Having built a highly successful career in the industry, Quintessential Brands Marketing Manager Sinead O’Frighil knows a thing or two when it comes to quality drinks. Now heading up the expansion of the company’s premium Irish whiskeys portfolio, focusing especially on The Dubliner Irish whiskey, Sinead talks to Whisky Wednesday about her love for her native spirit.
Do you remember your first taste of whiskey?
Yes, but I think I was a little too young to appreciate it! I first started drinking whiskey and ginger ale before I learned to appreciate the taste.
What is it that you love about whiskey?
What do I not love? Whiskey is such a fantastic product – there is nothing else in the world which has the patience or craftsmanship. I love how much flavour can be had from such simple ingredients and how much the cask can influence that. I love the diversity of whiskies from around the world – the smooth, spicy notes of Irish, the sweet, oak tastes of bourbon and the rich, smoky Highland Scotches. There is such a world to explore, and you can never get bored.
What’s your favourite place in the world to enjoy a whiskey?
If I’m in Dublin then the Brazen Head (the oldest pub in Dublin), or Kehoes, South Anne St. Further afield, it would be enjoying a Dubliner Whiskey in The Dubliner Pub in Washington DC.
What was the most enjoyable dram you ever drank?
My first taste of The Dubliner Liberties Oak Devil – we put a huge amount of work into it and the finished product is sublime.
If you could prop up the bar and enjoy a whiskey with anyone, who would it be?
My dad. I’m still teaching him the finer points of whiskey!
