Consumption of Irish Whiskey is growing – it’s the fastest rising spirit in the U.S. But only four distilleries exist in all of Ireland, and outside the big-name brands Jamesons, Bushmills, and Powers, only one remains a craft distiller.

Storyboard Podcast:

Episode 73: https://downloads.wired.com/podcasts/assets/Storyboard/Storyboard_073.mp3

That lone operation is a name many don’t recognize. Cooley Distillery has been producing spirits since 1987, but rarely with the word “Cooley” on the label. Their products include whiskeys like Tyrconnell or Greenore—plus a few collaborations with outside companies. And the quality level lead to Cooley’s purchase by the transnational drinks conglomerate Beam last month.

Cooley’s global brand ambassador, John Cashman, recently traveled to California while working on a collaboration with Livermore, Ca. winery Concannon on an Irish Whiskey of the same name. Concannon’s Irish Whiskey is a blend of grain and malt whiskeys, distilled in Ireland, then aged in several barrels including a partial finish in Concannon petite sirah casks. So, yes, it’s another Storyboard that ends with a drink.

Cashman joined Nathan Mattise on this week’s podcast to talk about Cooley and the Irish whiskey market as a whole. The two discuss Beam’s recent acquisition of the brand, the latest projects happening at Cooley and what, if anything, translates from the U.S. craft distilling boom to Ireland. Feel free to drink along with us at home.



