Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/793596
march 2017 / the tasting panel / 91 What People Are Saying about Knockme Irish Whiskey We are extremely excited to partner with Southwest Distilleries and launch a truly great Irish whiskey in Knockmore Irish Whiskey. A wonderful aroma on the nose with a subtle sweet nutty smooth finish. A real gem for whiskey lovers looking for the true heritage of Irish whiskey. —Greg Stowell, Regional Sales Director, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits We thought the taste profile of Knockmore really bridged the gap between Irish whiskeys and bourbon or other types of whiskeys. We are excited to see what the brand does in a few of our stores. —Eric Dohanich, Vice President of Operations and Business Development from Twins Liquor, a large family-owned retail chain based in Austin, TX, celebrat- ing 80 years of service It is rare to see a team as excited as the Genesis team of SGWS was after being introduced to Knockmore. They were impressed with the clean, smooth finish. Additionally, the brand's commitment to helping rescue its ancestral protector, the Irish Wolfhound, is as refreshing as the whiskey. —K. Patton Dickson, CSS, State Portfolio Manager, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Texas A True Knockout: KNOCKMORE IRISH WHISKEY As an industry, we often get sidetracked by a good story from a brand. We fall so head over heels for an interesting history or a unique process that we forget the basic objective: to make spirits and wines that win over customers' taste buds. It might seem like a simple principle, but it's one that gets overshadowed time and time again. While the process is important, it should not outweigh the end result . . . the taste. Mike Howard, President of Southwest Spirits & Wine, noticed this trend and wanted to get back to basics and back to focusing on the taste profile before everything else. He explains, "It's about making something that tastes good over and over, and we saw an opportunity in Irish whiskey to make a whiskey with a flavor profile we could be proud of, while it also honored tradition and brought something unique to the table." As a tribute to Ireland and its spirit, Howard and his team recently launched Knockmore Irish Whiskey (SRP $28.99–$32.99). Knockmore is produced in West Cork, Ireland, considered the cultural home for Irish Whiskey. Knockmore blends single malt Irish whiskey with eight- to ten-year-old Irish whiskeys, then ages the blend in first- fill, flame-charred bourbon barrels. Its smooth finish and refined taste make it approachable for new drinkers, but also a choice for those look- ing to trade up. Due to its light nature, mixologists will find it easy to use it as a base spirit, and the brand plans to create Irish Mule point-of-sale items to showcase its versatility behind the bar. The brand name and the packaging, which prominently features an Irish Wolfhound, pay homage to Knockmore, Ireland, where an old lighthouse keeper named Fergus T. Shanley meticulously distilled his own whiskey, and his loyal dog would guard his stash. Giving back to this protector, the brand has begun regional cause-marketing programs benefitting pet- related charities like Operation Kindness, Paws for the City and the SPCA, which it hopes to continue and expand upon in the future. With Knockmore hitting shelves in Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, Colorado, South Carolina, Delaware, Missouri and Indiana by the end of March—and slated for 35 states by the end of the year—your customers won't have to wait long to be top dog with this whiskey. Tasting Notes Following the nose of salt water taffy, summer apricots and spiced cedar, the delicacy on the mouth shows this spirit's ethereal charm. Jasmine and sandalwood follow a wave of white pepper and saffron— unique and floral feminine tones. 95 —Meridith May SOUTHWEST SPIRITS & WINE