Flying Tumbler, an Irish Whiskey brand created and launched by the Walsh family, is available in the U.S. market rolling out first in the North Eastern portion of the country. The brand originally launched in August 2020 in Dublin and is now available in Massachusetts with roll out into New York later this year.
The brand’s name was inspired by a breed of pigeons, Irish Flying Tumblers, that leaves home in search of adventure but who ultimately always return home. “We strongly believe that everybody has a bit of Flying Tumbler innate to them, that spirit of adventure to travel and experience but to always return home to share stories of travels,” says Patrick Walsh, Head of Operations for the family owned, family founded company. Walsh co-founded the company with siblings Thomas Walsh, Head of Sales and Jen McGinnell, Head of Finance.
“Sharing a passion for Irish Whiskey, we’ve returned to our roots to source, mature, blend and bottle Irish Whiskies that surprise and delight,” says Patrick Walsh.
Flying Tumbler is available in three expressions, The Bird, The Tippler, and The Roller. In the U.S., The Bird will be available initially. This expression is a four-part blend of grain and malt whiskies cut to 43% ABV and aged in a mix of ex bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. It’s ideal in an elegant Irish Coffee, topped with lightly whipped double cream. SRP: $43.00
Support for the brand has been strong based on the quality of the product and the interest in the Irish Whiskey category. “MHW is proud to serve as the importer of record for Flying Tumbler Irish Whiskey,” says MHW Chief Revenue Officer MaryAnn Pisani. “With 25 years of experience in working with beverage alcohol brands, we instantly recognized that Flying Tumbler has both a unique brand story and strategic market entry approach.”
“Our family farm grew award winning malting barley for generations and continuing that agrarian tradition is important to us,” says Thomas Walsh, who leads the sales efforts for the company. “We source, mature, blend and bottle every drop of our whiskey at our base in Carlow, Ireland and cut all of our whiskey to drinking ABV with water directly from our family farm,” he added.
Flying Tumbler’s roll out is planned for the North Eastern portion in the U.S. beginning with Massachusetts. Already the brand is available in Boston at Bostonia, Dooley’s, Quin House and Next Door to mention a few. “M.S. Walker is excited to welcome Flying Tumbler into our world-class portfolio of fine wine and spirits,” says Bill Livingstone, SVP Director of On and Off Premise Sales for M.S. Walker. “As the Irish Whiskey category continues to soar, we look forward to establishing this brand’s presence in Massachusetts and beyond,” he added.
“We are excited to begin Flying Tumbler’s journey in North America with MHW as our importer and M.S. Walker as our distributor. Both companies are industry specialists with the capacity and expertise to bring Flying Tumbler’s modern, youthful and authentic products to a whole new generation of consumers with a particular focus on redefining the Irish coffee and the Irish coffee cold brew,” says Patrick Walsh.
