Black Irish – the whiskey and stout expression from Dublin-based Darker Still Spirits Company – has secured a listing with Aer Rianta International (ARI) at The Loop, Dublin Airport.
Further plans to launch at Cork Airport and online at theloop.ie are underway, with listings likely in early 2022.
With a ‘whiskey made dark’ tagline, Black Irish builds on the growing popularity of Irish whiskey and Irish stout. The triple-distilled liquid is matured in deep-charred ex-bourbon casks and blended with strong Irish stout. Infusions of chocolate malt and roasted barley accentuate its character and colour.
The result, according to Darker Still Spirits, is a “whiskey spirit drink at its darkest”. The Black Irish bottle and label are a nod to the world of stout. The dark glass bottle is inspired by vintage beer bottles and features a crown cap and flip-top closure.
Darker Still Spirits said it aims to “put a unique twist on Ireland’s most famous exports, black stout and Irish whiskey, with the intention of creating a whiskey subcategory”.
Darker Still Spirits Company Co-founder David Phelan commented: “We are so pleased that Black Irish has gained a listing with The Loop, Dublin Airport, in the brand’s home country.
“To see the brand listed in the global travel retail channel is another great achievement and a key channel for us to build on the success of this innovative brand, not only with Irish consumers but those international passengers traveling through Ireland who want to try two of country’s most loved exports in one drink – Irish whiskey and Irish stout.”
ARI Liquor & Tobacco Buyer Tracey Jordan added: “We are delighted to include Black Irish in our portfolio. It is an exceptional liquid with fantastic branding and a great presence that will stand out on the shelves.
“Just like the brand, we are passionate about innovation and offering travellers new, exclusive products. We look forward to working with the Darker Still Spirits Co team to help them drive the success of Black Irish in the travel retail industry.”
Black Irish is distributed in the UK and Europe through Kirker Greer Spirits, and in Ireland by Dalcassian. With a 40% ABV, it is available at The Loop at €25 (US$28) for non-European Union (EU) flights and €37 (US$41) for EU flights.
