Paddy Irish Whiskey to Reach US Shores

Pernod Ricard USA® Brings Limited Release Paddy® Irish Whiskey to the U.S. in Time for St. Pat’s

paddy_whiskey.jpgNew York, NY (December 10, 2009) – Pernod Ricard USA, the premium spirits and wine supplier in the U.S., announces the U.S. debut of Paddy Irish Whiskey, a limited release extra smooth and mellow whiskey blend that will hit the market in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

One of Ireland’s oldest and most popular Irish Whiskey brands, Paddy Irish Whiskey was first distilled in 1779 under the name of ‘Cork Distilleries Company Old Irish Whiskey’. The brand was later renamed Paddy Irish Whiskey in honor of the company’s larger than life salesman, Paddy Flaherty, who became synonymous with the whiskey by buying rounds and sampling potential customers at every pub he visited along the way.

Paddy Irish Whiskey is distilled three times from the finest quality barley and water to hail from the east Cork countryside. Once distilled, the whiskey is matured for up to seven years in dark and aromatic warehouses. Its character is exceptionally soft and mellow as distinguished by the generous proportion of single malt whiskey – the only Irish Whiskey brand to use single malt in the blend – and the low pot-still whiskey content.

“It’s a great time to introduce U.S. consumers to this storied Irish whiskey brand,” said Wayne Hartunian, Brand Director Irish Whiskey for Pernod Ricard USA. “St. Patrick’s Day – when sales of all things Irish hit their peak — is fast approaching, and Irish Whiskey continues to defy all odds in this country by remaining the fastest growing spirits category, with growth of 22% in 2008* – more than four times the rate of the next fastest category. This phenomenal growth in the U.S. is led by Jameson Irish Whiskey, which tops the charts as the fastest growing super-premium spirits brand overall. Paddy’s, with its authentic Irish character, is sure to win the hearts of Irishmen everywhere this St Patrick’s season – and isn’t everyone a wee bit Irish on St Patty’s Day?”

Paddy Irish Whiskey will reach U.S. Shores in February, and will be available in the 1.0L size only for a limited two-month period ending March.

*Beverage Information Group 2009

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