50|Retail News|January / February 2020|www.retailnews.ie
Drinks News Bold new look for Powers POWERS Irish Whiskey, which is made by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has unveiled a bold new bottle design for its range of premium Irish whiskeys. The design features a new bottle shape, which has been inspired by the distinctive pot still silhouette from the brand’s historical home at John’s Lane Distillery. Another striking aspect of the new design is the label, which is styled on the iconic Powers ‘diamond P’, one of the first ever trademarks registered in Ireland and a link to the legacy of Powers and Irish whiskey history all over Ireland. In Ireland, Powers Three Swallow and Powers John’s Lane will be released in March 2020, with Powers Gold Label to be reviewed in due course. “We are excited to introduce this new look to the world and inspire a new generation with the unique history and personality of Powers,” said Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers.
Ninth Wave wins gold at World Gin Awards NINTH Wave Gin, produced by Co. Down distillery, Hinch, was awarded a Gold Medal at the World Gin Awards, held in London in January. Ninth Wave is the craft work of Belfast-born Head Distiller Aaron Flaherty and his team, who have a wealth of experience working for some of Ireland and the UK’s bestknown spirit brands. “We are delighted to receive the Gold Award at the World Gin Awards. It marks the perfect start to what will be an exciting year for Hinch Distillery,” said Aaron Flaherty. Hinch Distillery has signed a distribution deal with Barry & Fitzwilliam, which will see a raised profile for its Ninth Wave Gin and Hinch Whiskey brands across the country. “We are delighted to be working with the Hinch team to bring these exceptional products to the Irish consumer,” said Michael Barry, MD of Barry and Fitzwilliam. “The Craft Hinch Irish Whiskey brands and Ninth Wave Gin are already firm favourites on the international stage and we are excited to be at the forefront with them in Ireland.”
Pat Rigney appointed Chair of Drinks Ireland|Spirits Galway Bay Brewery launches new can range GALWAY Bay Brewery, one of Ireland’s most established craft breweries, has kicked off the new year with the launch of a full range of canned beers. Galway Bay Brewery’s core range will now be available in 33cl cans, with all limited edition, seasonal, and collaborative brews available in 44cl cans. The core range includes Of Foam & Fury, a double IPA with big tropical fruit flavour, a bittersweet balance and complex flavour; Full Sail, a simple malt beer with light fruity sweetness upfront, hints of zesty orange and a piney dry finish; Bay Ale, a copper coloured, traditional ale with malt and hop aromas and a smooth and well-balanced flavour; Althea, a modern American Pale Ale which is low on bitterness, yet massively hoppy on the aroma; and Buried at Sea, a chocolate milk stout brewed with milk sugars and chocolate, which gives rich flavour and body, whilst retaining a lightness.
PAT Rigney, the Managing Director and Founder of The Shed Distillery in Co. Leitrim, which makes Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, has been appointed Chair of Drinks Ireland|Spirits, the representative body responsible for promoting the interests of the Irish spirits industry. “Ireland’s spirits industry continues to go from strength to strength,” said Pat Rigney. “The value of spirits exports from Ireland increased by 10.2% between 2017 and 2018, from c916m to over €1 billion. We also have a dynamic domestic spirits market, driven by the growing popularity of premium spirits products like Irish whiskey and gin. Looking forward, we want to continue to drive this growth, but there are also a number of imminent issues ahead, including tariffs and Brexit.”
