Legendary Celtic punk band The Pogues are letting the streams of whiskey flow with the release of their new signature Irish whiskey.
The Pogues, led by singer/songwriter Shane MacGowan, rose to prominence in the 1980s with their rousing mix of traditional Irish music and punk rock. The foray into libations is a natural step, said John O’Connell, co-founder of West Cork Distillers, the band’s distilling partner. “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.”
West Cork Distillers is one of Ireland’s last independent distilleries, and is based in Skibbereen in the heart of West Cork, the cultural home of Irish Whiskey.
The Pogues Irish Whiskey is made from a fine blend of grain and single malt Irish whiskey, and sports an aroma of malts and cracked nuts, with a sweet taste and a smooth intense flavor. The whiskey is said to be Ireland’s highest malt-containing blended Irish whiskey, with 50% grain and 50% single malt liquid.
“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. “It’s wonderful to add to the ranks of great Irish whiskeys and we hope it stands the test of time.”
Watch for The Pogues Irish Whiskey to hit the shelves in the UK in the near future, then move to the United States shortly thereafter. A bottle will retail for about $45.