Kilbeggan Distillery releases first new whiskey in over 53 Years

For over 200 years, the Kilbeggan Distillery produced some of the finest whiskey in the world.  In 1957 the stills ran dry but 50 years later Cooley Distillery, the multi-award winning independent whiskey distiller, breathed new life into the world’s oldest distillery and today, the first new whiskey to be distilled at Kilbeggan in over 53 years was officially unveiled at an intimate gathering at the Kilbeggan Distillery in Co. Westmeath.

The Kilbeggan Distillery Reserve Malt, the latest addition to the Kilbeggan family of fine whiskeys, is produced from the oldest pot still in the world which dates back to 1830. The Kilbeggan Distillery itself was established in 1757 and is the oldest distillery in the world.

Fittingly the local heritage group was in attendance to witness the launch of the new whiskey as they played a key role in ensuring the survival of the distillery during the years it lay dormant.  Also in attendance were distillery employees, without whom the world’s oldest still could not have been brought back to life.  All gathered at this momentous event received a signed bottle of the first batch.

The whiskey world has waited in anticipation for half a century for the first new bottling from the historic Kilbeggan distillery. (more…)

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Yes, our first for the year…

When: March 2nd
Where: Lark Distillery
Time: 7pm
Price: $70.00

So… who’s up for coming along?

^{RSVPs:
Richard Stewart
Tim Duckett + Irene
Jim Woodward
Will Skinner
Steve Townsend
Bill Lark
Patrick Maguire
John Burgess + 4 Guests
Philip Millin
Mark Nicholson
Mark Murton + 7 Guests
Tony Attwood
Justin Plunkett
Stephen Bridge
Kevin Fraser
Brian Ritchie
Gordon Duff}

29 so far…

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Ireland’s Independent Whiskey Distillery Romps to Victory at the IWSC

Cooley Distillery, Irelands only independent Irish whiskey distillery, has won a record 9 Gold Medals at the 2008 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC).

This was the first time that an Irish whiskey distiller managed to collect 9 IWSC Gold Medals, including 8 “Best in Class”. IWSC medals, awarded on a strict points system, are the most prestigious honours bestowed to the drinks industry as they recognise the elite in the world of wine and spirits.

Cooley’s golden run continues from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition where the Louth based distiller won 6 double gold medals earlier this year.

“2008 has been our most successful year to date. Winning 21 Gold Medals, between the IWSC and San Francisco World Spirits Competition, in the year of our 21st birthday, shows how our distillery and our whiskey has truly come of age” said Jack Teeling, Marketing Director for Cooley Distillery.

The independent distillery’s overall medal tally of 15 eclipsed all other Irish whiskey companies at the prestigious IWSC with Cooley’s top Irish rival managing to collect (more…)

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Irelands Independent Whiskey Distiller Wins 6 Double Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

There may not be much hope of Ireland claiming any gold medals in the Beijing Olympics later this year but Cooley Distillery, Ireland’s only independent whiskey distiller, flew the Irish flag with distinction at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition claiming 6 prestigious Double Gold Medals.

This was the first time that an Irish whiskey distiller managed to collect 6 Double Gold Medals and the success did not end there for the Co. Louth outfit as they also claimed a Gold Medal for their Kilbeggan 15 Year Old Whiskey. Cooley’s Medal tally of 15 eclipsed all other (more…)

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Cooley Distillery plc, Ireland’s only Independent Irish whiskey distillery, won three highly coveted awards at the Icons of Whisky 2007 ceremony held in London last week.

• Irish Distiller of the Year
• Irish Whiskey Innovator of the Year
• John Teeling, Chairman of Cooley Distillery plc, Ambassador of the Year

The Icons of Whisky Awards were launched six years ago to celebrate the people and places behind the whiskey industry. Set up by The Whisky Magazine, entrants are selected and voted on by independent whiskey industry members resulting in an unbiased competition.

In the Irish Distiller category, Cooley was up against stiff competition with both (more…)

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