Celebrating July 4th with Bourbon and Irish Whiskey
Join us at Pearse Lyons Distillery, to celebrate July 4th, American Independence, as we raise a glass of Town Branch Bourbon to toast our two stateside sister distilleries, Town Branch and Duelling Barrels. To celebrate all that is great about Kentucky Bourbon, all visitors during July 1 to 7, will have the opportunity to taste the difference between our classic Town Branch Bourbon and our Pearse Irish Whiskey range. For those Bourbon and whiskey fanatics, or for those who want to increase their knowledge of these unique spirits, this is a fantastic opportunity to taste the distinctive styles side-by-side, for FREE!
What is Bourbon you ask?
Bourbon whiskey must be made from a grain mixture, which is at least 51 percent corn. Much like how Irish Whiskey must be made in Ireland, Bourbon can only be labelled as Bourbon if it was made in the United States. The spirit must be distilled to no more than 80 percent alcohol (160 proof) and be no more than 62.5% when put into casks for ageing in new charred oak barrels. Bourbon has no minimum ageing period, but to call your product Straight Bourbon it must be aged for no less than two years (and can have no added colouring, flavour or other spirits added).
How does Irish Whiskey Compare?
Irish whiskey is pretty much any whiskey aged in the Republic of Ireland or in Northern Ireland and must be distilled to an ABV of less than 94.8. It must be made from a yeast-fermented grain mash in such a way that the distillate has an aroma and flavour derived from the materials used. You are free to use any cereal grains, but if you mix two or more distillates (grain and/or malt) it must be labelled as a blend. Finally, Irish whiskey must be aged for at least three years in wooden casks.
Where do the barrels fit in?
Did you know that only virgin oak casks can be used to create Kentucky Bourbon? This gives us an opportunity to reuse the bourbon casks to create a unique finish that gives our Irish whiskey rich, sweet notes. Thanks to our sister site, Town Branch Distillery, we have an abundance of ex-Bourbon oak casks, which are used not only to store our whiskey but also our Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.
The special Bourbon tasting is part of our general admission ticket and will take place during July 1 to 7, 2018.
You can purchase a general admission ticket by clicking here or on the ‘Book Tickets’ button at the top right-hand side of your screen.
For more information please contact info@pearselyonsdistillery.com or call us on +353 (0) 1 6916000.
