Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey arrives in Oz

The Dublin Liberties Distillery has launched The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey in Australia.

Inspired by the notorious Irish street gang, The Dead Rabbits, active in New York City in the late 19th century, the new whiskey is a collaboration between world-renowned The Liberties’ Irish Whiskey Master Distiller, Daryl McNally, and The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog co-founders, Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon.

The Dublin Liberties Global Brand Ambassador, Geoff Speiran, announced the launch at an exclusive trade event held at Burrow Bar in Sydney last week.

Speiran said: “We’re excited for The Dublin Liberties to make their debut in Australia with The Dead Rabbit. This premium whiskey was created having both flavour and adaptability in mind for consumers who seek new drinking experiences in both classic and new cocktails.”

“Crowned the World’s Best Bar in 2016, The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog is a lively Irish pub in Lower Manhattan boasting craft cocktails and an extensive whiskey list. Whilst owners, Jack and Sean, hail from Belfast in Northern Ireland, this whiskey and their bar is a nod to the Irish American gang lead by the infamous John Morrisey in the mid to late 1800s, known far and wide for their swagger, their bravado and their attitude,” concludes Speiran.

The unique five-year-old blend of Irish malt and grain whiskey is aged in seasoned bourbon barrels and then finished in smaller, hand-crafted, first-fill American Oak barrels, adding depth and character. Approachable yet full of flavour, The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey palate is described as smooth vanilla and caramel notes upfront, followed by nutmeg, milky coffee and macadamia, finishing with a tickle of black pepper and suited to the daring whiskey explorers.

The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey caters to the thriving Irish whiskey category in Australia, which has experienced +14% growth in value, while whiskey remains the number one spirit category.

Commenting on the launch, SouthTrade International Brand Manager, Jon Prew said: “This is a great opportunity to welcome The Dublin Liberties Distillery to the market and contribute to the growth of the Irish whiskey category in Australia as consumers continue to seek brands with unique stories. The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey will provide bartenders with not only a flavourful whiskey, but a great yarn to tell their customers.”

The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey is now available at select on premise bars through SouthTrade International, with The Dublin Liberties Oak Devil and Copper Alley to follow in the coming months.