Powers Johns Lane – Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – 46% ABV
As part of our Whiskey Weekdays Series we are reviewing some of Ireland’s favourite drops of the old Uisce Beatha. This week we introduce you to one of the best whiskeys to come out of this little island of ours, the amazing Powers John’s Lane Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.
If you haven’t already, why not check out our introduction to Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Here.
Powers Whiskey, established in 1791, has been one of the true pillars of Irish Whiskey for many generations, much loved by Irish Whiskey drinkers the world over, it’s famous ‘Gold Label’ has often been described as ‘The Irish Whiskey, for Irish Whiskey Drinkers’, and rightfully so!
But it is the 12-year-old, Single Pot Still, John’s Lane by Powers that we are concentrating on today. Celebrating the original Powers Distillery, where the Quays of the Liffey touched the tenements of Dublin’s Liberties, lies Thomas Street, a bustling industrial artery in the 1800’s and by taking a little stroll down a small cobble street just off Thomas Street leads on to John’s Lane, the original home of Powers Distillery.
With advancing technology and visionary thinking, the folks at Powers John’s Lane Distillery were the true pioneers of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and was very much ahead of its time in many aspects, so much so in fact, that the topic deserves a blog post all of its own that we will cover in the near future. In 1975 Powers, due to several factors within the industry at the time, moved their operation to Middleton in County Cork where it continues to produce some of the finest Irish Whiskey available today.
Powers launched ‘John’s Lane’ in 2011, as a retrospective celebration of that traditional style of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and as an acknowledgement of the Powers heritage and the importance of the John’s Lane Distillery within the Irish Whiskey World.
Aged for 12 years, predominantly in ex-bourbon casks with a little touch of Sherry Cask gaining at the end for good measure, Powers John’s Lane has won international whiskey awards consistently over the years and still to this day is considered a benchmark in the world of Irish Whiskey.
As you pull the golden bronze liquid towards your nose, there’s a distinct ‘Mocha’ feel of chocolate and coffee with a touch of citrus.
The typical spice palate of pot still lightly tingles on the first sip, with vanilla and toffee apples following. At the back of the palate, that dark chocolate comes through again with a little finish of oak.
If you haven’t guessed already, we are huge fans of Powers John’s Lane here at the Skeff, a perfect whiskey to enjoy on a dark dull wintery night or equally as tasty alongside an indulgent dessert after a meal. Simply, just give it a try, you’ll be happy you did!
Sláinte
Written by John Byrne (@craicandculture) – Skeff Marketing Team
Over the next number of weeks, we will be taking a little stroll down memory lane, looking back at some of the years gone by here at the Skeff and checking in with some of the characters that worked with us, discovering where they are now and how their time at the Skeff influenced their Journey onwards in life.
This week we caught up with the legend that is Sarah Lucey.
At one point or another, most people working within the hospitality industry have let their mind wander and daydreamed of jetting off to a beautiful tropical destination, working in world class venues while rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. But what is a day dream for most of us is exactly what Sarah Lucey has done.
Over a decade ago, Sarah made her way to Galway City to join the Skeffington team as Marketing Manager. Jumping into the role she quickly made a name for herself within the industry, but it was within Karma Nightclub she found her true passion for the Nightlife Industry.
Having made her mark as a serious operator in the Nightclub scene of Ireland, Sarah set her sights on scaling the heights of the world Nightclub scene. The Nightclub capital of Europe, Ibiza, was the next quick step on her career ladder before setting course across the Atlantic to the pinnacle of the industry and the world class nightclub venues of Miami.
Now the Director of Talent Management for Groot Hospitality in Miami, Lucey manages the biggest DJs and Celebs in the world during their time in The Magic City.
When was the last time you called into the Skeff? November 2012! They have the best cocktails and staff.
What’s your favourite memory of your time at the Skeff? So many good times there. It really felt like home. Galway Races, Christmas Market, the list goes on
What do you love about Galway? It feels like a big town as opposed to a city, Even if it’s lashing rain it feels warm and cosy. I moved there alone knowing noone but never felt alone. It’s just a special place. Magic almost.
What do you dislike about Galway? Nothing (seriously) it’s my favorite city in Ireland (even over my home town Cork)
What advice would you give to 18-year-old you starting out in their career?Cut down on the booze. Cut down on the going out. Put blinkers on (like a horse) and focus on your goal for 12-18 months with ZERO distractions. Always be on time for interviews. Research the hell out of the interviewer: dress smart. Clean nails, phone on Silent. You only have one chance to make a 1st impression And trust me theres 100s of people out there on your tail chasing that job. You are above no one but passion and drive will put you on the fore front
How did your time at the Skeff prepare you for your future roles? Invaluable. John Callanan and then John O’Dwyer were game changers in my career. I was so fortunate to get a job that crossed over into different departments and to realize nightclubs was more for me. I was given a huge amount of freedom for creativity and having a boss especially for my 1st job to have faith on me was so special looking back. Not all bosses and owners are as amazing as John Callanan. He’s a special person with a very special brand.
A special thanks to Sarah for taking to time to chat to us recently. Keep up with Sarah Lucey her amazing career in Miami check out her Instagram @irishsarah
Written by John Byrne – Skeff Marketing Team ( @craicandculture )
Green Spot – Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – 40% ABV
As part of our Whiskey Weekdays Series we are reviewing some of Ireland’s favourite drops of the old Uisce Beatha. This week we introduce you to the famous ‘Green spot’ Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.
If you’re unsure by what we mean by a ‘Single Pot Still’ Irish Whiskey, jump on over to our previous Whiskey Weekdays Blog post.
With the story of Green spot Irish Whiskey, we jump back to the late 1800’s and to the folks of Mitchell & Son Merchants. In 1887 these experienced wine merchants decided to capitalise on the popularity of Irish Whiskey and became a whiskey bonder.
Situated in the heart of Dublin, Mitchell & Sons would purchase Single Pot Still Whiskey from their neighbours at Jameson’s Bow Lane Distillery. Taking these barrels on a short journey to the vast underground cellar warehouse under the Victorian Streets of Dublin City, where these barrels would sleep, allowing the magic of the ageing process to take effect.
It is said that the folks at Mitchel and Sons would identify how long each barrel was to age for by marking the barrel with a daub or ‘Spot’ of coloured paint, an iconic name in Irish Whiskey was born.
Green spot is the perfect introduction for anyone stepping to the world of Irish Whiskey, considered one of the best Irish drops among whiskey drinkers, Green spot has had some famous fans down through the years, with infamous Irish Playwright and author Samuel Beckett having cases of Green spot delivered to him in Paris.
We recommend enjoying your Green Spot neat, preferably in the comfortable surroundings of The Skeff’s Whiskey Bar.
On the nose, light but interesting, There’s honey and apples some a touch of sweet barley and sherry.
On the palate, it’s creamy with a lovely vanilla note, that sweet green apple continuing with a typical touch of ‘pot still’ spice, finishing with a little malty sweetness.
Overall, a firm favourite with our team here at The Skeff and a whiskey you won’t be disappointed in.
We look forward to exploring more Irish Whiskey with you over the coming weeks.
Review by John Byrne @craicandculture
Over the next number of week’s, we will be taking a little stroll down memory lane, looking back at some of the years gone by here at the Skeff and checking in with some of the characters that worked with us, discovering where they are now and how their time at the Skeff influenced their Journey onwards in life.
This week we caught up with Stephen Griffin. Some of you folks might remember Stephen as one of the friendly faces of Skeff and Karma Security a decade ago.
While most folks, celebrating their 19th birthday would be walking down to a nightclub door with their ID in hand, ready for a night’s entertainment, Stephen started his time with us on his 19th birthday, pulling on the security armband and joining the team at Karma Nightclub.
From Rosmuc, this Connemara native joined the ranks of the Karma team while studying here in the city at NUIG, now a proud member of An Garda Síochána for the past 5 years.
But Stephens journey wasn’t as straight forward as one might think. While standing on the door of The Skeff back in 2011 he began to feel a pain in his groin, and after a bit of persuasion from some colleagues he went to A&E to get himself checked for a suspected hernia.
24hours later, this strong 20-year-old, rugby playing nightclub doorman was being told he had testicular cancer.
After a tough 10 weeks of recovery post-surgery, Stephen was back on the rugby pitch and door duty once more, but not content to let such a traumatic experience beat him, Stephen set his sights on the next step in his career, joining the ranks of An Garda Síochána.
Now in a new job, working shifts in a new town and unable to keep up his sporting interests like he once did, Stephen found himself pilling on the pounds, hitting his heaviest weight at just over 24 stone (155kgs). Stephen decided enough was enough and with the help of another Skeff alumni, personal trainer Paul Dermody, Stephen took on the challenge to drop the pounds and get himself fit and healthy once more.
Two years later to current day and Stephen has dropped over 8 stone (50kgs), gained a strong online following, become a champion and spokesman for men’s health and even tried his hand at a bit of modelling.
You can follow Stephen journey, and pick up some gems of motivational wisdom on his Instagram @steves_weight_loss
Over a coffee and a scone (And this man loves his scones), we sat down, chatted and reminisced about his time here at the Skeff…
When was the last time you called into the Skeff?
About two months ago, it’s still very much one of my “go tos” for a cuppa and lunch.
What’s your favourite memory of your time at the Skeff?
To be honest, it wasn’t a single memory as much as it’s been the friends, I’ve made from working there. I’m still in very regular contact with so many of my old work mates, having worked with the same group of lads and ladies for a few years you get close.
What do you love about Galway?
The craic. The noise, and still the quiet spots. The good vibes and how you’re never far from a bit of fun or a familiar face.
What do you dislike about Galway?
It needs a roof!
Weirdest thing you’ve seen while working at The Skeff?
People walking into things.
People talking to themselves in reflections.
Once saw a man do a shot….With a candle! He mistakenly picked up instead of his shot glass. .
What advice would you give to 18-year-old you starting out in their career?
Don’t be afraid to be wrong, and more importantly don’t be too stubborn to learn from being wrong.
How did your time at the Skeff prepare you for your future roles?
Personally the years I spent working on the door of the Skeff and Karma helped me develop alot of the skills I use day to day now in my career in the Guards.
Dealing with individuals, problem solving as well as improving my own verbal skills and confidence.
The Skeff has been Galway’s meeting place for generations, over the next few weeks as we look forward to welcoming back our customers once again, we will be taking a journey back in time and catching up with some of the characters that have made the Skeff so Special down through the years. #SkeffMemories
In recent weeks you might have noticed our very special ‘Whiskey Weekdays’ promotion, celebrating Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. We offer 3 of our favourite Single Pot Stills Whiskeys, each for a very tasty price for you to experience for yourself.
But What is Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and why is it so Special?
Well as you might expect from anything worthwhile and Irish, there’s a story behind it.
For this story we are jumping back to the late 1700’s, when the production of whiskey was at its peak, at least when it came to the number of distilleries producing whiskey, with over 1200 distilleries on the island of Ireland (although a lot of these were unlicensed).
Ireland was at the time part of the British Empire, and with the popularity of whiskey growing around the Empire, the British Parliament decided to implement a tax on one of the main ingredients of whiskey, Malted Barley.
Now whether it was out of pure economic strategy or that rebel nature in our Irish blood, but most likely a little touch of both, the Irish distillers decided to lower their tax payment by adding a percentage of un-malted barley to the usual malted barley in the Mash-Bill (The initial ingredients used to make Whiskey) and in the process creating a completely new style of whiskey.
This new style of Irish Whiskey became known as Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey and quickly became the ‘go to’ style among whiskey drinkers. Between the now lower cost of production combined with its popularity, almost every distillery began to produce Pure Pot Still Whiskey.
Dublin at the time was the home of whiskey production in Ireland and with the growth of popularity of Irish Whiskey, 80% of the Whiskey consumed around the world was coming from one of the distilleries inside Dublin’s Fair City.
This put Pure Pot Still at the pinnacle of the Whiskey World giving it the title as the original and the quintessential style of Irish Whiskey. Ireland now had its very own style of Whiskey.
There has been plenty of ups and downs to Pot Still Whiskey and Irish Whiskey in General since then but that’s for a future Blog.
But enough about the History, let’s talk about the important stuff, Taste!
The adding of malted barley with unmalted barley and the traditional distilling methods of a copper pot still, combines to produce a beautifully oily whiskey that starts with a signature element of spice, moving into a silky smoothness across the palate and finishes with an oily linger that sits longer than expected.
Over the next few weeks, we will be showcasing some amazing Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, reviewing and tasting our way through some of the most loved Irish Whiskey out there.
And if we’ve made you thirsty, when you can, just pop into the Skeff’s 1852 Whiskey Bar and explore our extensive Irish Whiskey Menu and experience Single Pot Still Whiskey for yourself.
Written by John Byrne, Skeff Marketing Team. @craicandculture