April 24th 2021: 105 years to the day that 7 members of the Provisional Government of the Irish Republic announced separation from the United Kingdom.
The seven signatories of the Irish Proclamation (from the left): Pádraig Pearse, James Connolly, Thomas Clarke, Thomas MacDonagh, Sean MacDermott, Joseph Plunkett & Eamonn Ceannt. All of whom were executed by the British Government for their efforts in trying to secure a free Ireland!
At four minutes past noon on Easter Monday, April 24th, 1916, from the steps of the General Post Office Patrick 'Pádraig' Pearse read the Proclamation of the Republic.
The famous words of the Irish Proclamation - POBLACHT NA h-EIREANN, were immortalised into their distinctive print by three lesser-known Dubliners, William O’Brien, Michael Molloy and Christopher Joseph Brady, the printers of the Irish Proclamation document.
Printed secretly during this time, the original document was created in two parts as the men had insufficient type to print the document all at once. Distinctive font along with a spurious ‘e’ are additional hallmarks of the original Proclamation, which together add another layer to a story in time, part of the backdrop to a significant period in Irish history.
Launched in 2020, Proclamation Irish Whiskey was created in honour of O’Brien, Molloy and Brady, to acknowledge the important role these unsung heroes played over a century ago in Dublin. A blended Irish Whiskey, created from the finest Irish grain and malt whiskeys, Proclamation Irish Whiskey is distilled and aged in new American Oak. It is a singularly smooth whiskey of complex character with a refined, clean taste. Matured in bourbon casks, the blend includes a touch of sherry finished malt to give a rounded, toasted finish.
Speaking about Proclamation Irish Whiskey, Managing Director Stephen Cope says “We have worked with our team of spirits experts, some of Ireland and the world’s leading technical specialists, craftspeople and spirits professionals to create this award-winning whiskey. From the concept, historical reference and labelling through to the blending and creation of the finished liquid, this whiskey has been expertly crafted through collaboration. This is a beautifully presented whiskey, an original Irish blend of singular taste and exceptional quality.”
Attention to detail has been paramount through all aspects of the whiskey creation and presentation, with the label design reflecting the physical attributes of the Proclamation. Blind embossing of the label and distinctive fonts including the spurious ‘e’ were specially redrawn to emulate those of the original document to celebrate Ireland’s independent spirit and pay homage to the work of the three printers.
The whiskey itself has been handcrafted for distinctive character and complexity, matured to perfection in expertly selected casks for depth of flavour. Tasting notes reveal an abundance of fruit and creaminess with a mellow finish:
TASTING NOTES:
NOSE: First to be revealed is ripe Williams pear, followed by an abundance of apricot and crème brulée notes. Slowly developing through to rich custard, freshly brewed cappuccino and ending with woody notes.
PALATE: Front loaded notes of toasted brioche, freshly baked pastry and overtones of macerated yellow fruits. Fusions of tannins on the mid-palate with a robust yet rounded finish.
FINISH: Overwhelmingly smooth and creamy with a mellow finish, with hints of toasted cereal.
Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey is available in a new look gift pack including an illustration of the then Sackville Street (O’Connell Street).
Available in selected SuperValu stores, Carry Out Off Licences and independent retailers nationwide, Proclamation Irish Whiskey retails at €35 RRP.
For further information, visit www.proclamationwhiskey.com.
Slán go fóill,