Award-Winning Irish American Whiskey launches in Ireland, homeland of renowned Master Distiller Brian Nation

press release

Award-Winning Irish American Whiskey launches in Ireland,

homeland of renowned Master Distiller Brian Nation

Brian Nation (left) with Patrick O’Shaughnessy

 

Cork Born Brian Nation brings Minneapolis distilled Keepers Heart Home to Ireland as First International Market

 

The O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. (OSDC), a family-owned distillery located in Minneapolis, MN, announced distribution of Keeper’s Heart Irish American Whiskey into Ireland, the first availability for the award-winning liquid outside the United States.

 

Created by whiskey icon Brian Nation, formerly Master Distiller for some of the most well known Irish whiskeys including Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton, Keeper’s Heart is a new style of whiskey, bringing together the best of Irish and American whiskey-making traditions. After leaving Ireland in 2021 to move to America and craft Keeper’s Heart with the O’Shaughnessy family, Brian is bringing the unique blend of Irish and American whiskeys home.

 

Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey launched in 2021, and quickly expanded its portfolio with Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon. With its innovative liquid and expert craftsmanship, Irish + American became the most awarded new whiskey brand in 2022, including International Wine and Spirits Challenge Platinum, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 94, Critics Challenge International Platinum and Pr%f Award Double Gold honors.

Speaking about the foundation of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co., Co-Founder Patrick O’Shaughnessy said:

“What started as an O’Shaughnessy family reunion became the birthplace of Keeper’s Heart, a celebration of our family’s Irish-American heritage,”

 

“Our great great grandfather came to the United States from Ireland, and our large extended family has stayed close to our Irish roots. Keeper’s Heart was created to celebrate that. We are extremely proud of the Keeper’s Heart team and the reception the brand has received since we launched. It has made it possible to continue to grow Keeper’s Heart and evolve the liquid offerings, and now, as we begin international distribution, Ireland was at the top of the list. We hope the Irish people enjoy what we have created as much as the American drinkers have.”

 

Liquid development is led by Master Distiller Brian Nation, who has more than 22 years of experience working on some of the most renowned and high-quality Irish whiskeys in the world.  Born and raised in Cork City, Ireland, he moved to Minnesota following a meeting with the O’Shaughnessy family to embark on a new adventure and create a new style of whiskey, marrying the best of Irish and American whiskey-making traditions.

“I never thought I’d leave Ireland until I met the O’Shaughnessy family and heard what they wanted to create,” said Master Distiller Brian Nation.

 

“Their vision was inspiring, and together, along with American Whiskey visionary David Perkins, we’ve created an innovative liquid portfolio and a brand that celebrates family, and heritage. Keeper’s Heart is my passion project, and I’m proud to return home to share with my friends and family what we’ve been up to across the pond.” 

Nation, back in Cork

 

Nation collaborated on the blending of Keeper’s Heart with Liquid Collaborator and Advisor, David Perkins, founder of High West Distillery. The pair aims to combine the best of Irish and American whiskey traditions, by blending of Irish Triple Pot distilled whiskey, Irish Grain Whiskey with American Rye and Bourbon. 

 

“From the beginning, our goal has been to put Keeper’s Heart on the world whiskey map, and today we begin expanding into international markets, sharing our story, our proud Irish-American heritage, and our award-winning liquid portfolio with the global whiskey community. Beginning that journey in Ireland is the perfect first step,” said Mike Duggan, CEO of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co.

 

Keepers Heart will be available exclusively from Barry & Fitzwilliam from Mid-March.

 

Commenting on the distribution agreement for Keepers Heart, Michael Barry Managing Director of Barry & Fitzwilliam said, “we are very proud to be distributing such innovative whiskey’s created by the Master Distiller Brian Nation and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

 

It will be stocked in off licenses across the country, including Bradleys, Cork, Molloys, Dublin, Redmonds Ranelagh, Celtic Whiskey Shop, CarryOut Off-Licences, The Offie, Cork, Irish Malts and WinesoftheWorld.ie, RRP €49.00.

 

For more information, please visit www.KeepersHeartWhiskey.com.

On The Country's Independence Day, Ukraine Brewery Obolon to partner with Barry & Fitzwilliam for Irish Distribution

press release

On The Country's Independence Day,

Ukraine Brewery Obolon to partner with 

Barry & Fitzwilliam for Irish Distribution

 

ON THE INDEPENDENCE DAY OF UKRAINE AUGUST 24TH, WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE LARGEST DOMESTIC UKRAINIAN BEVERAGE PRODUCER ‘OBOLON’ HAVE AGREED TO PARTNER WITH IRELAND’S LEADING INDEPENDENT DRINKS’ DISTRIBUTOR BARRY & FITZWILLIAM TO BRING THEIR BEER TO IRELAND.

Obolon went down in history to become the first private company in independent Ukraine by receiving a privatization certificate from the State Property Fund of Ukraine No 1.

The construction of the plant was aimed to provide the country high-quality beer that would meet high world standards. Czech experts who are world-famous masters of brewing were invited as leading experts. They determined the place of construction for the new brewery. The main criteria was the source of artesian water which is the main component that determines the taste of beer. The historical place of the Kyiv city which is located on the right bank of the Dnipro river.

Today the brewery is one of the largest in Europe and the largest domestic beverage company in Ukraine.

The War started by the Russian Federation forced the company to pivot and find an opportunity to continue its activities. Despite the extremely difficult work conditions in wartime Obolon tries to support its employees by providing them jobs and salaries, as well as supporting the military who courageously defend Ukraine and European countries at the cost of their own lives. Today the sources of artesian water that are available to Obolon are used for water production including free distribution to the military and people in war-torn regions of Ukraine.

Obolon corporate enterprises have already provided more than 3 million litres of water free of charge. Additional funds are needed to be able to continue to provide this assistance. With this aim Obolon is launching a project that will allow people around the world to support Obolon in its noble mission. To provide an additional 4 million litres of water, Obolon aims to raise 1 million dollars through 1 bottle of beer. The last bottle of Obolon beer brewed in a peaceful Ukraine. The ‘Last Obolon’ will be auction at a Christie’s auction in NYC bidding starts at $1 million.

Obolon was the first privatized brewery in a post-soviet Ukraine. It became the nation’s household beer, synonymous with freedom and independence. Two things that were taken away from all Ukrainians, the night their country was invaded.

The Last Obolon brewed in peacetime holds an unmeasurable symbolic value, especially to those who have a personal connection to Ukraine. But more than that, it offers a way to donate money, help millions of Ukrainians in need of water and to keep this unrighteous war into the spotlight. Many of the world’s wealthiest people, celebrities, companies and philanthropists have donated amounts far exceeding $1M to Ukraine and are still looking for ways to keep supporting the stricken nation. The Last Obolon helps them do just that.

An Taoiseach Micheal Martin has shown his support in Madrid in June when meeting the Irish Business Community members (image’s via link ) Ireland’s leading independent drinks distributor Barry & Fitzwilliam are very proud to announce their partnership with Obolon. Expecting their first consignment in October, Barry & Fitzwilliam will be donating to Obolons noble mission for every bottle sold in Ireland. Managing Director Michael Barry has said ‘We are very proud to be associated with this venture and we look forward to a successful long-term relationship with Obolon. We are delighted to be able to help the Ukrainian community indirectly.’

Press release

Gordon Ramsay Italian Wine Collection

press release

Gordon Ramsay Italian Wine Collection

Internationally renowned, multi-Michelin starred chef Gordon Ramsay today announces his own contemporary range of Italian table wines: Gordon Ramsay Italian Collection. Created alongside world-famous winemaker Alberto Antonini, the collection combines Gordon’s passion with the heart and soul of Italian winemaking. The red, white and rose wines are available from Barry & Fitzwilliam.

“Running a 3 Michelin star restaurant for over 20 years means I have had the joy of tasting some of the finest wines in the world. Wine-making has always fascinated me; it’s a magical process where tradition, passion, and science are blended together and captured in one stunning bottle. Italy and Italian wines have a special place in my heart. Tana and I have spent some incredibly happy times in this amazing country and many of those moments were made even better by a beautiful glass of wine.

When it came to launching my own wine range, it was very important to set the same standards and quality as I expect in my restaurants. It was a huge pleasure to collaborate on this project with Alberto Antonini, one of Italy’s greatest winemakers. I'm very proud of what we’ve created and hope food and wine lovers across Ireland love it as much as I do.” Gordon Ramsay

Years in development and driven by memorable times spent in Italy, Gordon’s ambition was to source only the very best ingredients from the country. Alberto’s reputation for contemporary winemaking while simultaneously respecting traditions struck a chord with Gordon; their partnership resulted in a pioneering decision to blend fruit from two different regions, Tuscany and Abruzzo. Breaking down the barriers associated with cross-regional blending in Italy was key in achieving the desired styles and flavours.

The Intenso Rosso 2020 is a vibrant ruby red in colour with aromas of fresh redcurrant, blackberry and a touch of flint. This wine has depth and texture on the palate with approachable tannins and a soft and succulent finish. Perfect to pair with grilled Tuscan steak or a rich tomato ragu.

The Vibrante Bianco 2020 is pale straw in colour with notes of white flowers and aromas of fresh green apple and white peach. This wine is vibrant and juicy on the palate. It has a refreshing acidity with a long mineral finish and can be enjoyed with seafood risotto or a fresh caprese salad.

The Elegante Rosato 2020 is pale pink in colour with fresh red cherry aromas. This wine has a fragrant floral palate with gentle tannins and an elegant finish. The perfect accompaniment to chicken cacciatore, a freshly roasted vegetable fettuccine or simply chilled as an aperitivo.

The Gordon Ramsay Italian Collection range will be available from Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Founded in 1998, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants comprises the restaurant business of acclaimed chef, restaurateur, TV personality and author Gordon Ramsay. It is one of the largest privately-owned restaurant groups in the UK and has 34 restaurants in the UK. The group has a further 19 restaurants internationally including USA, France, Dubai and Singapore with further international openings planned. To date, Gordon Ramsay holds a total of 7 Michelin stars across the restaurant group worldwide, including the flagship venue Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, which has held three Michelin-stars for 20 years. As well as fine dining, the group has expanded to include more casual dining restaurants offering a wide variety of guest experiences around the globe such as Bread Street Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Gordon Ramsay Steak and Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen.

Gary Barlow’s Vinous Duet (and how to win two tickets to his concert in Dublin this month)

Gary Barlow’s Vinous Duet

(and how to win two tickets to this month's concert in Dublin)

Gary Barlow promised his fans a duet. But it was a different kind of duet than was expected. 

Barlow was having a little tease. And there was quite a surprise when he announced a couple of wines under his name, one a white, one a red, both organic and both from Spain. 

There was the usual slagging from online media but Barlow had the last laugh when the wines, exclusively available in the UK through Morrisson’s, sold out on the first weekend. Gary still has lots and lots of fans!

He is one of Britain’s most successful songwriters and record producers. As part of the group Take That, he has won eight BRIT Awards and sold over 45 million records. 

Aside from his achievements with Take That, he has also co-written and produced music for other renowned artists including Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John and Robbie Williams. He also acted as a head judge on the X Factor (2011-14).

The wines are produced in Spain by Península whose management team includes not one but two Masters of Wine. They have a number of wineries and the Barlow duo come from central Castille.  One of their brands is Mesta and previously I have enjoyed a few glasses with the eye-catching flock-of-sheep label in the likes of Nash19 and Out of the Blue in Dingle.

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Did you know to celebrate the Launch of Gary Barlow Organic Wines in Ireland, Wines of the World are doing a customer reward giveaway for one lucky Gary Barlow shopper!
2 tickets to Gary Barlow's Concert
3Arena November 28th 2021 ️
Order your Gary Barlow wines until November 18^th to be in with a chance
The lucky shopper will be contacted directly via the information provided upon purchase.
Click here to order yours now!

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Gary Barlow Organic White Wine, 2020, 12%, 

€11.99 www.WinesOfTheWorld.ie and @winesireland

Light straw is the colour and there are tints of green in there. The aromas are fresh and citrus-y. Fresh too on the palate, again with citrus to the fore with a refreshing mouth-watering acidity to keep it all in balance. The finish, not the longest, is lip-smacking. 

Try with crisp salads, shellfish, mozzarella or Poached Langoustine with aioli or pour into an ice cold glass and enjoy as an aperitif. A party wine for sure and I think you can work out the play-list for yourself.

Gary Barlow Organic Red Wine, 2020, 13.5% abv, 

€11.99 www.WinesOfTheWorld.ie and @winesireland

Like the white, Barlow’s organic red blend of fifty fifty Tempranillo and Shiraz is also from central Castille, made by the same producers.

The vineyards vary between 30-40 years old and dry grown for maximum concentration and flavour, the grapes are machine harvested at night to preserve their fresh characteristics. This is an unoaked blend that is suitable for vegans.

It is unoaked and juicy, and easy drinking. Suggested pairings are tapas, paella and savoury meat or vegetarian dishes plus more substantial dishes such as Garlic & Oregano Roast Lamb with Griddled seasonal vegetables or Chorizo and chickpea stew with spinach and new season extra virgin olive oil.

GARY BARLOW LAUNCHES HIS OWN RANGE OF ORGANIC WINES

press release

GARY BARLOW LAUNCHES HIS OWN RANGE  OF ORGANIC WINES 

“The definition of a great evening for me is friends, laughter and good wine. ..

I’m very proud to now launch my own range of  organic wines from Spain.” 

Gary Barlow 

"It has been a privilege to partner with Gary Barlow and .... launch his own range of organic wines." 

Paul Schaafsma, MD Benchmark Drinks 

Gary Barlow has launched Gary Barlow Organic, his own range of organic wines in partnership with Benchmark Drinks. These wines have been carefully crafted and developed by Gary reflecting his passion for quality, authentic wine. The wines are now available on www.WinesOfTheWorld.ie and selected Carry Out Stores.

Whether as part of a celebration with loved ones or to wind down after a gig, Gary has acquired a taste for wine over the years and developing his own wine range has been a dream of his for as long as he can remember. He’s spent the past two years collaborating with London-based distributor Benchmark Drinks to create a well-balanced, sophisticated and sustainable wine range, with unique packaging featuring a stylish piano key design, an instantly recognisable nod to his incredible 30-year music career.


The medium-bodied red and refreshing, zesty white are the result of many months of wine development and following hours of tasting wines from across the world, Gary’s standout blends originated from Spain. Having spent time in Spain over the years, Gary has always enjoyed the local food and wine offering. He has been so inspired by the passion of those involved in the winemaking process and is very proud to now launch his own range of organic wines from Spain’s Castilla region.

The wines have been produced by Peninsula Wines in Spain. Founded by Andreas Kubach and Sam Harrop, they’re both Masters of Wine and renowned for their sustainability and “sympathetic winemaking”, embracing both nature and science to make wine with as little intervention as possible.

The Gary Barlow Organic RED is a juicy, unoaked wine, displaying aromas of red wild berries with a touch of rosemary and chocolate. The medium body and beautiful balance between the good fruit concentration, fresh acidity and fine tannins, make it a highly versatile food wine to match tapas, pasta and a wide range of savoury and meat dishes.

The Gary Barlow Organic WHITE is pale bright in colour, displaying aromas of lime and pear cut by a gentle note of anise. It shows a zesty, lingering lime palate. A refreshing wine, perfect to be drunk in summer with salads, poultry and light seafood dishes.

Gary Barlow is one of Britain’s most successful songwriters and record producers. As part of the group Take That, he has won eight BRIT Awards and sold over 45 million records. Aside from his achievements with Take That, he has also co-written and produced music for other renowned artists including Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John and Robbie Williams.

To join the Gary Barlow Wines community visit @garybarlowwines on Instagram. * 

Gary Barlow Wines distributed in Ireland by Barry & Fitzwilliam.  For information, please contact kate.barry@bandf.ie or call 021 4320900 

Cheers #202711. Clonakilty Distillery, Barry Fitzwilliam- Graham Norton, Blacks Brewery, Blackwater Distillery, Bubble Brothers

GRAHAM NORTON’

Cheers #202711 

Clonakilty Distillery, Barry Fitzwilliam- Graham Norton, Blacks Brewery, Blackwater Distillery, Bubble Brothers

Revival “You Thirsty?” IPA cask finish now available 

Our newest release of our limited-edition, US Brewery collaborations, is now available to purchase from our distillery shop and online store.

 

 

United by a shared passion for innovation Clonakilty Distillery and Revival Brewing, Rhode Island, have come together to release a bespoke whiskey.

 

Revival's ''You Thirsty?'' beer is part of the new era of North Eastern IPA's. With three times the hops, the beer imparts this whiskey some floral notes with a slightly bitter citrus finish.

Just what you need for that unquenchable thirst!

 

About the Whiskey:

 

Price: €85.00

Limited Release: 1,600 bottles in total, only 144 bottles kept for Ireland.

Best Enjoyed: With a tall glass of IPA!

 

Graham Norton and Invivo are very excited to launch this Frizzante Rosé to add to Graham’s award-winning and expanding range of delicious still and sparkling wines, as well as GiN.
This new release is sustainably produced in Northern Italy by the same partners that make our white Graham Norton Prosecco and Frizzante. It is a blend of Glera and Pinot Noir and the winemakers are Graham Norton and Rob Cameron

Sweetly scented notes of tropical flowers and strawberry define the GN Sparkling Rose. Like its twin the white Prosecco, this blend is crisp yet delicately structured with a delicious strawberry drive through the perfectly balanced palate. Cin cin!

via Barry and Fitzwilliam

Blacks Announce Worlds End 2020

It's here at last Worlds end 2020 edition, and for the first time ever it's available in a 440ml can format! A rich, dark luxurious Imperial Stout brewed with Fairtrade cacao husks and Madagascan vanilla pods, it’s like an adventure for your taste buds. Waves of chocolate, lactose, caramel and dried fruit will assault your senses. Next up is a touch of smoke and liquorice blended with coconut and coffee. The mouthfeel is full and creamy, balanced fantastically with a berry like acidity that keeps this beer juicy and super drinkable.  Suitable for ageing but try to drink me before the end of the world!

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Gift Sets From Blackwater Distillery

Just one of the suggestions from Blackwater Distillery. More here

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BUBBLE BROTHERS BLACK FRIDAY 2020

We have three terrific wine deals for you this Black Friday weekend: one with three bottles, one with six, and a twelve-plus-one deluxe case at an amazing price.

Offers apply until midnight Monday 30th. Don't wait!

See the offers here

Bubble Brothers in the mix and much more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #18

Bubble Brothers in the mix and much more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #18

Bubble Brothers have a staycation mix for you!
We hope you're all well, and making the most of the occasional summer weather. Our website is continuing to work hard for us (thank you), but in case you haven't visited lately, we have a very attractive new offer for you—with something extra if you are able to 'click and collect'. Details here

Black's New "High" IPA

You are about to experience a brand new High PA, this unique new beer is brewed with the terpenes ( flavour and aroma oils ) extracted from the legendary cannabis strain Maui Wowie. A Strain known for its tropical favours and stress-relieving qualities hat will float you straight to the shores of Hawaii where this strain originally comes from.

A heavy mango and Pineapple base with notes of pine and pepper!

More details on the new brew and distillery progress here

O'Briens Wines Feature 12 Acres Brewing

In county County Laois one of Ireland’s finest breweries produces beer with a ‘ground to glass’ ethos. 12 Acres Brewing Co. make beer using barley grown on their family farm surrounding the brewery and with spring water drawn from deep below the land.

12 Acres is headed up by Paddy McDonald who after traveling the world with his then girlfriend, now wife Aisling, found himself back in Ireland and began to look at his employment options as Ireland emerged from recession. Thankfully, he brought something back from his travels, a love of craft beer. Read more here.

Kylie Minogue photographed at The Ritz London, August 2020, (c) Darenote Ltd.

Kylie Minogue Wines are thrilled to introduce 

the latest two wines in the Kylie Minogue Wines portfolio: the Signature Sauvignon Blanc and the Signature Merlot. Both the Sauvignon Blanc and the Merlot complete the long-awaited Kylie Minogue Wines’ Signature Range, which also includes the wildly popular and best-selling Signature Rosé, debuted in May by pop icon Kylie Minogue.

Fun and spontaneous like Kylie herself, the Signature Sauvignon Blanc originates from Gascony, in the south-west of France, and carries a fresh and lively nose of lime blossom and gooseberry, whilst zesty and crisp on the palate - described by Kylie as the perfect accompaniment with a fresh watermelon, feta and mint salad.

The Kylie Minogue Wines’ Signature Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot will be available exclusively in Ireland on www.WinesofTheWorld.ie and Carry Out Off Licences at an RRP of €12.99 from Monday 24th August.

Italy's Alto Adige: A Small Land Shows Its Greatness

Pampered by Mediterranean sun, shaped by the Alpine landscape, prepared by experienced winegrowers, and prized by wine connoisseurs throughout the world: wine from Alto Adige. Read the well-illustrated Wine-Searcher article here

Blackwater Tasters Club, Paddy Borthwick Collection, White Hag, Graham Norton and more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #17

Blackwater Tasters Club, the Paddy Borthwick Collection, White Hag, Graham Norton's 10m bottles and more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #17. Even a recipe! The Blackwater Distillery Tasters Club Launches "We are thrilled to launch Blackwater Tasters Club, Ireland's first craft distillery subscription club, and you are one of the first to know. This month's box containing a Jaffa Cake Gin & lip-smacking Limoncello - fresh from our stills! Subscribe and you will receive two of these experimental, once off and utterly delicious gins or other spirits delivered straight from our distillery to your door every 2 months. All the info here. Paddy Borthwick Collection! Wines Direct are pleased to present to you an exceptional case featuring the best of New Zealand's Paddy Borthwick. Paddy Borthwick is a regular visitor to Ireland, and a firm favourite with Wines Direct customers and staff for two reasons: his wines are excellent, and he is a charming, easy-going guy who is great company. Paddy is a maverick whose experience in the vineyards of France and Switzerland has made him into one of New Zealand's most talented winemakers. More here. The White Hag Offers Fresh Beer (& Face masks)

Some new mixes up on the store including our Craft Range Sample #1 mix, IPA Range Sample mix. A fresh batch of Bran & Sceolan - Irish IPA is also just off the line and ready to fill your fridge! A limited stock of our face-masks are also back in stock and can be purchased along with your beer order! More info here.

GRAHAM NORTON ANNOUNCES 10 MILLION BOTTLES!

• Graham Norton’s wine and spirits range celebrates landmark year with ten million bottles

• Graham Norton’s Own Sauvignon Blanc and Prosecco are now amongst the top three selling wines in their respective categories in Ireland.

18,311 kilometers apart and an 11-hour time difference - watch as Graham Norton and Invivo & Co make their new wine virtually! Over a two hour video call, the business partners made their new wine and you can check out the highlights here.

WATCH GRAHAM MAKE HIS NEW SAUVIGNON BLANC VIRTUALLY NOW here

The new blend of Sauvignon Blanc is out in September

Spanish Wine and Tapas:

Manchego Cheese with Red Wine & Honey Glazed Chorizo. 

An easy recipe to enliven your staycation!

Many of you would be living the Tapas life as we speak, but because of the current situation, we find ourselves recreating holidays at home. Our contribution to your staycation is A Ticket to Spain case and a tasty (and easy) Tapas recipe for Manchego Cheese with Red Wine & Honey Glazed Chorizo. See the recipe here.