Local whiskey lovers are in for a treat as a series of unique events will take place across Northern Ireland in the run up to World Whisky Day and beyond.
The global celebration, which takes place on 20 May, invites the public to ‘try a dram and celebrate the water of life’.
Closer to home, Dillon Bass – owners of the largest Irish whiskey portfolio in Northern Ireland, including iconic brands, Jameson, Powers and Redbreast – will lead the charge, hosting a series of special events throughout the month of May.
The iconic Powers Irish whiskey brand is at the heart of the celebrations, as an official partner of this year’s World Whisky Day. Local Belfast whiskey aficionado, Joe Magowan, Powers Irish Whiskey Ambassador at Dillon Bass, will also be on hand to share his whiskey wisdom, provide tips on the perfect pairings and much more.
Here’s a taste of the events taking place in on the run up to World Whisky Day and beyond…
Powers Three Swallows Customer Samplings
Milestone Service Station, Rathfriland, Newry, Friday 19 May, 4pm- 8pm
McSwiggans, Magherafelt, Saturday 20 May 4pm-8pm
The perfect opportunity to try a complimentary sample of the 21st century embodiment the traditional Irish Pot Still whiskey – Powers Three Swallow is robust, spicy and powerful. For further information, contact Milestone Service Station on 028 4063 0336 or McSwiggans on 028 7963 3370.
Sunflower Boilermaker Evening
Sunflower Public House, Belfast, Wednesday 24 May, 7.30pm, £15
The traditional boilermaker combined a shot of whiskey, chased by a glass of bear. From humble beginnings in 19th Century Pennsylvania, steelmakers were said to have drank a shot of whiskey, chased by a glass of beer, after a tough day of factory life.
Visit popular Belfast bar, the Sunflower Public House, to experience three expertly paired Irish whiskeys and local beers, including Jameson Caskmates and Boundary Export Stout; Powers Three Swallow and Northbound Pale Ale and Redbreast 15-Year-Old and Farmageddon Mosaic IPA. Tickets can be purchased directly from the Sunflower Bar on 028 9023 2474.
Bailies Coffee & Powers Event
Finegan & Son, Newry, 1 June
Join Joe Magowan in Finegan & Son, Newry, for an innovative coffee and Powers Irish Whiskey event in conjunction with Bailies Coffee. Mini burgers will be matched with whiskey and a twist on an Irish coffee, created. This is an experience you will not want to miss. Tickets can be purchased from Finegan & Son on 028 3025 7141.
Commenting on the events, Joe Magowan, Powers Irish Whiskey Ambassador at Dillon Bass, said: “World Whisky Day is about making whiskey fun and enjoyable for everyone, whether you are an experienced whiskey drinker or a total novice that’s never tried it before.
“Through a series of fun, diverse events, taking place across Northern Ireland, we want to share our whiskey wisdom and show how Irish whiskey can appeal to everyone and the many ways it can be enjoyed. Whether it’s served neat, on the rocks or mixed, there’s now more ways than ever to enjoy Irish whiskey than ever before.”
For more whiskey wisdom and for upcoming announcements about World Whisky Day events and activities in Northern Ireland, visit www.whiskeyclub.com
or connect with Powers Irish Whiskey on Facebook and Twitter, @PowersWhiskeyNI