Danny Boy Irish Whiskey is a slice of recent history in the growing success of the distilling industry in Ireland.

Originally founded by Belfast lottery winner Peter Lavery – Danny Boy used whiskey sourced from Cooley Distillery.
When Beam took over Cooley in 2012 the supply taps were turned off to third parties – Peter Lavery now had a brand with no liquid.
Undeterred he embarked on plans to build a whiskey distillery in Crumlin Jail.
At some point in this bold project Mr Lavery lost control of the plan – and an American backed company took over. Crumlin Jail is now the home of McConnell’s Irish Whisky.

Undaunted – Mr Lavery later resurfaced with a new brand – Titanic Whiskey – and a new distillery based in the Pump House of the docks where the original Titanic Liner was built!

All from the humble beginnings of Danny Boy Irish Whiskey.
So how does it taste?
Well to begin with – the label looks rather dated. The subtle & sombre tones are lifted by gold lettering – but I don’t think it would stand out in the more contemporary bright colours sported by many a new Irish Whiskey brand today.

Danny Boy pours a light golden brown.
There’s a bit of depth to the nose – suggestive of ageing – or just being too long in a miniature bottle?
Softly smooth on the palate. Gently warming too.
A sweet embrace of butterscotch malt, tingly grain & a smidgen of prickly heat to liven things up.
I’m not sure this miniature is as fresh as the day it was bottled – but lovely to have the opportunity to taste a slice of modern Irish Whiskey History!
O Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling.
Sláinte

Peter Lavery puts his lottery winnings into whiskey news report here.
Beam buys Cooley news report here.
Founding of Crumlin Jail Distillery here.
RTE new on Crumlin Jail distillery plans here.
Titanic Distillery now open here.