Reviving Belfast’s Whiskey Heritage: The Irish Whiskey Bonding Company Unveils New Alchemy
David and Fiona Boyd-Armstrong, founders of the renowned Rademon Estate Distillery, are tipping their hats to Belfast’s historic whiskey architects with their latest venture, the Irish Whiskey Bonding Company (IWBC). This isn’t just another distillery; it’s a tribute to the alchemists who pioneered whiskey bonding and blending in Belfast.
Established in 2012, their family estate near Downpatrick already boasts the acclaimed brands Shortcross Gin and Shortcross Irish Whiskey. IWBC is their newest brainchild, designed to give classic Irish whiskey a modern twist. The company will craft whiskies using Shortcross single malt, peated single malt, and pot still whiskies, while also incorporating spirits from other distilleries across Ireland.
IWBC is rolling out with three knockout expressions: Grafter, a complex blend of five whiskeys aged in ex-bourbon, sherry, and virgin oak casks; Chancer, featuring Shortcross peated single malt harmonized with malt, pot still, and grain whiskeys; and Merchants Malt, a 15-year-old, triple-distilled single malt aged solely in ex-bourbon barrels.
David, doubling as IWBC’s mastermind of distilling and blending, stated, “We’re not just distillers; we’re Irish whiskey storytellers, hell-bent on crafting innovative expressions. IWBC is our stage, our chance to elevate the Shortcross brand and captivate a global audience of Irish whiskey aficionados.”
This isn’t just a business; it’s a revival of an art form. “It was our secret struggle to perfect the blend, but these ground-breaking Irish whiskies are finally ready for the stage.”
All IWBC creations are now up for grabs at irishwhiskeybondingcompany.com.
