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The Pogues band launches an Irish whiskey

West Cork Distillers has launched an Irish whiskey inspired by and developed in conjunction with internationally acclaimed band, The Pogues.

A collaboration between two distillers, Barry Walsh and Frank McHardy, the whiskey is a blend of grain and 50% single malt Irish whiskey making it Ireland’s highest malt-containing blended Irish whiskey.

“We wanted to create an Irish whiskey with global appeal, which isn’t without its challenges,” says John O’Connell, co-founder of West Cork Distillers, one of only three independent whiskey distilleries in Ireland. “The Pogues offer a perfect partnership as they share many of the same values as our company such as an independent spirit, a slightly unorthodox approach and a commitment to quality, as well as success on the international stage.”

Commenting on the partnership, The Pogues band says: “It’s been brilliant working with such experts to come up with a whiskey that we all think reflects our spirit and that we all like the taste of. It’s wonderful to add to the ranks of great Irish whiskeys and we hope it stands the test of time.”

Created for a younger target audience of 25-35-year-olds, West Cork Distillers has appointed Halewood International, the UK’s largest independent drinks manufacturer and distributor, to take the brand to market in the UK. The distillery is also working with more than 16 partners across Europe, Australia, Japan, the US and Canada to establish The Pogues Irish Whiskey as a global brand.

The whiskey will be sold in the UK for an RRP of £30.

“We are delighted to be working with West Cork Distillers to bring The Pogues Irish Whiskey to the attention of the UK consumer. It is a premium whiskey with excellent quality credentials which we are confident will attract the attention of fans of The Pogues as well as Irish whiskey lovers in general," says Stewart Hainsworth CEO Halewood International.