Cork native Brian Nation brings US whiskey home

Brian Nation, former Master Distiller for a range of whiskeys including Jameson, Redbreast and Midleton, has launched Keeper’s Heart in Ireland, a new style of whiskey that he says brings together the best of Irish and American whiskey-making traditions. In 2021, Brian moved from Cork to Minneapolis to work with O’Shaughnessy Distillery Co and while there, he crafted Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey, which became the most awarded new whiskey brand in 2022. Brian collaborated on Keeper’s Heart with liquid collaborator and advisor, David Perkins, founder of High West Distillery. To create the new brand, the pair have blended Irish Triple Pot distilled whiskey and Irish Grain Whiskey with American rye and bourbon.

“I never thought I’d leave Ireland until I met the O’Shaughnessy family and heard what they wanted to create. 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.”

University that supports the clear role nonalcohol drinks play in supporting consumers in finding balance in how they drink. This comes as the latest revenue data shows that alcohol consumption was down by 5% last year on 2019 pre-pandemic levels and continues to decline on a longer-term, down by about 30% since 2001. When exposed to the crucial benefit of choice, consumers will continue to guide Ireland on the positive trajectory we are witnessing and continue to move the country towards European consumption norms.”

Adare Manor and Midleton launch fourth release

Adare Manor and Midleton Distillery partnered up six years ago, when the rarest whiskey at Midleton Distillery was bottled exclusively for Adare Manor for the first time. The latest release – Adare Manor Midleton Very Rare Single Cask No. 4 – represents the fourth collaboration and is, says the pair, a natural celebration of not just the best in Munster, but also a world-class combination, a shared expression of luxury and craftsmanship. Bottled in 2022, the fourth release is 100% pure Irish pot still and bottled at cask strength at 58.7% vol. The maturation in Virgin American oak casks produces wonderful aromas of oak infused perfume, orange zest and earthy woodland spices. Just 156 bottles have been produced of the new release, which will be available to buy on the Adare Manor online store, via concierge, phone call or on-site at €2,500 per bottle.