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AWARD-WINNING LUXURY IRISH WHISKEY COMPANY, THE CRAFT IRISH WHISKEY CO., LAUNCHES ITS FIRST CONCEPT STORE IN SELFRIDGES LONDON
The ultra-rare collection will be available to purchase in store, including the last remaining bottles of the inaugural release, The Devil’s Keep, and the record-breaking The Emerald Isle, which commanded unprecedented interest at auction, becoming the world’s most expensive whiskey when it sold for $2,000,000 in 2021, overtaking The Macallan 1926 which sold for $1,900,000
London, 12th December 2022 – Throughout December and January, visitors to The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s pop up in Selfridges, London, will be able to see the world’s first and only Fabergé Celtic Egg, along with the rarest Irish single malt in existence, as part of the launch of the whiskey company’s first concept store in the prestigious Wonder Room located on the ground floor.
The full range of ultra-rare Irish single malts will be available for shoppers to view and buy as part of its exclusive retail partnership with Selfridges London and online. It will also be an opportunity to meet the team, including Founder, Jay Bradley and Managing Director, Ian Duignan for an introduction to the world of Irish whiskey and the heritage and craftsmanship behind the brand.
It will feature The Emerald Isle, the company’s second record-breaking release, a seven-piece custom-made whiskey set featuring the rarest Irish single malt in the world, finished in a single, half-filled 40L Pedro Ximénez sherry cask. Items of equal rarity complete the collection, with the world’s first Fabergé Celtic Egg, two ultra-rare Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva 2009 cigars and a unique 1/1 Fabergé watch in 18k rose gold with white mother of pearl face, skilfully etched and hand-painted with 24k rose gold. The Emerald Isle is housed in an exquisitely handcrafted display case, with each bespoke set dedicated to one of the Seven Wonders of Ireland. Purchasers of The Emerald Isle will receive the whiskey through the company’s ‘white glove’ delivery service, with delivery made personally by Founder and CEO, Jay Bradley.
The single malts offer the perfect Christmas gifting opportunity and have gained fans around the world for their exquisitely designed surrounds and complex, rich layers of flavour. Owning the rare single malts has previously been limited to private clients who have been able to visit the company’s head office or speak with a Craft Specialist. Now whiskey fans will be able to view, buy and walk away with their whiskey, from the company’s first ever store.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has developed an innovative approach to the craft of maturation that draws on both science and the traditional art of whiskey-making to build flavour profiles that have taken the whiskey world by storm. It has also redesigned the entire whiskey experience, surrounding each single malt with a story and skilfully crafted accessories that deliver the company’s ‘perfect whiskey experience’.
This approach and skilled knowledge of barrel craft have seen the inaugural release, The Devil’s Keep, awarded the world’s Best Irish Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2022, in addition to more than 20 further top accolades. The business has also been recognised for its design prowess; in 2021, The Brollach won a Master Medal for Design from The Spirits Business Awards and The Devil’s Keep became the first whiskey to win Gold at the prestigious A’Design Awards, while The Taoscán became the second in 2022. In the same year, The Emerald Isle won an exceptional Platinum A’Design Award with a perfect score, making it the #1 luxury design of the year.
While The Devil’s Keep sold out in record time in 2021, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. recently released an extremely limited allocation reserved for Selfridges. Very few remain and this will be the last opportunity to purchase this ultra-rare single malt so buyers are advised to visit the store early in December to be in with a chance of securing one of the last bottles.
The company’s latest ultra-rare single malt, The Aodh will also be available. This trailblazing whiskey is a collaboration with jeweller to the stars, MJ Jones, and features a bespoke ring – one of just 88 – in the obsidian closure of the whiskey. Presented in a bottle and stand that fuse traditional luxury craftsmanship with technological innovation, The Aodh is a never-to-be-repeated Irish whiskey of exceptional rarity. Ownership of The Aodh brings membership of The Craft Circle, an ultra-exclusive Private Members’ Club with a raft of bespoke benefits that have included a three-day yacht party, circuit-side, for the Monaco Grand Prix and a two-day golf tournament with world renowned Michelin-starred and celebrity chefs at the legendary Old Head Golf Links.
In addition to the award-winning whiskeys, the company has created a number of limited-edition Christmas gifts, including gift boxes, obsidian whiskey stones, and cigar cutters. The coveted glasses will also be available to purchase for the very first time. These scientifically designed glasses remove the ethanol vapours that would otherwise hinder the full appreciation of the whiskey’s flavour and have won acclaim for the elevated tasting experience they offer. The glasses are included in the ‘experience boxes’ of the ultra-rare single malts but have never previously been available for sale individually.
Along with picking up thoughtful and luxurious gifts for others, visitors to The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. in Selfridges’ Wonder Room will be able to experience the luxury of the single malts and the passion of the company for themselves. Created by the designer responsible for every one of the company’s award-winning designs, Tiago Russo, the store has been conceived with the same attention to detail that is poured into the products. Through its gallery-like design and the use of the same materials that can be found in the whiskey’s experience boxes, the store will deliver the same immersive experience as the whiskeys. Whether seated at the elegant bar, chatting with the team or invited into the VIP tasting room, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. will bring the immersive and considered beauty that define the designs of the award-winning products.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. launched in Selfridges London’s Wonder Room on 5th December 2022.
About The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is on a mission to restore Ireland’s reputation for crafting the finest whiskeys in the world, elevating its potential as a luxury product. Formed in 2018 by Irish entrepreneur Jay Bradley, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. was born from a desire to return premium Irish whiskey to the heights it once enjoyed. To achieve such a goal has taken a complete reimagining of the craft; honouring centuries of tradition but questioning convention and adding scientific understanding to reinvent the maturation of the whiskey. No expense is spared, no corners are cut.
In 2021, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. became the most highly awarded new company of the year amassing a total of 17 awards across both Taste and Design for four of its ultra-rare whiskey releases. In 2022, the company continued this award-winning streak, adding the world’s Best Irish Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards for The Devil’s Keep, and a perfect score to achieve Platinum at the A’Design Awards for The Emerald Isle. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is the exclusive Michelin Plaque Distribution Partner for The Michelin Guide Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2022.
Michelin UK venue partners include: Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, The Waterside Inn, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Grantley Hall, City Social, Kitchen Table and Frog by Adam Handling. Other partner venues include Nobu Hotel Portman Square, Park Row, Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly and The Ned.
For more information visit www.craftirishwhiskey.com
An icon of the whisky industry with more than two centuries of history, Johnnie Walker has a diverse range of blends with something to suit every palate. Today, the famous bottle is used to say ‘happy birthday’ and ‘merry Christmas’ more than any other whisky in the world.
Here you’ll find a range of great choices for the whisky lover in your life, including custom labels, gift sets and bespoke engraved bottles for extra-special occasions.
Maker’s Mark Private Select Batch 5 TWS Exclusive
This limited edition bourbon was finished in bespoke barrels chosen by our team of experts here at The Whisky Shop
An exclusive for us, this limited edition bourbon was finished in bespoke barrels chosen by our team of experts here at The Whisky Shop. Beginning with a cask strength Maker’s Mark Kentucky Whiskey, the liquid had a final nine-week slumber in our oak stave barrel within their limestone cellar. Our barrel was crafted with a combination of one Baked American P2, seven French Roasted Mendient and two Maker’s 46 staves. Bottled at 55.3%, this is a special whisky made possible through harmonious collaboration.
On the nose, notes of creamy milk chocolate are complimented by marinated fruits. Leading into the palate, we find even more chocolate flavours, still creamy and rich. Orange peel, nutmeg and tonka bean notes follow, along with buckets of vanilla. The finish is long and slightly drying, with mouth coating fruit and nut flavours.
The (first) single malt renaissance
Whisky writer Iain Russell discusses the word-of-mouth successes and surge of interest in single malt Scotch whisky as a category between the 1950s and 1980s.
Does darker = older?
This myth-busting blog series separates the simple mistakes from marketing speak.
New Diploma date added
With the March dates now full, we’ve added a new date in May 2023 (11th & 12th) for the in-person Diploma in Single Malt Whisky at Arniston House. Don’t forget, we also offer 3- and 6-month payment plans, plus a 100% online self-study option for the course.
Wake Up Your Whisky Nose
Set aside an hour for yourself. This standalone module includes a valuable set of sensory skills to help train your nose and build your aroma memory.
Linkwood 1998 23YO Cask #13808
A fantastic example of Linkwood Single Malt.
Sherry influences complement aromas of plump raisin and seville orange zest. Smooth flavours of clementine accompany stewed apple and cinnamon spice. A medium-bodied finish with toasted hazelnut and oak.
Notes: Sherry influences complement aromas of plump raisin and seville orange zest. Smooth flavours of clementine accompany stewed apple and cinnamon spice. A medium-bodied finish with toasted hazelnut and oak. Bottled exclusively for TyndrumWhisky by Gordon & MacPhail.
Bottled at 43% abv, this rich and sumptuous dram wonderfully displays The Macallan’s skill for hand-picking some of the finest casks from around the world.
Part of the Sherry Oak range from The Macallan, this expression spent 25 years maturing in sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez. Bottled at 43% abv, this rich and sumptuous dram wonderfully displays The Macallan’s skill for hand-picking some of the finest casks from around the world. The nose has bonfire smoke, cinnamon, and orange peel. The palate brings more smokiness alongside decadent notes of dried fruits that continue into the long and spicy finish.
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 474: Laphroaig 10 Year Old ‘Pre Warrant’
Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries an older Islay. In 1994 Laphroaig received a visit from Prince (now King) Charles, who gave the distillery a Royal Warrant, something the distillery is of course happy to mention on the label. On this bottle, that warrant is not yet mentioned. And while Mark is not sure when exactly this was bottled, it must have been from before 1994 and consequently contain a whisky that was distilled in the early 1980s.
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Crosses $100 Million Sales Mark
Nearest Green Distillery Is Officially the Most Successful Black-Owned Distillery in the World
SHELBYVILLE, TENN. – Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most-awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey of 2019, 2020, and 2021, announced that its sales exceeded $100 million through October 2022, with an on-track forecast to more than double that total by the end of 2023. Its recently expanded 323-acre distillery has already welcomed more than 100,000 guests with that number increasing significantly every week.
The company was founded by its CEO Fawn Weaver in 2017. She was then joined by Chief Business Officer Katharine Jerkens and, shortly after, Victoria Eady Butler, the great-great-granddaughter of the company’s namesake, Nearest Green, and four-time Master Blender of the Year recipient. Last year, Uncle Nearest announced it had become the best-selling Black American-founded, owned, and led spirit brand in U.S. history. With today’s announcement, the company has taken on the world’s largest. The company’s whiskey portfolio of seven offerings, available at its distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee and in all 50 states, territories, and districts nationwide, ranges in suggested retail price from $49.99 to $149.
“To reach this and every other milestone on our horizon, we continue to push nonstop. Every penny this company has earned has gone back into the business, as well as to put Nearest Green’s college-age descendants through college and to invest in minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs through our Black Business Booster program (BBB), the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative (NJAI) and Uncle Nearest Ventures,” said Weaver. “Every cent we make in the future will continue to do the same. We have an entire generation of women and people of color, who represent 70 percent of our country but still feel marginalized and underrepresented, counting on us. This group continues to look to Uncle Nearest as proof that anything is possible. We will not let them down. With the support of one of the most loyal consumer bases in spirits, we will continue to do the ‘impossible’ so they know, as long as they operate in excellence and refuse to give up, they can achieve whatever their heart believes.”
On Juneteenth 2021, an expanded Nearest Green Distillery opened to the public, a project that has cost approximately $50 million. On Black Friday, the company released its much-anticipated Single Barrel Black Label at the distillery for $79 and sold out of the first set of barrels immediately, requiring an additional bottling before doors opened the following morning.
“I joined the team this year with one mission in mind: to make Nearest Green Distillery one of the top three most visited distilleries in the world,” said Brielle Caruso, Chief Marketing Officer for Nearest Green Distillery, who two years ago made history as the first Asian American female CMO in the spirits industry. “I have no doubt we will achieve that milestone even faster than we crossed the $100 million sales mark.”
“For the longest time, folks were sitting around waiting for us to fail. First, they underestimated us, then they expected us to fail,” said Victoria Eady Butler. “I guess they do that with independent companies owned by women or people of color. Well, more than five years into this level of growth, y’all can stop waiting. We are not a fad or some trendy brand – we are a purpose-driven, mission-oriented company. Uncle Nearest and Nearest Green Distillery aren’t just here to stay, but to grow and sustain at a pace never seen before in our industry.”
About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the first spirits brand in the world to be named after a Black American. The portfolio is the Most Awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey of 2019, 2020 and 2021, with over 600 awards and accolades since the brand’s 2017 launch, including 394 Gold medals or higher, 68 Best in Class honors and an average critic’s score of 92. Uncle Nearest is currently sold in all 50 states and 12 countries, and is sold in more than 25,000 stores, bars, hotels, restaurants, as well as at its 323-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn. For more information, please visit the Uncle Nearest website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.
About Nearest Green Distillery
Nearest Green Distillery is the world’s first distillery to commemorate an African American. Dubbed as “Malt Disney World,” and named by Travel + Leisure as a “true whiskey destination,” the 323-acre property has become known as a full-blown destination for whiskey lovers, history enthusiasts, and families. It is a master class in storytelling and history-making, paying tribute to the three things Tennessee is most known for: Tennessee Whiskey, Tennessee walking horses and Tennessee music.
At Nearest Green Distillery, visitors can purchase Uncle Nearest’s flagship whiskeys as well as exclusive bottles such as the award-winning Uncle Nearest Master Blender Edition Whiskey and Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey. In addition to world-class attractions as the Welcome Center and Philo + Frank’s, the world’s first non-alcoholic speakeasy, guests can indulge in award-winning BBQ at Chuck’s Barrel House BBQ II, or enjoy drinks, food and music at Humble Baron, the world’s largest bar, opening March 2023. For more information or to book a tour, please visit unclenearest.com/distillery.
