There’s a new whiskey in town: Prizefight Irish Whiskey

Dublin, Ireland – In earlier times, Irishmen journeyed to America, where they forged their character with resolve and their fists. Each bottle tells the stories of the boxing legends who came with nothing and fought for everything.  Prizefight is a collaborative Irish whiskey, distilled and aged in Ireland, and finished in American rye casks from Tamworth Distilling. The result is incredibly complex whiskey: a smooth and mellow spirit that packs a punch but never burns.

Pugilist Spirit’s Flor Prendergast wanted to create an Irish whiskey, so he called upon spirits maverick Steven Grasse, who came up with an idea for something new — a fine Irish whiskey finished in American rye casks. Making this idea a reality required collaboration between two craft distillers: one in Ireland, and the other in America. So, they reached out to West Cork Distilling to create the whiskey, and Grasse’s own distillery, Tamworth Distilling in New Hampshire to arrange the finishing. Together, they produced a fresh, clean whiskey with fruit and floral notes that gets a hit of spice from the rye cask finish.

Inspired by the Irish-American connection, Grasse had the idea to call the whiskey Prizefight and use the brand to tell the incredible stories of the Irish who came to America and became the greatest fighters of their day. The bottle’s label immortalizes the fight between John Morrissey and Yankee Sullivan, which took place at Boston Corners, New York, on October 12, 1853. Two of the most famous Irish-born fighters of their day, both Morrissey and Sullivan ended up in New York, making their names in barroom brawls as well as well-publicized fights like this one, with over five thousand spectators.

Yankee Sullivan is 40 years old and stands five feet seven inches. John Morrissey is only 22, and a half-foot taller. In front of five thousand spectators, they met knuckle to knuckle in a makeshift ring in Boston Corners, an abandoned brickyard just outside police jurisdiction. Quick and nimble, Sullivan outpunches Morrissey five to one, but Morrissey hits like a freight train. After thirty-seven rounds, Morrissey grabs Sullivan by the neck and lifts him off his feet. As fans swarm the ring, Sullivan swings and knocks Morrissey out cold, but Morrissey is still named the winner, as Sullivan failed to come up to the scratch.

The brand debuted at Whiskey Live on Saturday November 5th, the first opportunity for whiskey lovers and the general public to sample the exciting new product. Prizefight Irish Whiskey will be available in select bars and retailers in Dublin, as well as in an exclusive gift box at the Dublin Duty Free and selected independent off licenses.

Tasting Notes: Fresh and clean with fruit, floral, and spice notes. Sweet and refreshing up front, followed by a subtle hit of bitterness and a spicy finish.
Colour: Pale to medium gold colour, bright and clear.
Nose: Complex, fruity nose reminiscent of melons and mangoes at the forefront, with underlying aromas of fresh green plants.
Palate: Clean, fresh, and slightly sweet with a smooth, spicy finish.
Suggested Serve: Served best neat, or on the rocks.

About Quaker City Mercantile – www.quakercitymercantile.com

A hybrid of 19th century mercantilism and 21st century brand artistry. Quaker City Mercantile creates brands from the ground up and brings them to market. This includes all aspects of manufacturing, distribution and marketing. Steve Grasse, founder of QCM, has created breakthrough products including Hendricks Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum and Art in the Age Spirits. He also spearheaded the wildly successful rebranding of Narragansett Beer. Steven believes in creating enduring brands and products with rich backstories that people can truly care about.
More info
For more info about this brand new whiskey, have a look on prizefightwhiskey.com. I’ll be sharing some of my favourite cocktail recipes featuring Prizefight on my blog very soon as well so make sure to check back soon!

Want to try the whiskey? Plan a trip to Tippletown! Tippletown is a free festival, celebrating the world of great drinks returns to Wigwam 54 Middle Abbey street this 18-20 November. Prizefight Whiskey and Boxcutter Barbershop join forces to present a Gentlemens Salon at Tippletown. Get your hair cut, beard trimmed and lines tightened by Boxcutter Barbershop while you sip on an old fashioned, a manhattan or a straight courtesy of Prizefight Whiskey, Ireland’s first whiskey with a rye cask finish. A trim and a cocktail is just €12 and runs from 12pm to 8pm on Sunday 20th of November at Tippletown.
“Is minic a bhris béal duine a shrón”