Powers distillery produces the world’s first whiskey made entirely from Irish rye

Following testing at the Midleton Distillery, Irish Distillers-owned Powers has introduced the first 100% Irish rye whiskey.

Powers Irish Rye was created as a result of experimenting at Midleton Distillery in Cork, Ireland, to’shake up’ the rye whiskey category.

“We attribute the success of this whiskey first and foremost to the extended team at Midleton Distillery, but also to the generations of Powers distillers who considered rye grain to be a distinctive component of their craft,” said Eric Ryan, Powers’ distiller.

“From our commitment to growing a difficult crop, to reduced brewhouse output, to longer fermentation durations, and considering the amazing barrel profile; if it was solely about efficiency, we would never have utilized rye. But it was a worthwhile endeavor.”

The drink is believed to harmonize the earthy, peppery taste of rye with the sweetness imparted by maturation in American oak casks – the cask mix includes virgin oaks, first-fills, and refills.

Maraschino cherry, orange peel, and toffee banana flavors are reported to be blended with candied ginger and clove, burnt orange, and peppermint. The aftertaste is characterized as lengthy and spicy, with a prickle of chili oil.

Carol Quinn, archivist of Irish Distillers, determined that the production of Powers Irish Rye is based in the brand’s heritage.

Old mash bills and recipes have been unearthed. Powers has already experimented with rye. Throughout the nineteenth century, as scientific knowledge of distillation developed, the brand’s creators strived to innovate with new techniques and processes.

“Throughout the history of the famous Powers John’s Lane Distillery, there was a willingness to challenge the old ways of doing things and experiment with new ideas, from urban farming on the distillery roof in the 1940s to in-house bottling and the introduction of the world’s first miniature Irish whiskey, the ‘baby Power,'” Quinn continued.

“This has influenced the DNA of Powers Irish Rye today, both in terms of rye usage and distilling technology.”

The whiskey is 43.2% ABV and retails for €40 (US$32/£32). It will be sold beginning February 20, 2023 in the United States, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Dublin Airport, and online at powerswhiskey.com and The Whisky Exchange in the United Kingdom.