Halewood raises its glass to Pogues Irish Whiskey

HALEWOOD International, the Liverpool alcoholic drinks manufacturer and distributor, has acquired a 50% stake in The Pogues Irish Whiskey.

The deal was struck with Irish band The Pogues, whose members Shane MacGowan, Jem Finer, Andrew Ranken, Spider Stacy, James Fearnley, Terry Woods, and Darryl Hunt retain ownership of the remaining 50% of the brand.

West Cork Distillers, one of only two independently owned and operated distilleries in Ireland, developed The Pogues Irish Whiskey in 2015.

While West Cork Distillers continues to hold global distribution rights, it has awarded Halewood distribution rights for Halewood core markets, including UK, South Africa, Romania, China and Global Travel Retail.

The Pogues Irish Whiskey is a blend of 50% 10-year single malt Irish whiskey aged in sherry oak casks and seven year old single malt Irish whiskey aged in bourbon oak casks and 50% four year Irish grain whiskey aged in bourbon oak casks.

West Cork is Ireland’s only whiskey producer to malt its own barley, which it says enables precision and control over flavour profile.  It is distilled using ingredients indigenous to Ireland, including locally grown grain and spring water from the River Ilen and is crafted in small batches in handmade copper stills at West Cork’s distillery in Skibbereen.

Privately-owned Huyton firm Halewood is behind brands including Lambrini and Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer and also distributes Tsingtao Chinese Beer and Lamb’s Navy Rum.

Stewart Hainsworth, group chief executive of Halewood International, said:  “This acquisition further strengthens our close partnership with West Cork Distillers. We already distribute the West Cork Irish Whiskey brand range in the UK and throughout our network and West Cork Distillers distribute Halewood brands in Eire. The Pogues Irish Whiskey is a premium whiskey that adds its own distinct, rebellious character to our spirits portfolio.”