Last month Powers Irish whiskey launched Powers 1817 Release, a special limited edition whiskey commemorating this year’s bicentenary of the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and the rich heritage of the Dublin pub. Powers 1817 Release is a 10-year-old, single pot still Irish whiskey. Triple distilled and non-chill filtered, it personifies the style of whiskey that was prevalent in the pubs of Dublin in 1817 at the foundation of the LVA. The special whiskey has been bottled exclusively for Dublin pubs for this year only. It was appropriate that the launch took place in Hedigan’s pub in Glasnevin. Owner Michael Hedigan was chairman of the LVA from 1987 to 1988 and, so far, three generations of Hedigans have managed the pub. Speaking at the launch, LVA Chair Deirdre Devitt said that Hedigan’s pub is renowned for its white label whiskey. “Powers and Dublin’s pubs share a proud history and heritage that began in and continued through the golden era of Irish whiskey in the 19th century, the dark days of decline in the 20th century and has continued with the return to the glory days and the new renaissance of Irish whiskey in the 21st century,” said Powers Brand Manager Claire Henry. Irish Distillers Managing Director Louise Ryan told guests that a visit to the Dublin pub is the best place to experience an Irish whiskey and the best place to recruit the next generation of whiskey drinkers. Also celebrated on the night was the LVA’s strong and long-standing relationship with Irish Distillers. John Power, son of the founder of Powers, was an LVA member in 1818. In fact, throughout its history the Powers brand has been an integral part of the Dublin pub experience, a relationship which began in 1791 when founder and publican James Powers set up shop on Johns Lane off Thomas Street in Dublin’s Liberties. He began distilling his own whiskey and, as one of the first Dublin distilleries to bottle in house, Powers chose to work with Dublin publicans to build a brand, continuing to supply whiskey directly by barrel as well as by bottle.
