The popularity of the Peaky Blinders show continues to enthrall viewers with the much anticipated last series – and talk of a film too!
Peaky Blinder book c/othewhiskeynut
This very well researched & easily readable book traces the origins of the Peaky Blinders – or rather peaky blinders – a generic term attributed to street thugs operating in Birmingham from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.
As in a lot of popular culture – the facts paint a different picture to the highly stylised fictional tales of the Shelby family.
Those looking for historical authenticity would do well to read this book – it doesn’t preclude you from enjoying the show – & may even add to the experience.
Another way of heightening the enjoyment might be pouring a glass of Peaky Blinder Irish Whiskey!
Peaky Blinder Irish Whiskey – Product Of Ireland c/othewhiskyexchange
Halewood International have played a – ahem – blinder in releasing a range of spirits to accompany the success of the show.
There is a Gin Distillery in Liverpool – but as far as I know no whisky or rum is made there.
This pair of plainly – yet strikingly bold – labelled bottles would therefore be sourced spirits for the Liverpool brand who are in turn part of Halewood International.
The simple design appealed to me – along with the high age statements – so a couple of miniatures were ordered – via Just Miniatures.
12yo Single Malt c/othewhiskeynut
Liverpool Whisky, 12 Year Old, Small Batch, Single Malt, 46%
The whisky is light brown in colour with viscous legs.
A honeyed nose redolent of sweet summer fruits greeted me.
Soft, easy & inviting.
Back label c/othewhiskeynut
Quite a spirity little number – but possessing a decent depth of flavour & a lovely prickly spice on the finish.
A very nice single malt indeed.
16yo rum c/othewhiskeynut
Liverpool Rum, 16 Year Old, Small Batch, Single Cask, 43%
A deep golden brown – also with viscous legs.
Sweet caramelly nose with a hint of funk peeking through.
The palate was gentle & smooth. Layers of dark demerara coated the mouth before a growing oaky woodiness added drying tannic spice on the finish.
Back rum c/othewhiskeynut
These are both fine spirits.
You may not know who or where they were distilled – but they are certainly enjoyable to encounter!
Every now and then a TV show comes along which just seems to capture the imagination.
Peaky Blinder on BBC 2 has certainly done that.
With a growing fanbase worldwide and racking up big viewing figures, the show is now available on Netflix.
There’s a strong Irish link in the story line, Irish actors pepper the cast and a lot of the ‘behind the scenes’ crew are Irish too.
So it’s entirely fitting an enterprising company would release a trio of spirits – gin, rum and whiskey – on the back of the show – and that the whiskey in question is Irish Whiskey.
I couldn’t wait to get hold of a bottle!
Peaky Blinder Irish Whiskey c/othewhiskeynut
Now there has been some controversy over the term ‘Product Of The British Isles’ printed on the label – which incidentally is common to both the gin & rum too.
As a geographical term – technically it’s correct. Ireland is part of the British Isles. But the term has geo-political implications which you can read about here from Wikipedia.
Such disputes would not have deterred gang leader Tommy Shelby from plying his trade – and nor will it stop my pastime of drinking whiskey.
So? Is it any good?
Well. To start off with. It looks like some of the aforementioned Mr Shelby’s victims have been allowed to bleed all over the mixing barrel. The colour is a deep ruby red which even allowing for ‘Aged In Sherry Casks’ seems a bit dark. Much like a lot of the excellent music featured in the show.
The nose follows on in this theme with rich sweet & dark notes with a bit of depth. I’m suspecting Oloroso or PX casks were used to get the very inviting aromas here,
The taste is – well – WOW!
I wasn’t expecting this from a reasonably priced blend,
Now it does start off rather softly – just like Mr Shelby sweet talking to you. The gentle sweetness & warmth guiles you in.
Then POW!
A gorgeous hit of rich, dry prickliness envelopes the mouth with soft spice & tangy fruits.
Don’t mess with the Peaky Blinders c/otheinternet
Like a blow from Tommy – you are left reeling from the experience as the dry sensation slowly fades.
This is very nice.
So who is behind the blend?
Sadler’s c/othewhiskeynut
Sadler’s are a brewery based in the West Midlands of the UK. They obtained the whiskey from Halewood International who are a marketing & distribution company with worldwide reach based in Liverpool. Halewood previously released The Pogues Irish Whiskey – to much acclaim – which was produced for them by West Cork Distillers in Skibbereen.
Draw your own conclusions.
I’ve drawn mine.
From the Peaky Blinders gang – this is a belter of a blend!
Sláinte.
Update August 2019!
Peaky Blinders Irish Whiskey label now states ‘Product Of Ireland’.
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 