Raise a Glass the ‘Old Fashioned’ Way with Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey

Founded in 1830 by Samuel Gelston, a prosperous wine and whiskey merchant from Belfast, Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey is a testament to quality and innovation. This blend, made from 10% Irish malted barley and 90% grain, undergoes triple distillation for unparalleled smoothness. It is matured in the finest ex-bourbon oak casks, resulting in a flavour-rich, expressive whiskey that is smooth and easy to drink with a natural sweetness.

Since the 12th century, Irish whiskey has been considered one of the earliest distilled drinks in Europe. It is believed that Irish monks brought the distillation techniques from southern Europe around 1000 AD and adapted them to create drinkable spirits. While the Irish and Scots still debate who invented whiskey (Scotch whisky is spelled without the ‘e’), there is no disputing that Irish whiskey is a delightful choice for any occasion.

Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey, introduced to the South African market in 2021, is an exquisite addition for connoisseurs. It boasts a nose with hints of fruit, candied sweets, and dry spice. The palate reveals smooth honey, grain, and nuts, while the finish is long and elegant. This outstanding whiskey won silver at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021 and the London Spirits Competition in 2022.

Enjoy this whiskey neat, on the rocks, with your favourite mixer, or in a classic cocktail. Here’s a recipe for a timeless Old Fashioned:

Old Fashioned Recipe

  • 60ml Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey
  • 2 tsp simple syrup or 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice
  • Slice of orange peel
  • Maraschino cherry

Method:

  1. Add the whiskey, simple syrup or sugar, and bitters to a whiskey tumbler and stir (ensure granulated sugar dissolves completely).
  2. Add ice, stir twice, and garnish with a slice of orange peel and a single maraschino cherry.

Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey is available at most leading liquor retailers and online at Takealot and Liquor Drop. It is distributed by Halewood South Africa. For more information, visit Halewood South Africa.