Orange Cocktail. Cointreau Blood Orange is new to the Irish market distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

 

Blackwater No5 Gin

2019 is already shaping up to be Blackwater Distillery’s busiest year yet. Launched by Peter Mulryan and Kieran Curtain in 2014 the innovative distillery has already received International acclaim for its flagship Blackwater No5 Gin which won Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2017. That was followed by two more releases in Wexford Strawberry Gin – which nearly doubled in sales last year – and Ireland’s first-ever barrel-aged gin Blackwater Juniper Cask. The secret to their success so far as Peter likes to put it “is making small-batch gin the old-fashioned way with 100% Irish spirit, real botanicals and lots of care and attention”.

Innovation has been a key ingredient in this growth with its last release Blackwater Barrys Tea Gin grabbing the imagination in Ireland of both gin and tea lovers alike.

In May this year the new distillery in Ballyduff, West Waterford, opened to the public as the team at the distillery works on the latest project, Irish Whiskey.

Sally
45ml Blackwater No 5
45ml fresh Orange juice
30ml Aperol Italian aperitif
10ml Galliano Vanilla liqueur
25ml pasteurised egg white

Method: Pour all the ingredients into a shaker; give first a dry shake and after fill-up with ice, shake vigorously, double-strain into a coupe glass and garnish with edible flowers.

 

Summer spritz

Ketel One has introduced a new spirit in the vodka category across Europe this Summer. Ketel One Botanical, a new spirit drink, is distilled with botanicals and infused with natural fruit essences. The first-of-its-kind offering is set to establish a new subcategory to rival traditional Summer wine and spritz drinks, cutting through the aperitivo moment.

Made with vodka, 82 calories per serve Ketel One Botanical has a lower ABV of 30% with no artificial flavours. Its signature serve is with soda water for a Ketel One Botanical Spritz.

Ketel One Botanical is a series of three variants in illustrated botanical-inspired bottles: Peach & Orange Blossom for those who enjoy lush, juicy white Peaches and bold notes of fragrant Orange blossoms; Cucumber & Mint for those who appreciate crisp Cucumbers and light tones of fresh garden mint and Grapefruit & Rose for those who seek zesty, mouth-watering Grapefruit and the refined elegance of Rose petals.

Ketel One Botanical will be showing up this Summer with the ultimate aperitivo moment at Taste of Dublin and All Together Now along with other pop-up events.

Contact your local rep for more information or place an order through MyDiageo.

 

Martini Fiero – modernising Vermouth

Launched in Ireland last month, Martini Fiero is said to “modernise Vermouth for a new generation of drinkers” as Martini responds to consumer demands for bold-flavoured, brightly coloured 14.9% ABV drinks.

‘Fiero’ means ‘proud’, ‘intense’ and ‘bold’ in Italian, reflecting the flavourful character of the Vermouth.

Martini Fiero’s “zesty, bitter-sweet” Orange flavour – “100% natural” – has been designed specifically to pair with tonic for the new modern aperitivo occasion. It’s a blend of white wines and botanicals including Murcia Orange peel, Artemisia absinthium and Artemisia pontica.

“Creating Martini Fiero was an exercise in balance,” said Ivano Tonutti, Martini’s Master Herbalist, “From a botanical point-of-view it was essential to harmonise the vibrant citrus notes of the Murcia Orange peel with the bitterness and herbal aromatics of the Artemisia alongside the many other botanicals which in turn had to sit happily alongside the Quinine in tonic.”

The recommended serve for the new expression is 50% Vermouth and 50% tonic mixed in a balloon glass with a slice of Orange to garnish.

Contact your local Edward Dillon Rep for more details 01- 819 3300.

 

 

St~Germain – Vie Parisienne en Bouteille

In 2007 Rob Cooper, a third-generation distiller, engaged some of the world’s top mixologists and traditional French liqueur producers to create St~Germain, an exciting 20% ABV innovation in a tired liqueur category. St~Germain is created in France and lovingly referred to as ‘Vie Parisienne en Bouteille’.

The secret to the liqueur’s allure and early success is the fresh, hand-picked wild Elderflower blossoms gathered each Spring in the foothills throughout Europe.

The New York Times remarked that St~Germain is “one of the most influential cocktail components introduced in the last decade”. The liqueur has won an array of awards including four consecutive Grand Gold medals from Monde Selection and the Chairman’s Award at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge – a must-stock for any cocktail enthusiast.

The St~Germain Cocktail

Mix 200ml St~Germain and 350ml Champagne or sparkling wine and top with 350ml soda water. Serve the carafe with Collins glasses, vintage straws and add a twist of Lemon.

Now available in 50cl – contact an Edward Dillon Rep on 01-8193300.

 

Heralding a Maturation Finishing Bottling Hall for Heytesbury Rum, Jack Ryan Whiskey

Eunan Ryan is taken to cask! Or rather, has taken to special casks, in Dublin’s newest craft maturation, finishing and bottling hall, using its growing repository of collaboration casks from around the world.

Award-winning Jack Ryan whiskey and Heytesbury rum offerings are being given the finisher’s touch, and great things are anticipated. Fine old single cask rum sourced from the from around the Caribbean and Latin America, is – uniquely in Ireland – finished as very small batch releases, for the growing number of discerning imbibers of the sugarcane distillate. These add to the already notable Jack Ryan releases, a symbiosis of barley, sugarcane, cask and family craft.

Heytesbury releases are entered for peer review, as with Jack Ryan Whiskey, for which awards are accumulating; Irish Whiskey Award, San Francisco World Spirits, Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Irish Whiskey Masters – and more.

Heytesbury Rum and Jack Ryan Whiskey are both award-winning small batch, collectible, quality spirits. These brands thrive on their independence and flexibility to allow them to create cask innovation. Family provenance and tradition are evident in abundance here.

 

 

 

 

 

Mourne Dew Kilbroney Gin Wins At Worldwide Gin Guide 2019 Awards 

A premium gin inspired by the botanicals of the Mourne Mountains has won the Contemporary Gin category at the worldwide Gin Guide 2019 Awards.

Kilbroney Premium Irish Gin (ABV 42 %) is made at Mourne Dew Distillery in Warrenpoint Co Down.  It is a cold distilled, super smooth gin with a high ester content making it suitable for drinking neat.

Rostrevor Ruby Red Gin (ABV 40%) is infused with strawberry, raspberry, mint and rose petals. It has a vibrant red colour and floral notes. It was Runner-Up in the Flavoured Gin category.

The Distillery uses a combination of conventional distillation for the hardier botanicals and cold, vacuum distillation for the more delicate ones. They have even designed their own bespoke vacuum still and had it specially made. Unlike a conventional, hot still, the Mourne Dew design can distil off ethanol at minus 3 centigrade and will condense at ludicrously low temperatures down to minus 30 centigrade! This ensures that all the fresh flavours and aromas of the fresh botanicals are kept intact and not cooked as they would be during conventional distilling.

They hand produce everything on site; from distillation and bottling to labelling and packaging.  “To win at these awards is just amazing” said distiller Donal Farrell.  “There are more than 600 entrants from across the world, so we are delighted to have won such a hotly contested category. The Rostrevor Ruby coming Runner-Up is the cherry on the cake.

“We’re delighted that the judges know what our loyal customers already know: that our locally made Mourne gins are up there with the best in the world!”

Mourne Dew drinks are distributed by GDK Drinks in Warrenpoint, Co. Down.

www.mournedew.com 

 

 

 

Taste of the Med: Gin Mare

Gin Mare has long been the reference point for a gin that has pushed the boundary of what a gin could taste like, with Rosemary, Thyme, Olive, and Basil included in the botanical line-up. The result is a perfectly balanced gin that is both flavourful and elegant.

This makes Gin Mare one of the bartender’s favourites as it can be mixed in many cocktails, from savoury through to sweet, as well as served in many G&T variations. It is harmonious and balanced with amazing citrus purity.

If one gin sums up the taste of the Mediterranean, it’s Gin Mare. This pan-Mediterranean gin is calling out to be drunk in the sunshine. A very versatile spirit which pairs well with food thanks to the mix of fresh orange and savoury notes.

Try the Summer serve recommendations. They’re simple and very tasty, allowing the garnish to accentuate the savoury and fruity notes of the gin.

 

Gin Mare & Tonic with Orange peel & Rosemary

  • 35ml Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin
  • 100ml Premium tonic water
  • Build over ice in a large glass and garnish with fresh Orange peel and sprig of Rosemary.

Gin Mare & tonic with Mango & black Pepper

  • 35ml Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin
  • 100ml Premium tonic water
  • Build over ice in a large glass and garnish with a slice of fresh Mango (skin on) and twist of black Pepper.

 

 

 

Skinny Moo to reinvigorate the Irish Cream Category

First Ireland Spirits looks set to enliven and re-invigorate the Irish Cream Category this summer with the launch of Skinny Moo – a delicious, reduced calorie, range of flavoured country cream.

New Skinny Moo is an exciting flavour-led innovation that will appeal to today’s consumer, who wants to enjoy a lighter treat. Made from the finest of ingredients, Skinny Moo is gluten free, made from whey spirit and offers incredibly indulgent flavours, but with less calories.

With only 77 calories per 35ml serve, Skinny Moo’s introductory flavour is the ever popular, Peanut Butter and Toffee Popcorn flavour is set to follow. The new country cream features in an eye-catching white bottle with a bespoke cap that drives standout on shelf, while a rich bronze label is a colourful nod to the new Peanut Butter flavour.

Skinny Moo is uniquely poised to excite today’s younger adults. It is lower in alcohol (12% ABV), perfect to enjoy at home with a movie or after a nice meal. Packed full of flavour and made with premium quality ingredients, Skinny Moo can be served on the rocks or in a delicious cocktail. Skinny Moo makes for the perfect ingredient in an Espresso Mootini.

Caroline Daly, International Brand Manager, Feeney’s Cream Liqueur, said, “There’s so much potential in the cream category for a brand to deliver what the consumer is looking for and reflect changing needs. Research shows consumers are looking to enjoy themselves and whilst they don’t want to overdo it on the calories front, they want great tasting drinks with the finest ingredients. Skinny Moo provides the best of both worlds – great taste without any more calories than a Gin and Tonic, and lower alcohol levels, so ultimately, they can have their cream and drink it.” 

Skinny Moo Peanut Butter will be available in June and will be priced at €16 for a 70cl bottle. It will also be available to wholesalers and on-trade customers.

For more information, please contact Geraldine O’Neill at Dublin Liberties Distillery by e-mail: geraldine.oneill@thedld.com.

 

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey creates limited edition beer cask series 

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey has collaborated with Ireland’s leading craft brewers to create The Dubliner Whiskey Beer Cask Series, an exciting limited edition range, whereby the award-winning Irish whiskey is aged in beer casks, and craft beers in whiskey casks. This unique coming together of The Dubliner Irish Whiskey with like-minded, local craft breweries, is the brainchild of Dublin Liberties Distillery’s Master Distiller, Darryl McNally.

Available from the beginning of July at the Dublin Liberties Distillery, the limited edition series will be launched in France and Australia in coming months. For the first edition, The Dubliner Irish Whiskey partnered with fellow Dublin Liberties neighbour and independent Irish craft brewer Rascal’s Brewing Company, to produce a cheeky coupling of Dubliner 3 year-old blend with Rascal’s Coffee Stout casks, making for a whiskey packed with personality.

The two brands joined forces, with The Dubliner Irish Whiskey providing Rascal’s with whiskey casks which were filled with their high quality, unfiltered and unpasteurised beer, and after a few months of finishing, the beer was bottled with the Distillery taking the casks back and refilling them with The Dubliner Irish Whiskey. The end result – Just Good Whiskey. Such was the success of the series that Rascal’s whiskey-finished Irish coffee stout sold out on release. Further collaborations are planned with Rascal’s and exciting new flavour profiles are already underway for 2020. The Dubliner Irish Whiskey is also exploring partnerships with global beer companies.

Further Dubliner Irish Whiskey collaborations launching in July include a partnership with O’Hara’s Irish Stout which resulted in a robust, creamy blend, while a collaboration with 5 Lamps Brewery led to a punchy 3 year-old blend, matured in bourbon casks, then finished in Five Lamps Pale Ale casks.

Commenting on the collaborations, Cliodhna Barlow, Global Brand Director, Irish Whiskey at the Dublin Liberties Distillery said, “Irish whiskey is experiencing global growth and attracting new consumers. This new series from The Dubliner Irish Whiskey seeks to inject fun and excitement into whiskey and demonstrates the brand’s desire to experiment and create new whiskey flavours that drive wider appeal. Irish craft beer has many fans and our hope is to capture some of this appeal. Not only have we partnered with breweries whose beer casks add a unique taste to our whiskey, but ones that have the same independent spirit as The Dubliner Irish Whiskey and a straight-up attitude and down to earth appreciation of great tasting brands.”

Emma Devlin, Rascals co-founder, added, “This has been a really rewarding and exciting opportunity. The demand for authentic quality Irish whiskey and Irish craft beer is greater than ever before and working with The Dubliner Irish Whiskey is a perfect brand match. We are like-minded, want to innovate and engage with our customers. We respond to what excites them, just as much as what excites us.”

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey Beer Cask Series is priced at €36 RRP for a 700ml bottle.

For more information, please contact Geraldine O’Neill at Dublin Liberties Distillery by e-mail:  geraldine.oneill@thedld.com, 087 686 2995.

 

Cocchi Vermouth

Distributor Dalcassian Wines & Spirits is delighted to present Italy’s premium Vermouth, Cocchi to bring fabulous flavour and flare to low ABV and Spritz summer cocktail menus.

The Cocchi range boasts five diverse flavours including the highly popular Americano and Rosa options, ideal for simple spritz additions to Summer menus .  Simply add 50ml Cocchi Vermouth, 75ml of Prosecco,  25ml of soda, and a fresh fruit garnish.

To make the Mediterranean favourite Vermouth di Torino use 50ml of Di Torino with 125ml of tonic water and a twist of Lemon .  Exceptional flavour & all only 16.5% ABV.

Cocchi produces, since 1891, wine-based aperitifs and 100% Piedmontese sparkling wines following the best traditions of the Asti area.

Simplicity and authenticity are core to the brand’s success across the world.

Today the winery still maintains its artisan character and follows the original recipes, formulated by Giulio Cocchi in 1891 to craft the distinctive wines that have made the Cocchi a cult name.

 

 

Writer’s Tears Double Oak

The inspiration for Writers’ Tears Double Oak was sparked when we first collaborated with the Legaret Family and Allary Cooperage in France for our Writers’ Tears Copper Pot Deau XO Cognac Cask Finish.

The complex flavours of Summer fruits and chocolate undertones from the Cognac cask led to Writers’ Tears newest creation – Writers’ Tears Double Oak. This latest expression showcases the unique attributes that this partnership with the Legaret family brings to our award-winning whiskey

Writers’ Tears Double Oak is created using a unique combination of two casks, American Oak Casks from Kentucky and French Oak Cognac Casks from France to perfectly finish a unique marriage of aged Single Malt and Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey which we proudly call Writers’ Tears Double Oak.

Writers Tears Double Oak is triple distilled, Double Oak, One Great Story.

Some write, some paint, we make whiskey!

Distributed by Dalcassian Wine & Spirits.

 

Curious Journey ahead for Ireland’s top bartender

From Drumshanbo to London to Berlin – one Irish bartender is set to embark on a Curious Journey commencing at the home of the iconic Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin – The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney.

Dalcassian Wines & Spirits is currently compiling the top four shortlisted of bartenders from across Ireland who have submitted specially-created ‘Curious’ Cocktails featuring Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin or Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka in a bid to win the spectacular ‘Curious Journey’ competition.

The overall winner will win a money-can’t-buy three-part Experience Prize beginning with a three-day mentor experience with The Shed Distillery team to learn about distillation and maturation followed by three days in London with industry guru Aaron Wall, owner and operator of the renowned Homeboy venue. Finally, the winner will visit Bar Convent Berlin with the Dalcassian Wines & Spirits team where he or she will showcase the winning serve at The Shed Distillery stand.

The contest sees bartenders express their individual talent and creativity by sharing the curious journey that led them to the drinks world and to create the imaginative cocktail featuring one of the world-class spirit brands from the Curious Mind of PJ Rigney – Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka or Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, both distributed by Dalcassian Wines & Spirits.

Aaron Wall will be flying in from London to join the judging panel which will include The Curious Mind himself, found and owner of  The Shed Distillery – PJ Rigney.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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