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Spirits Platform and Walsh Whiskey Distillery announce partnership to manage The Irishman in Australia

Carlow, Ireland

Monday 15th August, 2016:       Premium spirits, marketing and distribution company Spirits Platform and Walsh Whiskey Distillery have announced an exclusive Australian partnership to manage Walsh Whiskey Distillery’s internationally acclaimed whiskey brands, spearheaded by The Irishman.

Coinciding with Spirits Platform’s first birthday and the recent opening of Walsh Whiskey’s new distillery at Royal Oak in Ireland’s County Carlow, Spirits Platform will distribute The Irishman’s Founder’s Reserve (RRP $70), The Irishman Single Malt (RRP $80) and limited editions, The Irishman 12 Year Old Single Malt (RRP $110) and The Irishman Cask Strength (RRP $180) to selected premium retail and on-premise accounts.

Established in 1999 by husband and wife team Bernard and Rosemary Walsh , The Irishman has gathered a swathe of international awards including being named Irish Whiskey Brand of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition in November 2015.

Now exporting to 40 countries, Walsh Whiskey Distillery is rare amongst independent Irish whiskey distilleries in producing all three styles of Irish whiskey – pot still, grain and malt from its two production lines using both pot and column stills.

The exclusive Australian distribution agreement follows Spirits Platform CEO Ian Atherton’s visit to Ireland in June for the opening of the new €25 million (AUD$36 million) Walsh Whiskey Distillery and visitor centre at the 18th century Royal Oak estate on the banks of the River Barrow.  The distillery is expected to attract more than 75,000 visitors per year as a highlight of Ireland’s Ancient East Tourism offering.

Ian Atherton said he was delighted by the opportunity to represent this outstanding example of Irish whiskey in Australia.

“We could not ask to manage a more premium, artisan whiskey that is testament to the uniquely handcrafted approach undertaken by Bernard, Rosemary and their team.”

“On behalf of the Spirits Platform team I want to thank Walsh Whiskey Distillery and we look forward to nurturing The Irishman in Australia as we continue to develop awareness with both consumers and trade,” said Ian.

Bernard Walsh, Co-Founder of Walsh Whiskey Distillery and creator of The Irishman and Writers Tears super-premium whiskeys said he was thrilled that the Australian visitors to the distillery could now also enjoy its whiskeys at home.

“We were delighted to seal our partnership with Spirits Platform during Ian’s recent visit to Royal Oak.”

“Whilst Australia currently accounts for two percent of global Irish whiskey sales – this is a number I’m sure will grow under the stewardship of the Spirits Platform team,” said Bernard.

The launch of The Irishman in Australia coincides with the visit of Walsh Whiskey Distillery’s Global Brand Ambassador, Sean Normoyle, who will be attending Whiskey Live in Brisbane on August 19 & 20, The Oak Barrel Fair, Sydney on August 26 & 27 as well as visiting key accounts and partners.