Whiskey is a drink that is very much associated with Ireland. The name comes from the Irish word “uisce beatha.” It has been distilled around Europe since the 1100’s. It has been made around the Mediterranean as far back as 1,000 A.D. and it is believed that Irish pilgrims learned the techniques of distilling it on their travels and brought it back to Ireland on their return. There are currently five distilleries in Ireland:
Cooley Distillery – Co. Louth
Dingle Distillery – Co. Kerry
Kilbeggan Distillery – Co. Westmeath
New Midleton Distillery – Co. Cork
Old Bushmills Distillery – Co. Antrim
Whiskey in Ireland is kept in wooden barrels or casks and has to stay in them for 3 years in order for it to age properly. This paved the way throughout the years for many coopers and barrel makers to earn a living. One such person is Eugene Quinlan. Eugene is a Master Cooper and his family have been based in the trade for over 300 years. Eugene is based in Cork. His family have been working with the distilleries of Cork for over 120 years. Today, Eugene is keeping up that tradition with his own business called Quinlan’s Coopering which deals in miniature whiskey and wine barrels. A gift that is bound to make a memorable night.
See the full range of Quinlan’s Coopering here at Irish Made Gifts – http://www.irishmadegifts.com/index.php?route=product/manufacturer/product&manufacturer_id=57
