The Tasting Panel magazine

JUNE 2011

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IRISH WHISKEY This unique cast iron water wheel at the Old Midleton Distillery was built in 1852 and was used to power the stirring rake inside the mash tuns. The wheel is still turning, although in 1975 whiskey production moved to the New Midleton Distillery, literally right next door. Year Old was added to the line in 2010 and is now making its way to America. The Resurrection of Single Pot Irish Whiskey Another San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal win- ner, Redbreast 15 debuted in 2005 as a limited edition but in 2010 became a regular part of the Irish Distillers Group portfolio. whiskey specialist La Maison du Whisky. Primarily available in France, a few bottles also appeared in Ireland, Germany and London. Demand quickly exceeded supply. Eventually, enough was found to release additional bot- tlings in 2006 and 2008. Finally yielding to consumer pressure, Redbreast 15 84 / the tasting panel / june 201 1 Redbreast is distilled at Midleton Distillery, the mother lode of Irish whiskeys and the very soul of Pernod Ricard’s Irish Distillers Group (IDG). It is home to some of Ireland’s most celebrated brands, including Jameson, Midleton and Powers. Fittingly, it was here that the inspiration for Irish whiskey’s renaissance, led by Redbreast in the U.S., was born. “The theme of what we’re doing today is ‘the rise and fall and rise again’ of single pot still Irish whiskey,” said Alex Ricard, Chairman & CEO of Irish Distillers Group at a May 5 pre-launch dinner at the historic Old Midleton Distillery. “Our goal, and the vision of Irish Distillers over the last two decades, has been to get the world to rediscover Irish whiskey. Jameson has been our number one priority in this goal. It is our flagship brand, and is enjoying a marvelous success today. So the time has come to prepare for the comeback of not only Irish whiskey, but of whiskey itself. Single pot still Irish whiskey is a new category, and although the story is starting today, there is a 22-year planning program. For the next 22 years at least, I can guarantee that every year we will have new releases and innovations based upon people’s passions and tastes.” Led by Pernod Ricard’s super premium super-hero, Jameson—which currently claims 70% of the world’s Irish whiskey market and which just celebrated its three millionth case— Redbreast is the heavyweight that can enable Irish whiskey to regain the title it once held. There could be no better contender to win this championship. It is unique, one of only two Irish whis- PHOTO: RICHARD CARLETON HACKER PHOTO COURTESY OF PERNOD RICARD

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