Press Release

27th August 2009

Cooley Unveils the New Face of Connemara

The Award Winning Range of Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish whiskeys receive a contemporary makeover

Cooley Distillery, Ireland’s only independent whiskey distillery, has officially unveiled the new branding for its award winning Connemara Family of Peated Single Malt Irish whiskeys.

Connemara is the most decorated Irish whiskey over the last decade winning over 20 Gold Medals from International Spirits Competitions.  Included among these accolades are the “World’s Best Irish Single Malt” titles for 2008 and 2009.

Inspired by Ireland’s ancient distilling traditions, Connemara’s smooth sweet malt taste and complex peat flavours make it a truly unique Irish whiskey. To reflect the quality of the whiskey Connemara has been rebranded to enable it to pay homage to its roots while maintaining an appearance in keeping with modern premium spirits brands.

Connemara Peated Single Malt is a tribute to the local distillers from the wild, rugged region of Connemara on Ireland’s Atlantic coast.  During the 18th and 19th century, often operating illegally, these distillers created a unique style of whiskey by drying malting barley over peat fires giving it a distinctive smoky taste. Connemara is the only modern Irish whiskey produced in this way and has a following with a whole new generation of whiskeys drinkers around the world with distribution in over 30 countries.

Jack Teeling, Sales & Marketing Director for Cooley Distillery commented, “Connemara is a truly unique Irish whiskey based on the rich heritage of distilling used in the West of Ireland and is the most decorated Irish whiskey of recent times. To communicate these unique selling points we have given Connemara a new appearance which celebrates its Irish heritage while still having a contemporary premium feel. We hope the rebranding will enable more consumers to unearth the Peated pleasures of the Connemara Family.”

To coincide with the launch of its new packaging the Connemara family has been extended with the launch of a new “Small Batch Collection” series. This involves limited edition bottlings of new expressions of Connemara Peated Single Malt. The first release from the Collection involves “finishing” Connemara in Sherry casks to impart further depth and flavours to the whiskey. Bottled at 46% it is a remarkable well – balanced masterpiece and has already won a Gold Medal at the 2009 International Wine & Spirits Competition.

For More Information:

Jack Teeling                                                                +353-1-8332833

Sales & Marketing Director

David O’Siochain                                                      +353-1- 6496322

Pembroke Communications

Visit Cooley at http://www.cooleywhiskey.com/