Latest news with #IrishWhiskey
Belfast Telegraph
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
This Bushmills X Malbon Capsule Collection is a must-see for golf and style lovers
If you or anyone you know is a golf and Irish Whiskey fan, then this new apparel and accessories capsule collection brings together two world-renowned brands that demand your attention. Influenced by the beautifully rugged North Coast of Ireland, this Bushmills x Malbon limited edition release successfully couples Bushmills' vibrant history with contemporary fashion for a unique and attention-grabbing line-up of must-haves. Just a stone's throw from Royal Portrush Golf Club, the iconic venue hosting the 2025 Open Championship, Bushmills is home to the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery. This scenic corner of Ireland is a global destination where great golf, exceptional whiskey, and rich local heritage go hand in hand. Alex Thomas, Master Blender at Bushmills Irish Whiskey, had this to say about the collaboration, 'At Bushmills, we're incredibly proud to partner with Malbon once again on this second capsule collection – an exciting fusion of rich heritage and contemporary creativity. Golf and whiskey making are woven into the fabric of life here on the North Coast of Ireland, and with The Open taking place just around the corner from our home, this collaboration couldn't be more timely, or more meaningful.' Bushmills' partner in this capsule collection, Malbon Golf, was founded in Los Angeles in 2017, where they grew from strength to strength by infusing the iconic and much-loved stylings of golf with the sense of inclusivity and empowering modernity of fashion, art, music, and design. Stephen Malbon, who co-founded Malbon Golf with his partner Erica, tells us that 'Following last year's successful collaboration with Bushmills, which reimagined the timeless pairing of whiskey and golf, we knew we had to go even bigger for our second drop. With the world's oldest golf tournament unfolding in the Distillery's backyard, we're excited to debut a collection that infuses the spirit and flavour of Northern Ireland's North Coast into modern golf style.' As for what to expect from the collection, the lineup is filled with stylish and trendy pieces and accessories that are perfectly suited for both your day on the greenway and your everyday look. If you're gifting to someone (or yourself!), the collection has something to suit every type of budget. The impressively varied collection includes a baseball hat (£30), hoodie (£120), t-shirt available in both navy and white (£50), vest (£110), visor (£30), and windbreaker (£100). These are accompanied by a Bushmills x Malbon Box Set with Flask & Bag Tag (£140), Decanter Set with Rock Glasses (£200), and a Glencairn Travel Set (£40).
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
2025's Best Irish Pot Still Whiskeys, According To BevTest
The Redbreast Pot Still Whiskey range were among the top whiskeys at the BevTest 2025 Judging Photo, J Micallef Irish pot still whiskey is in a golden age, and the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute judging shows that. Known for its strict standards and expert panel, BevTest awarded four Irish single pot still expressions with coveted Platinum medals, each scoring 96 points or higher. An additional 18 pot still whiskeys won Gold, demonstrating that Ireland's most traditional whiskey style continues to elevate the standards for flavor, complexity, and craftsmanship. From bold cask-strength releases to refined age-statement classics, these award-winning whiskeys are redefining what it means to enjoy Irish whiskey. A rare ultra-aged pot still release, matured in a selection of bourbon and oloroso sherry hogsheads. The Redbreast 27 YO has consistently been recognized as the top Irish Pot Still Whiskey at international spirit competitions. With 97/100 points, it was awarded a Platinum medal and was the highest-rated pot still whiskey. The whiskey is incredibly aromatic with layered complexity, featuring dried figs, dark fruit, golden raisins, orange marmalade, seasoned oak, and various wood spices. It's smooth and flavorful on the palate, presenting flavors of candied ginger, dried dark fruit, chocolate, chai spices, and baked pear. The finish is long, sweet, and rich, with lingering notes of cinnamon, leather, molasses, and sherry-laced fruits. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing 'aromas of spiced apple, maple oatmeal, and grilled spiced banana bread. The palate features flavors of dried apples, cinnamon biscuits, and pepper jelly. Massively dense, punchy, and powerful.' Crafted at Midleton Micro-distillery, this experimental pot still whiskey explores different cask types and finishes. It received a score of 96 out of 100 points, earning a Platinum medal. The whiskey offers aromas of lemon zest, barley sugar, and wildflowers. It is rich and textured on the palate, revealing flavors of orchard fruit, mint, and various wood spices. The finish is long and fresh, with lingering herbal and citrus notes. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as having aromas of 'eggnog, dark chocolate, and buttercream frosting. The palate presents flavors of maple syrup, caramelized bananas, cinnamon, cocoa, brioche, and pie crust. Rich, decadent, and exceptionally balanced, this takes you on a journey from handcrafted pastry and fresh pumpkin to notes of dried heirloom pears, pie crust, and toasted pistachios; remarkable.' Blue Spot 7-Year-Old Cask Strength, 58.4% ABV, 750 ml. $90 A premium sibling to Green Spot, this whiskey features a higher ABV and a richer oak flavor. It received a score of 96/100 and earned a Platinum medal. The whiskey offers aromas of ripe pear, oak spice, and toasted barley. It's rich and smooth on the palate, revealing flavors of orange marmalade, fresh orchard fruits, cooked cereal, and various wood spices. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of honey, orchard fruit, and seasoned oak. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing aromas of 'Bananas Foster, maple nut fudge, and malted chocolate milkshake. The palate features similar flavors along with spiced floral honey, caramelized fruits, and pepper. A monumentally flavorful and warming full-strength Irish whiskey with a seemingly endless finish; impressive.' Two shot glasses of Irish whiskey. getty Redbreast 21-Year-Old Single Pot Still Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. $230 A complex and expressive whiskey, aged in various casks including both bourbon and sherry. The 21-year-old received a score of 96/100 and earned a Platinum medal. The whisky has aromas of orange oil and fresh orange peel, walnut, golden raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It is rich on the palate, offering notes of spiced Christmas cake, dark caramel, and baked orchard fruits. The finish is long and warming, with lingering hints of wood spices and seasoned oak. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as having aromas of 'wildflower honey, white roses, and almond paste. The palate offers flavors of plum pudding, spiced pear, and buttered soda bread. A beautiful nose leads to a warm, lightly spiced palate and a long, balanced finish – this will make an excellent cigar pairing.' Redbreast 12-Year-Old Cask Strength, 57.5% Abv, 750 ml. $107 A benchmark pot still whisky. The cask strength version offers a more intense and flavorful take on the 12 YO Redbreast, with a higher ABV impact. It scored 95/100 points and was awarded a gold medal. The whiskey offers aromas of orchard fruit, toasted cereal, and bold wood spices. On the palate, it is flavorful and rich, revealing juicy apples, honey, cooked cereal, and brown sugar. The finish is long and intense, with lingering orchard fruits and spices. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as exhibiting aromas of 'dark chocolate peanut butter, peach cobbler, and S'mores. The palate showcased flavors of brioche caramel rolls, brownie corners, and spiced pecans. Decadent and spicy, delivering decadent layers of flavor that are remarkably smooth and silky, opens up significantly with a bit of water - would make a world-class Blue Blazer cocktail.' Powers Three Swallow Release Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml. $53 Powers Three Swallow is another perennial gold medalist at international spirit competitions. It scored 95/100 points and was awarded a gold medal. The whiskey offers rich aromas of citrus zest, barley sugar, and warm spices. On the palate, it presents tangy, zesty fruits complemented by honey and black pepper. The finish is long and lively, with lingering notes of mixed fruits and spices. The Jameson Heritage Centre in Midleton Co. Cork, 12 miles east of Cork City on the main Cork Waterford Road. getty Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy, 46% ABV, 750 ml. $93 A luxury annual release honoring legendary master distiller Barry Crockett. It was awarded a gold medal and scored 94/100 points. The whiskey offers aromas of sweet, honeyed malt, toasted hazelnut, white pepper, and nougat. It's rich and flavorful on the palate, revealing flavors of creamy lemon tart, nut brittle, marzipan, and subtle oak. The finish is long and indulgent, with lingering notes of cooked cereal, vanilla, and almonds. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as revealing aromas of 'spiced dried fruits, nutty coffee cake, and peppery Mexican chocolate. The palate presents similar flavors along with hints of root beer float, crème brûlée with sautéed mango, and a variety of baking spices. It is a remarkably spicy and layered Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey with excellent flavor integration.' Yellow Spot 12-Year-Old, 46% ABV, 750 ml. $92 The whiskey is matured in bourbon, sherry, and Malaga (a sweet dessert-style wine) casks and aged for 12 years. The whiskey scored 94 points and won a gold medal. The whiskey offers aromas of stone fruit, honeycomb, and marzipan. It feels rich and viscous on the palate, highlighting ripe peach, Crème Brûlée, and candied orange zest. The finish is full-bodied and initially sweet, with lingering notes of roasted nuts and wood spices. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as having aromas of caramel apples, baking spices, and cinnamon raisin toast. The palate offers flavors of melted butter, white pepper, pineapple, caramel, and honey, along with notes of Sherry, nuts, and tropical fruits. Also winning gold medals, all scoring 94/100 points were Green Spot Leoville Barton Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey; Redbreast 12-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey; Redbreast 10-Year-Old Distillery Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey; Powers John's Lane 12-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and Powers John's Lane 12-Year-Old Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Scoring 93/100 points and winning gold medals were Jameson Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Green Spot Chateau Montelena Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, and Redbreast Iberian Series Lustau Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Red Spot 15-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Cuatro Barriles Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, and Redbreast 18-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey received Gold medals with 93/100 points. In comparison, Redbreast 15-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey earned a Gold medal with 91/100 points. Redbreast Pedro Ximenez Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey scored 90 points and a Gold medal. From the legendary depth of Redbreast 27-Year-Old to the innovation of Method and Madness, the 2025 BevTest results showcase the unmatched range and quality of Irish pot still whiskey. With expressions that span from bold and spicy to elegant and dessert-like, these whiskeys reflect a dynamic category rooted in heritage but driven by innovation. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of pot still, these medalists are the best place to start—and they prove that Irish whiskey deserves a prime spot on every connoisseur's shelf. More From Forbes
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Thug who battered pensioner says 'he threatened my family so I regret nothing'
Dougie Joyce, 36, was jailed for leaving a 78-year-old man with significant facial injuries after attacking him in a Manchester pub - but has told a podcast it was 'just one of them moments' A man has said he doesn't 'regret anything' after being released from prison following a horrific assault on a pensioner in a pub. Dougie Joyce was jailed in November 2023 after admitting repeatedly punching the 78-year-old victim in the back room of a pub in Manchester 's Northern Quarter. After he was sentenced for 19 months for GBH, police described him as an"aggressive and violent man" who "intended to intimidate and inflict pain on a vulnerable 78-year-old". Joyce, who was released last November, made the headlines again this year for appearing in a video alongside former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who was criticised for promoting his new whiskey product. In the video shared on his Instagram page, Joyce - a member of one of Greater Manchester's most well-known Traveller families - handed the former PM a bottle of Joyce's Irish Whiskey saying "Just remember - Dougie Joyce loves ya". The Tory ex-PM then added: "Liz Truss loves you." In CCTV footage from the attack in October 2022, the 36-year-old, who was wearing a large gold ring, was seen punching the elderly man before encouraging his dad to join in. Police said left the assault left the 78-year-old victim with "significant facial injuries." But in an interview with the Criminal Connection podcast released last week, the businessman and former bare-knuckle boxer said he had no regrets about the incident, reports Manchester Evening News. He told host Terry Stone: "I never regret anything I do in life. "I regret being in that situation. But I don't regret anything I do because everything I do is for a reason." He described the incident as "just one of them moments inside of a pub", and claimed the man had insulted his father, John Joyce. His dad was given a community order for his role in the attack. Joyce added: "The bottom line of the story is my father knocked him spark out 35 years ago. That was it. "But what it was he was holding a grudge against my father. He's obviously not got over it. There was a little bit of commotion. And then he got very abusive coming out with his name calling and then he just took it one step too far. "He threatened my family. Nobody threatens my family. I don't care who you are. Obviously I've got drink in my system and I'm an alpha male and the thing is I'll always protect my family. "So, I've done what I've done and at the end of the day, I've paid the price, been to jail. It's the past. I put it behind me. It is what it is." Joyce also recalled being arrested at Dublin Airport following the attack - and described his stint behind bars as "plain sailing", claiming he was asked for selfies and autographs while in HMP Strangeways and Forest Bank. He said of his time in prison: "I just kept my head down, got on with it, done my gym, met a few nice fellas in there. I know a lot of people anyways from in inside out and there was no issues whatsoever." The 36-year-old former bare-knuckle boxer has several convictions for violence, and previously appeared in the The Joyce Family Documentary on Amazon. He reportedly turned down a role in Channel 4's My Big Fat Gypsy Weddings. In May last year, he was jailed for 13 months after a feud between the Joyces and members of the Doherty family ended up in a mass brawl The Vine pub in Collyhurst, Manchester.
Irish Independent
02-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Potential job losses in Leitrim if heavy tariffs imposed on alcohol says councillor
An escalation of tariffs on alcohol products produced in Ireland could severely impact producers in counties like Leitrim, Donegal, and Sligo where multiple distilleries are operating. The EU and the United States are currently in talks in relation to trade and tariffs. The talks are due to conclude before next Wednesday, July 9, at which point the US president Donald Trump, had threatened tariffs of 50pc will be imposed if agreement is not reached. Earlier this year, large rate tariffs were paused for 90 days but there is currently a 10pc tariff on EU goods going into the United States. Leitrim Councillor Enda McGloin said the potential tariffs on alcohol would not only impact the sale of the products but also affect the growth and expansion of businesses. He said distilleries such as Drumshanbo Gun Power Gin in Co Leitrim need their product to be exempt from the tariffs or there is a risk of job losses. 'At Drumshanbo Gun Power Gin, 35% to 40% of product produced is currently going to the United States. 'My concern is if the trade agreement was to fall away and the American government proceed to impose a very serious level of tariffs on whiskey or other spirits produced here. 'Another concern is that in order to have a negative impact against Donegal Trump and the Republican party, that the EU would target Bourbon. 'This would trigger further reprisals which could then impact the sale of Irish Whiskey, French wines and numerous other goods. ADVERTISEMENT 'That would trigger a trade war which could add tariffs of up to 25% to 30% or more and that would have a dramatic impact on the future growth of enterprises here. 'It would also have a negative impact on long term growth and it may even result in job layoffs as there is a significant amount of people employed in the sector. 'Any sort of a scenario where the drinks industry within the European Union is targeted, it transfers itself down to the ground here in Leitrim and the Northwest,' said Cllr McGloin. Cllr McGloin added that Tánaiste Simon Harris has been in negotiations with Europe and it is hoped there will be no reprisals against Bourbon. 'He is hopeful that a coercive trade agreement between the European Union and the United States could be reached and would negate the need for any major tariffs. "We have to see what the outcome will be on the talks. "The drinks industry has asked the Irish government to support non retaliatory tariffs against Bourbon and the government has agreed on that and have let their views known to the European Union. "We have support in countries like France, Holland and other major producers in the EU. "I am glad to see the Minister for Trade clearly supporting Irish Whiskey and drinks companies in this difficult time and I hope this will pay dividends during the negotiations,' said Cllr McGloin. Despite the uncertainty, the distillery in Drumshanbo is operating at full production and is planning a €1.6 million expansion. Cllr McGloin believes a successful agreement could unlock major opportunities for the Northwest. 'If we can get over this and successfully agree, we could be in a position of a positive outcome. 'We could see dramatic growth and locally, long term strategic growth in the Drumshanbo production facility which could mean more jobs and more opportunities for the county and also for the Northwest,' said Cllr McGloin.
Irish Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Glass half empty for whiskey industry
Irish whiskey started the year with more distilleries than anyone could put a number to, but following the impact of tariffs it might be the lost distilleries that are uncountable. The industry collectively raised a glass to two more distilleries which received bad news over the weekend. Powerscourt Distillery announced that it has entered receivership, with Interpath Advisory being appointed at the end of last week – the same firm as was appointed to Waterford Distillery in November 2024. The Wicklow-based company behind the Fercullen whiskey label, is one of many brands whose stills went cold this year, initially with plans to restart production in June. But that was not to be. READ MORE [ Is Irish whiskey on the rocks? Opens in new window ] As of September 2024, the company stood in breach of its agreement with lenders PNC Bank – with which it agreed a €25 million debt deal in June 2023 – and its accounts noted it was dependent on the lender's support and a round of fundraising of €4.6 million by the end of March 2025. Amid turbulent market conditions caused by US import tariffs, the brand was unable to secure the necessary funding. However, the fact that the process has already begun is understood to be positive for the business and the prospect of new investors. The business was struggling with working capital constraints but is thought to be viable long-term. In the Liberties, it emerged that Diageo-owned distillery Roe & Co put an 'extended pause on distillation'. In a statement to The Irish Times, a Diageo spokeswoman said the decision was made 'in order to optimise resources and support the sustainable future growth of our business'. IATA Director General Willie Walsh on airline profits, air fares and why the Dublin Airport passenger cap makes Ireland a laughing stock Listen | 35:56 It is understood that five employees due to be affected by Diageo's decision are in consultation with the company to be redeployed across the company where possible. Where does that leave the Irish whiskey industry? There has been a lot of talk of industry resilience and riding out turbulent market conditions, but fundamentally, it seems that the glass-half-full view around the country is not well received by some of its lenders.
