Beam rolls out 2 Gingers Irish whiskey

Beam has begun rolling out its newly-acquired Irish whiskey brand 2 Gingers across the US.

Formerly only available in Minnesota, where brand founder Kieran Folliard owns an Irish whiskey bar, 2 Gingers is now being launched in several US states including Chicago, Iowa, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, with more to come.

The whiskey has been produced at the Kilbeggan distillery in Ireland since its launch in 2011, under a supply contract with Cooley.

After Beam bought the Cooley business in December 2011, it severed all existing supply contracts but opted to buy the 2 Gingers brand from Folliard for an undisclosed sum in December 2012.

“The brand is dedicated to those, who like me, choose to actively pursue their passions, and I hope the spirit of our whiskey will inspire consumers across the Midwest to follow their own,” said Folliard, who is now chief operating officer for 2 Gingers and chief US brand ambassador for Kilbeggan Distilling Company.

The 2 Gingers brand reported impressive – yet undisclosed – growth in its first year despite being exclusively available in Minnesota.

A blended Irish whiskey that is double-distilled, 2 Gingers is positioned as a mixable spirit.