07 March 2019

Paddy Irish Whiskey is launching a series of events throughout the country called “The Spirit of Paddy”, honouring a very special Irishman and Corkonian, the namesake of the drink, Paddy Flaherty. As a nod to Paddy’s heritage, the launch event will take place in Cork city, on Wednesday 6th of March, in Rearden’s Bar on Washington Street. As well as paying homage to Paddy, the launch and the series of events that will be taking place across the country, is celebrating this iconic, historic brand that predates many other well-known Irish whiskeys.

Paddy, who was born in the heart of Cork on Maylor Street, joined the Cork Distilleries Company as a commercial traveller in 1882 and retired after nearly 40 years in 1921. On his travels as a salesman in Cork City and its surrounding towns and villages, he traditionally bought a round of drinks for everyone in the pubs he frequented and so people began to know this drink as “Paddy’s whiskey”. Paddy was as beloved as the whiskey which he sold, he wasn’t just associated with the whiskey, the whiskey was associated with him. In 1913 it was made official and the whiskey has been known as “Paddy” ever since.

On the special night in Cork to launch “The Spirit of Paddy”, invited guests will be sampling specially themed cocktails, including the iconic “Paddy Cocktail”, created by Harry Craddock of the Savoy Hotel. Paddy Whiskey was the only Irish whiskey to feature in Harry’s famous 1930’s Book “The Savoy Cocktail Book” and it is this 1930’s cocktail that will be recreated on the night. There will also be a Cork take on the “Ginger Paddy” and a very special Irish Coffee being brewed on the night.

Entertainment will be provided by Cork’s neo-trad band Moxie - and there will be a premier performance from another Cork legend John Spillane, who will be unveiling his own unique tribute in song to Paddy Flaherty - specially commissioned in honour of “The Spirit of Paddy”.

George Roberts, Country Manager of Hi-Spirits Ireland stated “It is only fitting that we launch “The Spirit of Paddy” in Paddy’s home city and we look forward to raising a glass to the man himself on the night as well as celebrating Paddy Whiskey’s amazing and authentic heritage. Paddy was a trailblazer and we wish to celebrate this fantastic man, the whiskey he felt passionate about and which is now being enjoyed by the next generation of trailblazers - in Cork, in Ireland and beyond.”

For further information on “The Spirit of Paddy” events and activities, follow Paddy @PaddyWhiskeyIreland on Instagram and @PaddyIrishWhiskeyIreland on Facebook.