Egan’s Irish Whiskey ‘Centenary’

Egan’s Irish Whiskey has released a special-edition expression to commemorate 100 years since the passing of co-founder, Henry Egan.

Egan was a spirit merchant, bonder and bottler, who made his mark on Irish history as a leading figure in the struggle for an independent Ireland, the company says. His spirit lives on through Centenary, an blend of single malt and single grain Irish whiskey, limited to just 5,995 bottles worldwide.

The character of single malt Irish whiskey is balanced with sweet notes of vanilla from the grain whiskey, the company reports. Egan’s Irish Whiskey Centenary is 92 proof, and blended in XO Cognac casks of French Limousin oak.

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Egan’s, a multi-generational brand, was established by brothers Henry and Patrick Egan in 1852 in Tullamore, County Offaly. Patrick was the commercial brains behind P. & H. Egan Ltd., while Henry was the company’s public face, as well as a political Irishman, serving as secretary of the Tullamore Land League.

In 1887, Henry was involved in the ‘Tullamore Tweed’ incident, when Land League leaders William O’Brien, M.P. and John Mandeville were imprisoned at Tullamore Gaol (jail). The men refused to wear official prison garments, protesting their non-criminal status and declaring themselves as political prisoners. Henry managed to smuggle in a suit of Irish Blarney Tweed, a soft hat, and an emerald green tie for O’Brien to wear in defiance of the authorities, the company says. 

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In a nod to the ‘Tullamore Tweed’ incident, each bottle of Egan’s Centenary comes with an Irish tweed coaster, produced in partnership with Magee of Donegal. 

Centenary’s profile has floral notes with accents of honey and apricot on the nose, the company reports. A combination of light wafers, almond, ginger and fruits are on the palate. The finish has hints of ginger giving way to lemon zest and licorice.

Centenary is part of the Intrepid Spirits portfolio and is available in the U.S. at select retailers. The 750-ml bottle has a SRP of $100 (46% ABV, 92 Proof). 

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