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Punk band The Pogues launches Irish whiskey

Members of the Irish folk and punk band The Pogues have teamed up with West Cork Distillers to launch a new brand of Irish whiskey.

The Pogues Irish Whiskey is said to be the highest malt content of any blended Irish whiskey

The Pogues Irish Whiskey is targeted towards 25 to 35-year-old drinkers and is said to be Ireland’s highest malt-containing blended Irish whiskey, with 50% grain and 50% single malt liquid.

The whiskey, described as having a “malty and floral” flavour with notes of mild chocolate and citrus, was developed by distillers Barry Walsh and Frank McHardy.

“We wanted to create an Irish whiskey with global appeal, which isn’t without its challenges,” said John O’Connell, co-founder of West Cork Distillers.

“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.”

Halewood International has been appointed to distribute the brand in the UK, while West Cork Distillers is working with 16 partners in Europe, Australia, Japan, the US, and Canada to establish global distribution.

“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,” said The Pogues, famed for hits such as Fairytale of New York. “It’s wonderful to add to the ranks of great Irish whiskeys and we hope it stands the test of time.”

The Pogues Irish Whiskey will soon the available across the UK at an RRP of £30.

Rumours circulated last year that members of fellow Irish whiskey band The Script were planning to move in to the Irish whiskey sector after they purchased an entire barrel from Kilbeggan Distillery.

Earlier this year, trade body the Irish Whiskey Association revealed its “ambitious” new strategy to increase the global spirits marketshare of Irish whiskey by 300% over the next 15 years.

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