First meeting of Cavan Whiskey Society goes down ‘easy’
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The Cavan Whiskey Society in conjunction with Soraghan Irish Whiskey and Whiskey Nomad was officially launched in The Anglers Rest in Ballyconnell on Friday night. From left: Liam McKiernan, tasting some 12 year-old Red Breast PX whiskey, which he said “went down very well”; Gerry McKiernan, Whiskey Nomad; Denise McKiernan and Rebecca Lynch.Image 2 of 2
The launch of Cavan’s Whiskey Society. From left: Gerry McKiernan, doing the tasting on this occasion; Stephen Soraghan, Liam McKiernan, Manager of The Anglers Rest in Ballyconnell and Cllr Brendan Fay. The money raised from the launch will go to SOSAD and Brendan Fay wished the Society all the best in the future. PHOTOS: Sean McMahonTHE FIRST ever whiskey tasting society has been launched in Cavan with help from a brewer from Belturbet whose family history is steeped in the Irish pub tradition.
Stephen Soraghan’s family pub in Louth was first granted a licence in 1750 but was run as a shebeen before that.
Stephen has lived near Belturbet for around 20 years now and during lockdown came up with the idea of Soraghan Irish Whiskey, which is being produced at the former old Harp Brewery in Dundalk.
The love of a good Leitrim woman took the Louth man to neutral County Cavan and he hasn’t looked back with the offices for his whiskey brand in Belturbet and plans to develop a whiskey visitor centre in his adopted home town.
Of course, Stephen is acquainted with the other whiskey connoisseur in the area, Gerry McKiernan, otherwise known as 'The Whiskey Nomad' and together they hosted the inaugural meeting of the Cavan Whiskey Society on July 4 last.
"Gerry is a collector of rare and notable whiskeys and in the Society he is sharing his knowledge and his collection," Stephen said.
“The aim was to create some social and community engagement for whiskey enthusiasts,” he told the Celt.
Around 30 people attended the first meeting where they sampled various whiskeys but also had an opportunity to learn more about the production methods behind Ireland’s liquid gold and the business potential in dealing in whiskey. They also got an opportunity to network with others who have the same interests and all while donating to a local good cause.
Stephen said a percentage of the takings from the whiskey sales and all the proceeds from the sale of Soraghan Whiskey apparel at the inaugural meeting were donated to SOSAD.
He explained how, going forward, the meetings will be an informal gathering of people who have an interest or taste for quality whiskey.
“Over a glass of whiskey people could learn about the farming side of whiskey production, ask about the brewing and distillation processes, learn about investing and dealing in whiskeys, sip and savour a selection of brands,” Stephen gave a flavour of the society’s first meeting.
“The plan would be to start taking whiskey tours to the distilleries of Ireland as a group,” he added.
“I’ve noticed already how the society has brought together different people and businesses and that can only be a good thing,” he continued.When asked to describe his own brand, Stephen said Soraghan’s three-year-old blend is “smooth and easy to take neat with hints of vanilla. People say it's ideal for people who are new to whiskey. Other experts in the field say it’s as good as a seven-year-old scotch so, we’ll take that."
Soraghan also produces a seven-year-old single malt and both are available to buy in around 50 places in Ireland including Spar and Cassidy’s Service Station, Ballyconnell; the Slieve Rusell and Horse Shoe hotels and the Yukon Bar to name a few.
Stephen says the Society hopes to hold their next meeting at the beginning of August when they will discuss the club's first whiskey tour.
In the meatnime, Soraghan products can be purchased online and Stephen and the Cavan Whiskey Society can be contacted or followed on their Instagram and Facebook accounts.