History of Baby Power

Baby Powers

A whiskey woven into the fabric of Ireland since 1791. Powers Distillery was set up in 1791 by James Power, an innkeeper at John’s Lane near the Western Gate, which once was on the outskirts of Dublin City. His son, John Power, took over running the distillery from him in 1809 and brought his own son into the company at the age of twenty-one in 1821. This event led to the renaming of Powers Whiskey to John Power & Son

Gold Label Powers

In 1886 they were the first distillery in Dublin to bottle their own whiskey. This is when the gold label Powers whiskey was born to signify that it was bottled in the distillery. By 1889 they had launched their 71ml bottle, a world first, which was quickly christened ‘Baby Powers’. It made its debut in the Power’s Bottling Hall at Drury Street, in the heart of Dublin’s vibrant city centre.

The ‘Baby Power’ Original

The ‘Baby Power’ originally featured a cork closure, like a wine bottle. Some customers found it difficult to open with a full-size corkscrew, so Powers, always innovative, produced a ‘Baby Power’, which came with its own miniature corkscrew. It is not written where their inspiration came from but it is believed that the grooms and coachmen at the Distillery may have inspired it. Some would carry a small flask of whiskey on their person to keep them warm in all weather.

Baby Powers quickly became popular especially by well-heeled ladies, who could pop the baby in their purse, whilst bringing out the paternal instincts of the male population. The ‘Baby Power’ became synonymous with ordering a small drink.

Powers is famed for its triple distilled Pot Still style whiskeys, distinguished by their powerful character, which is true to the original style of John’s Lane.