Michael Flatley launches his first whiskey distilled in Dundalk
Michael Flatley has launched Flatley Whiskey 'The Dreamer', his first signature Irish whiskey from a series of special blends
Riverdance star Michael Flatley has launched Flatley Whiskey 'The Dreamer', his first signature Irish whiskey from a series of special blends, and distilled in the Great Northern Distillery in Dundalk.
Crafted in partnership with Ireland's esteemed Master Blender Noel Sweeney, this premium 5-year-old whiskey is said to embody "the spirit of dreams, passion, and mastery".
The Lord of the Dance is said to have been meticulously involved with the whole process, ensuring that every aspect from the blend to the bottle design reflects a standard of excellence synonymous with his name.
Michael Flatley is a long-time collector of Irish Whiskey. The idea for Flatley Irish Whiskey was brought to life when he began the multimillion pound restoration of his beloved Castlehyde in Cork.
He created a sumptuous wood panelled whiskey room that has housed barrels of his earlier private blend for more than 25 years. With private visits by royalty and celebrities alike, the whiskey room at Castlehyde has been host to many tastings including the first tasting of Flatley's Irish Whiskey.
The Flatley family crest adorning each bottle is a nod to his father, who he says was, and still is, his hero. Like so many Irish, Michael Snr left for the US in 1947 but his love for the home country never left him. His deep influence is clear from Michael's passion for Irish music and dance.
Celebrated for his contributions to Irish dance and culture internationally, Flatley says it has always been his dream to have his own Irish Whiskey and to leave a legacy for the Flatley name. With Michael's US roots and global success and recognition, a highly anticipated launch stateside is planned for later this summer, with a worldwide launch in 2025.
Michael is renowned for his perfectionism in his dance shows and has afforded the same attention to detail across every aspect of creating his whiskey. "For me, Irish whiskey, much like Irish dance, embodies the essence of Ireland—its history, its spirit, and its ability to bring people together in celebration", he commented.
"Irish Whiskey was a favourite of my father's. It was through his passion that I came to appreciate its complex flavours. So, it's a very proud moment to launch Flatley Irish Whiskey, as I know he will be smiling down on me."
Commenting on the reason behind the name The Dreamer, Michael said, "With 'The Dreamer', we're distilling the essence of Irish tradition, the dreams that fuel us and the people that inspire us.
"I brought in the very best team for Flatley Irish Whiskey, led by CEO Jim Clerkin, renowned in the international drinks industry, Master Blender, Noel Sweeney and Pierrick Bouquet who was the genius behind some of the most successful wine and spirits brands internationally. They all understood my vision, my desire to craft a whiskey that would be remembered from the first sip and could be enjoyed by all. The result is an exquisite blend that is rare and bold and I'm very proud of it."
"It's a tribute to the undaunted dreamers who shape the world." The label reads: Savour the spirit of ambition and the warmth of achieving the extraordinary. Dream boldly, savour deeply.
Noel Sweeney, one of the most talented Irish Master Blenders and an inductee into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame, formerly of Cooley Distillery and Powerscourt Distillery, created this impeccable blend with Flatley. Noel said, "I was truly honoured to work with Michael on this collaboration. He is one of Ireland's most prominent and significant ambassadors, enriching our culture through his promotion of Irish dance and music on a truly global scale, and now through whiskey."
Commenting on 'The Dreamer', Noel continued, "This five-year-old triple-cask blend combines grain whiskey and double-distilled malt matured in former bourbon, port, and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The whiskey embodies a quintessential Irish Whiskey style with smooth complexity."
Flatley Whiskey has signed a distribution deal in Ireland with the country's leading premium spirits distributor Dalcassian Wines and Spirits who are stocking bars, hotels, and independent stores throughout Ireland North and South. Grocery retailer SuperValu is also already stocking the whiskey in over 175 stores across the country. It will be launched internationally over the next few years, with an initial release in the United States planned for later this summer.
Priced at a RRP of €45, Flatley Irish Whiskey is now available in stores, bars and hotels throughout the island of Ireland, and online at flatleywhiskey.com. Follow the journey on Instagram and Facebook @FlatleyWhiskey.