The Powers That Be. And Was.
The introduction earlier this year of Powers John's Lane Reserve single pot still whiskey was the debut of a terrific whiskey. I'm tempted to say "new" whiskey -- and it is -- but it's also a nod to the way and the location where Powers whiskey was made before the blending of grain whiskey in the 1970s. The former Powers distillery on John's Lane (off Thomas St) in
Dublin was the largest distillery in Dublin, quite a lot larger than
the Old Jameson Distillery across the river on Bow St. in Smithfield.
The 7-acre site was one of the most impressive sights in Dublin in its
day.
So it was fun to find some original photographs of the working distillery that were taken about 5 years before it closed and operations moved to Midleton in 1976. The pictures were taken for a Chicago Tribune article about Irish whiskey that ran in March 1971. Purchased from the Chicago Tribune archives, the pictures were the original prints with edit marks and cutlines (captions) pasted to the back of the photos. They give you glimpse into the recent past at the Powers Distillery. Here's a few:
The cutline says this is Technician Robert Blake checking on the 19,000-litre still.
The cutline says this is Paddy Keogh nosing the whiskeys
The site of the old distillery was subsequently occupied by the National College of Art and Design in 1980. Although most of the buildings including the stillhouse were razed, the Distiller's House on Thomas Street and the three huge pot stills were preserved outdoors. Although it is an active educational institution and not open to visitors per se, the stills may be seen on request if you ask at the college reception offices.
For more about the distillery including pictures of the former and present site check out the Powers John's Lane page on Heidi Donelen's Irish Whiskey Trail website. Also be sure to visit the Powers John's Lane Reserve Whiskey site and the Powers Gold Label site.
Sláinte!
So it was fun to find some original photographs of the working distillery that were taken about 5 years before it closed and operations moved to Midleton in 1976. The pictures were taken for a Chicago Tribune article about Irish whiskey that ran in March 1971. Purchased from the Chicago Tribune archives, the pictures were the original prints with edit marks and cutlines (captions) pasted to the back of the photos. They give you glimpse into the recent past at the Powers Distillery. Here's a few:
The cutline says this is Technician Robert Blake checking on the 19,000-litre still.
The cutline says this is Paddy Keogh nosing the whiskeys
The site of the old distillery was subsequently occupied by the National College of Art and Design in 1980. Although most of the buildings including the stillhouse were razed, the Distiller's House on Thomas Street and the three huge pot stills were preserved outdoors. Although it is an active educational institution and not open to visitors per se, the stills may be seen on request if you ask at the college reception offices.
For more about the distillery including pictures of the former and present site check out the Powers John's Lane page on Heidi Donelen's Irish Whiskey Trail website. Also be sure to visit the Powers John's Lane Reserve Whiskey site and the Powers Gold Label site.
Sláinte!
Rich, I am in possession of one bottle Of Power's John's Lane, having just received it from Celtic Whiskey shop among a 12 bottle order for my 4th Tasting event on 10/29. Standing invitation shold you happen to be near Macomb, Michigan that day. One never knows, eh? Will let you know the comments after the event.
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