1st Sirah-finished Irish whiskey comes to U.S.

A special U.S. market-only project teams up Concannon Vineyards of California and Cooley Distillery of Ireland to introduce a product being shipped to vendors this week.

It's Concannon Irish Whiskey, distilled in Ireland from a barley and corn mash, matured in bourbon barrels for a minimum of four years, then finished for four months in former Concannon Petite Sirah wine barrels, shipped in from California, before blending.

"The United States is presently the largest market for Irish whiskey and growing," said John Concannon, fourth generation vintner at Concannon. "We're thrilled to offer a unique take on the category to American consumers with Concannon, a fiercely independent spirit from Ireland's sole craft distillery that shares the heritage of both cultures as so many Irish-Americans do."

Concannon Irish Whiskey will sell at a suggested retail price of $24.99 for the 750ml bottle.

Concannon Vineyards began with its first planting in 1883 near Livermore, CA. Cooley Distillery was established in 1987. It also produces Kilbeggan, The Tyrconnell, Connemara and Greenore brands. The company is in the process of being purchased by Beam Brands.

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