Award-Winning Irish American Whiskey launches in Ireland,

homeland of renowned Master Distiller Brian Nation

 Cork Born Brian Nation brings Minneapolis distilled Keepers Heart Home to Ireland as First International Market 

The O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. (OSDC), a family-owned distillery located in Minneapolis, MN, announced distribution of Keeper’s Heart Irish American Whiskey into Ireland, the first availability for the award-winning liquid outside the United States.

Created by whiskey icon Brian Nation, formerly Master Distiller for some of the most well know Irish whiskeys including Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton, Keeper’s Heart is a new style of whiskey, bringing together the best of Irish and American whiskey-making traditions. After leaving Ireland in 2021 to move to America and craft Keeper’s Heart with the O’Shaughnessy family, Brian is bringing the unique blend of Irish and American whiskeys home.

Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey launched in 2021, and quickly expanded its portfolio with Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon. With its innovative liquid and expert craftsmanship, Irish + American became the most awarded new whiskey brand in 2022, including International Wine and Spirits Challenge Platinum, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 94, Critics Challenge International Platinum and Pr%f Award Double Gold honors.

Speaking about the foundation of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co., Co-Founder Patrick O’Shaughnessy said:

“What started as an O’Shaughnessy family reunion became the birthplace of Keeper’s Heart, a celebration of our family’s Irish-American heritage,”

“Our great great grandfather came to the United States from Ireland, and our large extended family has stayed close to our Irish roots. Keeper’s Heart was created to celebrate that. We are extremely proud of the Keeper’s Heart team and the reception the brand has received since we launched. It has made it possible to continue to grow Keeper’s Heart and evolve the liquid offerings, and now, as we begin international distribution, Ireland was at the top of the list. We hope the Irish people enjoy what we have created as much as the American drinkers have.”

Liquid development is led by Master Distiller Brian Nation, who has more than 22 years of experience working on some of the most renowned and high-quality Irish whiskeys in the world.  Born and raised in Cork City, Ireland, he moved to Minnesota following a meeting with the O’Shaughnessy family to embark on a new adventure and create a new style of whiskey, marrying the best of Irish and American whiskey-making traditions.

“I never thought I’d leave Ireland until I met the O’Shaughnessy family and heard what they wanted to create,” said Master Distiller Brian Nation.

“Their vision was inspiring, and together, along with American Whiskey visionary David Perkins, we’ve created an innovative liquid portfolio and a brand that celebrates family, and heritage. Keeper’s Heart is my passion project, and I’m proud to return home to share with my friends and family what we’ve been up to across the pond.”

Nation collaborated on the blending of Keeper’s Heart with Liquid Collaborator and Advisor, David Perkins, founder of High West Distillery. The pair aims to combine the best of Irish and American whiskey traditions, by blending of Irish Triple Pot distilled whiskey, Irish Grain Whiskey with American Rye and Bourbon.

“From the beginning, our goal has been to put Keeper’s Heart on the world whiskey map, and today we begin expanding into international markets, sharing our story, our proud Irish-American heritage, and our award-winning liquid portfolio with the global whiskey community. Beginning that journey in Ireland is the perfect first step,” said Mike Duggan, CEO of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co.

Keepers Heart will be available exclusively from Barry & Fitzwilliam from Mid-March.

Commenting on the distribution agreement for Keepers Heart, Michael Barry Managing Director of Barry & Fitzwilliam said, “we are very proud to be distributing such innovative whiskey’s created by the Master Distiller Brian Nation and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

It will be stocked in off licenses across the country, including Bradleys, Cork, Molloys, Dublin, Redmonds Ranleagh, Celtic Whiskey Shop, CarryOut Off-Licences, The Offie, Cork, Irish Malts and WinesoftheWorld.ie, RRP €49.00.

For more information, please visit www.KeepersHeartWhiskey.com.

For additional information, please visit www.osdistilling.com/ and www.keepersheartwhiskey.com.

About Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey:

Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey launched in 2021, with Master Distiller Brian Nation showcasing an artful blend of hand-selected Irish pot still and grain whiskies with an American Rye Whiskey that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. With tempting notes of candied ginger, vanilla, lemon zest, spice, and sweet biscuits, it was the most awarded new whiskey of 2022 with many notable wins, including International Wine and Spirits Challenge Platinum, Beverage Tasting Institute ‘Best Whiskey in a Highball’ Platinum, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 94, and San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold.

About Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon Whiskey:
The team released Irish + Bourbon in March 2022 as a blend of Irish grain and pot still whiskeys with American Bourbon. Featuring notes of butterscotch sweetness mingling with freshly charred oak from the bourbon barrels, this blend is a uniquely delicious whiskey perfect for bourbon lovers. Like its predecessor, Irish + Bourbon is already winning its own share of accolades, with highlights including International Wine and Spirits Competition’s coveted Platinum Award.

About Keeper’s Heart Whiskey:
Cousins Patrick and Michael O’Shaughnessy founded Keeper’s Heart with the mission to create world-class whiskeys for the occasions in life that connect us and bring people together.

Keeper’s Heart currently produces and matures triple pot distilled whiskeys in the traditional Irish style that will be released over the coming years. These new expressions will allow Keeper’s Heart to showcase how they continue to reimagine whiskey’s traditions.

Based in Minneapolis, Keeper’s Heart is created at The O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co., a state-of-the-art facility that they’re delighted to share with the public. Keeper’s Heart offers distillery tours and events, as well as a world-class bar and restaurant. They also offer a Cask Society program that gives members access to one-of-a-kind releases and special offers.

Follow our journey on Instagram @KeepersHeartWhiskey.