THE IWSA'S FIRST CASK!

The IWSA has secured a cask from The Powerscourt Distillery in County Wicklow. The ex-bourbon cask was filled with new Single Malt at 64.1% abv. The first cask filled in 2019 is now officially whiskey having aged for 44 months. Required aging for the Cask Programme is 10 years and should yield ~300 bottles at 46% abv. Refer to our news story for additional information and details on the cask and distillery. Better yet, join us for a special virtual event where we will discuss the cask program and sample special Fercullen trilogy packs from Powerscourt Distillery.

IWSA MEMBER EVENT

Join us for this virtual event to celebrate our first IWSA cask from Powerscourt Distillery and sample their core range of Fercullen whiskeys. This is a great opportunity to hear more about the cask programme and sample whiskeys not available in the USA. We will discuss the Powerscourt Distillery, the Powerscourt Estate, future plans including new whiskey releases, and our group visit in 2023. Sign up here on our website.

IWSA ANNIVERSARY TOAST

LAST CALL. Join us on September 30th for a virtual zoom toast to celebrate the IWSA 10 year anniversary. A great opportunity to share our Limited Edition Anniversary bottling from IrishAmerican. More details and sign up for this free member event here.

IWSA IRELAND TRIP 2023

An update on our planned IWSA member trip in May 2023. Part of our itinerary will include a short trip south to County Wicklow. There we will spend an afternoon visiting the Powerscourt Distillery, taking pictures with our IWSA cask stored in the warehouse, and sampling Fercullen whiskey expressions. For our nightcap, we will travel a few short miles back towards Dublin, and visit Ireland's highest pub, Johnnie Fox's. Our visit to this iconic pub will include dinner and a show featuring music and Irish dancing. If interested reach out with questions and/or get on the list. More details here.

IRISH WHISKEY of the MONTH

McConnell's sherry cask finish blend is the second release of the reborn iconic Irish whiskey from Belfast. The brand was introduced to US markets in early 2020 with its emerald green label and ex-bourbon cask aging at 42% abv. Their second expression, released in the USA this past June, takes the 5 year old blend and finishes it in Oloroso sherry casks before bottling at a higher 46% abv. It is widely available for ~$40. Belfast Distillery Company, now owned by US investors, has resurrected the brand and is moving forward with their approved new distillery and visitor center plan in a former jail. Read more about the McConnell's history here and take note of the brand's whisky spelling without the 'e'.

NEWS & STORIES

Irish whiskey was certainly in the news over the past month. Read about the US purchase of Natterjack, Midleton expansion plans, & Booming Irish whiskey sales. Also, check out the following stories: Whiskey is the new Superfood, the Science of Adding Water to Whiskey, Sourcing Whiskey, & more here>>>.

IRISH PUB of the MONTH

This month we venture to the land of 1000 lakes for our Irish pub experience. Morrissey's is a great neighborhood pub in Minneapolis which serves in excess of 50 Irish whiskeys! An extensive menu of traditional Irish pub fare including the Full Irish breakfast along with a great Guinness pour and diverse cocktails are all part of the charming atmosphere. As an added bonus they host Notre Dame football game watches. Go Irish!

LIQUOR STORE of the MONTH

Norfolk Wine & Spirits, located about 30 miles south west of Boston, is owned and operated by Bikram Singh who promotes his love of spirits through the club Norfolk Whisky Group (NFG). In store tastings with extensive lineups are routine allowing patrons plenty of opportunity to sample before purchase. A special thanks from the IWSA for helping facilitate bringing the Limited Commemorative Edition Anniversary bottle to market. Given September is the kickoff to football season, it seems appropriate to choose a liquor store neighboring Gillette Stadium.

Go Pats!

"Nobody puts Baby in the Corner" was made famous 35 years ago this month with the release of the movie Dirty Dancing. Well, it's OK to put Irish Whiskey in the corner when you stockpile this type of brand selection. Have the time of your life shopping for your favorite Irish tipple here.

Have a favorite local liquor store that features Irish whiskey? Let us know here so we can tell everyone about it.

COCKTAIL of the MONTH

This month's cocktail is a personal creation and favorite. The Dingle Donkey is a takeoff on the classic Moscow Mule. While not whiskey-based, it does have ties to the Dingle Distillery in County Kerry. Even better, it tastes great and is easy to make. For those who are intimidated about making their own cocktails this simple recipe takes little time and requires minimal preparation.