Celtic punk band the Pogues have launched their own brand of Irish whiskey.
The band have teamed up with West Cork Distillers to produce the whiskey which will be simply called ‘The Pogues’.
The Pogues, who are fronted by hard-drinking singer-songwriter Shane MacGowan, would appear to be a good fit for such a product – they have even written and sang songs about whiskey and the ‘rare old mountain dew’.
Terry Woods of the Pogues said: “The distillery approached the band and we thought it was a grand idea. It’s been fun! I don’t think the Pogues and aftershave or kitchen utensils would work…but whiskey yeah.”
His sentiments were echoed by the whiskey makers.
Co-founder of West Cork Distillers John O’Connell said: “The Pogues offer a perfect partnership. 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.”
The whiskey will be marketed primarily to people aged between 25 and 35. It will cost around €42 ($46) per 75cl bottle.
It is a blend of grain and 50% single malt, making it the highest malt-containing blended Irish whiskey.
The Irish post says: “It has an aroma of malt, cracked nuts, almond and a slight sweetness and its smooth intensity delivers a palate that is malty and floral with a mild chocolate taste and lingering citrus.”
The drink was launched at the weekend in the rock’n’roll settings of the Boogaloo bar in North London.
Delighted to be the very first bar in the World to stock #pogues #whiskey #london Pls #RT pic.twitter.com/KFbORxz5GS
— The Boogaloo (@TheBoogaloo) July 26, 2015
A statement from the Pogues said: “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.”
The drink has proved a success with whiskey lovers at the launch.
Boogaloo owner Gerry O’Boyle said: “It smells like honey and it’s got 50 per cent more malt than Jameson.”
Amanda Baiden of Touch PR added: “It’s been brilliant. I think the whole spirit of the whiskey has come to life with the Pogues.”
The Pogues bass player Darryl Hunt said: ““I’m pleasantly surprised at the taste of the whiskey, I think the young people will like it! I enjoyed visiting Cork before and hope to see the distillery one day.”
The Pogues whiskey is currently available through Halewood International
Or check it out on the Pogues website.
Here is the video for the classic Pogues song ‘Streams of Whiskey’.
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