Irish whiskey brand Molly Malone has launched Molly Malone Small Batch.
According to the Molly Malone Whiskey Company, travel retail is a key channel for promoting and selling the Small Batch 70cl.
The brand has secured its first listing – with Aer Rianta International (ARI) at Dublin Airport – and has appointed Garry Maxwell of GMAX Travel Retail to spearhead Molly Malone’s expansion.
Molly Malone whiskey is distilled using traditional Irish techniques to target Irish American consumers. Small Batch is not from a single distillery but drawn from selected Irish distilleries, using top-quality local malts and grains to create a premium whiskey.
The Molly Malone Whiskey Company was founded in 2019 by Richard Lombard-Chibnall, after working for 30 years with Lombard Scotch Whisky, most recently as Global Brand Director. The Lombard-Chibnall family boasts ties with wine and spirits dating back to the late 17th century and is regarded as one of the founding independents of the whisk(e)y industry. The brand takes its name from the popular Irish song, Molly Malone (also known as Cockles and Mussels), which is set in Dublin and based on a character of the same name from the 17th century. The song – which has become a uniting celebration of the Irish – is strongly associated with supporters of the Irish national rugby team.
During the Dublin Millennium celebrations in 1988 Molly Malone was given her own National Day (13 June). In 2011, an internet search engine reported that the name then was achieving over one million hits per year. |
Molly Malone Small Batch 70cl is light on the palate with sweet notes, its flavour enhanced through the use of second-fill Quercus Alba bourbon casks. The expression claimed a Silver Medal from the Spirits Business in this year’s Spring Tasting Competition.
Richard Lombard-Chibnall commented: “Molly Malone is in the DNA of the Irish and we have created an initial product which has been very well-received and that we are very proud of.
“We have major plans to grow the brand internationally and make Molly Malone Irish whiskey become known as the go to drink for ‘a celebration of Ireland’.”
Commenting on the collaboration with GMAX Travel Retail, Lombard-Chibnall said: “Garry has worked in travel retail for over 40 years in all forms of the business and is excited to be working with such an iconic brand name as Molly Malone.
“Equally, we are delighted to secure his experience and services for taking Molly Malone into more airports and other travel retail locations across the world.”
NOTE. As reported, The Moodie Davitt Report – in association with William Grant & Sons and The Balvenie single malt Scotch whisky brand – is launching a regular eNewsletter series that offers a curated selection of stories focused on the spirits category in travel retail and beyond.
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