Powers To The People
One sign of the continuing growth of Irish whiskey here in the States and elsewhere is the debut of new whiskeys under both new and established brand names. Each of the distilleries has been busy creating new whiskeys for their own brands and for other brand owners. Cooley Distillery in particular has done a wonderful job creating new Kilbeggan, Connemara and Tyrconnell and other whiskeys. And Irish Distillers have been extending some of their venerable brands such as Jameson, Red Breast and Powers, including Powers 12-year-old now becoming available in America (about $40).
The "standard" Powers truly is a standard in many pubs, and a tradition in many Irish and Irish-American families. Many folks I speak with mention it as a steady presence in the cupboard at home and the favored drink of parents, aunts and uncles. It also is remembered fondly for its "medicinal" purposes as a comforting curative offered during childhood colds -- the classic hot toddy. But its celebrity cousin Jameson, its nostalgic connotations, and its somewhat more peppery pot still taste and finish, have placed it a secondary role. Powers 12-year-old is going to shift that.
The bottom line is, starting looking and asking around for it. It is a full-bodied whiskey that embraces you with hints of vanilla and honey, delivers a fantastically warming and welcoming taste and manages to retain that great pot still character while smoothing out some of the edgier qualities of the standard Powers. But I must warn you: expect some late nights, fuzzy mornings and re-stocking trips to the liquor store. It is very, very drinkable, making it exceptionally easy to offer or accept "just one more." Sip this one straight or with a few drops of water if you must, but don't mix it. Use the standard Powers for that. And while I still use soft and cuddly Paddy to recruit new whiskey drinkers, I could just as easily pour Powers 12 for those slightly more experienced.
Sure, Powers won't upstage the bigger brand names. But it will be a very welcome addition to your liquor cabinet and would make a great gift for any whiskey drinker. And as I mentioned earlier it's another indicator of the growth of Irish whiskey category and a sign more good things to come.
The "standard" Powers truly is a standard in many pubs, and a tradition in many Irish and Irish-American families. Many folks I speak with mention it as a steady presence in the cupboard at home and the favored drink of parents, aunts and uncles. It also is remembered fondly for its "medicinal" purposes as a comforting curative offered during childhood colds -- the classic hot toddy. But its celebrity cousin Jameson, its nostalgic connotations, and its somewhat more peppery pot still taste and finish, have placed it a secondary role. Powers 12-year-old is going to shift that.
The bottom line is, starting looking and asking around for it. It is a full-bodied whiskey that embraces you with hints of vanilla and honey, delivers a fantastically warming and welcoming taste and manages to retain that great pot still character while smoothing out some of the edgier qualities of the standard Powers. But I must warn you: expect some late nights, fuzzy mornings and re-stocking trips to the liquor store. It is very, very drinkable, making it exceptionally easy to offer or accept "just one more." Sip this one straight or with a few drops of water if you must, but don't mix it. Use the standard Powers for that. And while I still use soft and cuddly Paddy to recruit new whiskey drinkers, I could just as easily pour Powers 12 for those slightly more experienced.
Sure, Powers won't upstage the bigger brand names. But it will be a very welcome addition to your liquor cabinet and would make a great gift for any whiskey drinker. And as I mentioned earlier it's another indicator of the growth of Irish whiskey category and a sign more good things to come.
Posted by Richard Nagle at 4/7/2010 6:57 AM 
Categories: Cooley, Knappogue Castle, Michael Collins Single Malt, Paddy, Powers, Red Breast, Clontarf, Michael Collins Blend, Feckin, Jameson, Connemara, Kilbeggan, Powers 12, Irish Distillers
Tags: Irish whiskey Powers Powers 12-year-old
Categories: Cooley, Knappogue Castle, Michael Collins Single Malt, Paddy, Powers, Red Breast, Clontarf, Michael Collins Blend, Feckin, Jameson, Connemara, Kilbeggan, Powers 12, Irish Distillers
Tags: Irish whiskey Powers Powers 12-year-old
I just saw you guys don't have any reviews or info on John L. Sullivan whiskey...the man was an american hero and now rightfully so has his own "brand" of whiskey...irish whiskey aged in a single used bourbon barrel...product of ireland raised in America like the man himself...I really have began enjoying this whiskey the last week or so
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Funny you should mention that because I just got a bottle this weekend. I have not been able to find it in the Boston area. That's odd given that John L. was born and died in Boston (Roxbury and Mattapan). A brother in Virginia bought one and brought it to me. It's a Cooley blend for the US market. As yet unopened but soon to be sampled. Glad to get a good report on it, and not surprised given it's origin. Cooley makes some very nice whiskeys and has done a great job creating and marketing new whiskeys. Sláinte, Rich.
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I bought a bottle of Sullivan whiskey a few weeks back. It is a solid Cooley whiskey. Has the sort of sweetness and character most similar to Knappoge Castle, if I had to pick one whiskey analogue. Found it in the Chicago area.
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Rich,
I have enjoyed your blog. I have a great photo of your Scoutmaster in front of the Jameson factory in Dublin. We enjoyed inhaling some of the angel's share there. Along with tasting the Powers 12-year-old, I also bought a personalized bottle of Jameson Special Reserve.
My paternal grandfather was a professional boxer born in 1898, a little too young to fight John L Sullivan. My father grew up in Roxbury during the 1930's and 1940's. My oldest uncle was a semi-professional boxer. My aunts and uncles need to retell the stories of my uncle and grandfather boxing in the Boston area so we can write them down.
My mother, father, sister, and I also visited the Granuaile Heritage Centre in Louisburgh, Co. Mayo during our celebration of my parent's 50 year wedding anniversary. My mother's ancestor, Granuaile (Grace) O’Malley, was famously known as the Pirate Queen.
I will have to pick up a bottle of John L. Sullivan whiskey and have a toast to the pugilist's that have provided a colorful history for our family.
Sliocht sleachta ar shliocht bhur sleachta.
"Blessings on your posterity."
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john l. sullivan has a ten yr. whiskey, just saw it today at my liquor store. Do you know of it? Want review before purchasing. Thank You.
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