The Battle of Kinsale Whiskey series Launched to International Markets
3 Unique Irish Whiskeys launched in Irish + International markets
The Battle of Kinsale Series from Kinsale Spirit Co.
- Red Earl – Blended
- Great Earl – Single Grain
- Spanish Earl – Single Malt
Cork’s Kinsale Spirit Co. has successfully launched their new product line into the expanding International Irish Whiskey market with a smooth and mellow range of triple casked Whiskeys, The Battle of Kinsale Series, now shipping to the United States, China, and European markets.
Kinsale, nowadays a working harbour renowned for its food, drink, and active leisure pursuits, was the location of the siege and battle of Kinsale in 1601 – 1602 and it has a proactivity and sense of community that inspires Kinsale Spirit Company’s products.
Their whiskey line began in 2021 with the launch of Red Earl Irish Whiskey, and this month the series expands with two new offerings: Great Earl Single Grain Irish Whiskey, and Spanish Earl Single Malt Irish Whiskey.
Who were the three earls? Lead creative at Kinsale Spirit Co., animator Becky Hatchett, has created a striking animated film about these three bold, defiant, and fearless heroes who fought together bravely for Ireland at The Battle of Kinsale. Watch it here: https://tinyurl.com/ThreeEarlsAnimation
Speaking about the launch of the series, Director of Kinsale Spirit Company Ernest Cantillon says ”We were delighted to work with talented West Cork animator Becky Hatchett to tell the story of The Three Earls, as her animation for our series of whiskeys mirrors the passion we have for the historic inspiration behind The Battle of Kinsale Series and where the idea originated from.”
A taster of The Battle of Kinsale series:
Red Earl Blended Irish Whiskey is a combination of ex-bourbon-barrelled grain Irish whiskey and ex-sherry triple distilled malt, matured for 45 months and then merged to spend a further minimum period of 4 months in ex-Rioja casks. The company chose Rioja for its spicy fruits, and as a mark of respect to the resting place of the eponymous Red Earl, Hugh O’Donnell, near to the Rioja region of Spain.
Great Earl Single Grain Irish Whiskey is a combination of Rechar-barrelled grain Irish whiskey and virgin oak grain, matured for 45 months and then merged to spend a further minimum period of 3 months in ex Sangiovese casks, sourced exclusively from the Lazio region of Italy, a nod to the final resting place of the Great Earl, Hugh O’Neill, in Vatican City.
Spanish Earl Single Malt Irish Whiskey starts its ageing in ex-Bourbon casks for nearly 4 years and then is split into two finishing casks, ex Imperial stout and ex aged golden Jamaican rum. The two triple-distilled malt Irish whiskeys are then recombined after at least 3 months apart, and bottled. The stout element is inspired by Spanish General, Juan del Aguila’s, time spent in Cork, renowned the world over for stout production for hundreds of years, while rum, being the preferred drink of seafarers of old, lends sweet toffee to the dark chocolate of the stout.
From Kinsale to Cape Town, the first official overseas launch of The Battle of Kinsale Series will take place at The President Hotel, South Africa, March 19th, as High Sea Spirits presents ‘The Spirit of Ireland’. Here, the three whiskeys will be unveiled to an audience composed of South Africa’s most significant and innovative spirits buyers.
Frank Gormley Chairman Business Ireland South Africa, says “Having lived 10 wonderful years in Cork I’m delighted to be hosting a quality new spirit business from one of my favourite places in the world, Kinsale, to my favourite place, Cape Town. What a perfect match in both place and product. You will get a great Irish welcome at the President Hotel in Bantry Bay which also sits overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. As more and more Irish companies are setting up here its an exciting time to launch in one of the top city destinations in the world.”
Other drinks in Kinsale Spirit Company’s portfolio include the popular, premium, Kinsale Gin. With plans underway to build a distillery in Kinsale, where the production of the products will bring additional employment to the local economy, the growth of Kinsale Spirit Co brands both here, and abroad, is a much welcomed positive news story post pandemic.
The Battle of Kinsale Series whiskeys are now available nationwide in SuperValu, Centra and all good independent stockists. https://kinsalespirit.com/shop-kinsale/
