The Pogues whiskey rolled out in the US

An Irish whiskey produced by one of only two independent whiskey distilleries in Ireland, and endorsed by Celtic punk bank The Pogues, is now available in the US.

Produced by West Cork Distillers, Ireland’s only whiskey producer to still malt its own barley, The Pogues Irish Whiskey is a blend of 50% 10-year single malt Irish whiskey aged in sherry casks and 50% 5-7 year Irish grain whiskey aged in bourbon oak casks. It’s crafted in small batches in handmade copper stills at West Cork’s distillery in Skiberdeen.

The resulting whiskey is described as having an “aroma of malts and cracked nuts, with a sweet taste and a smooth, intense flavor”.

“It’s been brilliant working with the team at West Cork Distillers in creating a whiskey that we all think reflects our spirit and energy, and that we all enjoy the taste of,” said Shane MacGowan, lead singer of The Pogues. “It’s wonderful to add a product bearing our name to the ranks of great Irish whiskeys, and we think it will stand the test of time.”

Having launched in the UK last year, the whiskey is now making its debut in the US and will be available through MS Walker – a New England based importer and distributor – in time for St Patrick’s Day with an RRP of $39.99 for 750ml.

“The Pogues Irish Whiskey represents the ideal blending of tradition and quality from our friends at West Cork, and the rich Irish heritage and culture of the band,” said Justin Shaw, vice president of brand and market strategy at MS Walker. “We can’t wait for American aficionados of the band and whiskey, new and old, to enjoy their first taste.”

Fronted by singer Shane MacGowan, The Pogues are a Celtic punk band from London who formed in 1982. The band reached international prominence in the 1980s, but are perhaps best known for their classic Christmas duet, Fairytale in New York, with Kirsty MacColl.

In the UK, the whiskey is available in the UK through Halewood International with an RRP of £30.