Exciting news.
Diageo today announced plans for investment in a whiskey distillery in the once Power Station at St. James’s Gate.
Irish whiskey is the fastest growing spirit in the world and with global sales increasing by over 300%, Diageo have launched a new premium Blended Irish Whiskey called Roe & Co.
Roe & Co is named in honour of George Roe, the famous whiskey maker who contributed to the golden age of Irish Whiskey in the 19th Century.
Blender Caroline Martin and her team have been working on the whiskey since December 2014 and have trialled over 100 different prototype blends.
Roe & Co is non-chill filtered and bottled at 45% ABV with the brewers saying: “Its creamy vanilla balanced with its hints of fruit and soft spice and a remarkable depth for such an elegant and refined whiskey.”
The total project investment in the distillery and whiskey comes to €25 million (£18.6 million) over three years. The first blend of Roe & Co will be available in European cities from March 1, 2017.
The new St. James’s Gate distillery, will be situated just a stone’s throw away from where the George Roe and Co distillery once stood and subject to planning approval will begin production in the first half of 2019.
Speaking at the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD said:
“Irish Whiskey is experiencing a renaissance and is truly an Irish success story. It is seeing a return to the success it experienced in its golden era in the 19th Century and is now the fastest growing spirit drink in the world with global sales increasing by over 300% and record exports of over €400 million* in the last ten years.
“This commitment and investment by Diageo comes at an opportune time for the sector which is experiencing unprecedented global demand. €25 million investment in this project over 3 years will support the local economy, create jobs, and bring a welcome new addition to the City tourism offering. The Irish Whiskey market has a great story to tell and today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter in its development.”
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