Following on from the launch of award winning Shortcross Gin and Shortcross Irish Whiskey, the founders of Rademon Estate Distillery, husband and wife duo David & Fiona Boyd-Armstrong have launched the Irish Whiskey Bonding Company.  Rademon Estate is a Food NI member.

The team describes the Irish Whiskey Bonding Company (IWBC) as paying homage to the great whiskey bonders and blenders of Belfast, and that while respecting the past the Irish Whiskey Bonding Company is focused on looking forward and crafting new and exciting expressions of Irish Whiskey.

Not content to just source whiskey from other distilleries across the island of Ireland, the Irish Whiskey Bonding Company will also use casks of Shortcross Single Malt, Peated Single Malt and Pot Still whiskies in select expressions. The Irish Whiskey Bonding Company is launching with two new blended Irish Whiskey expressions Grafter and Chancer, alongside the Merchants Malt which is a 15 Year Old Single Malt.

The Grafter – Small Batch Irish Whiskey is a premium blend of 5 Irish Whiskeys including, Shortcross Single Malt Irish Whiskey, triple and double distilled malt alongside pot still and grain. Aged in ex-bourbon, sherry casks and virgin American Oak.

Grafter was a Gold medal winner at the 2022 IWSC awards with 95 points.

The Chancer – Peated Small Batch Irish Whiskey is a premium blend of 5 Irish Whiskeys including, Shortcross Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey, triple and double distilled malt alongside pot still and grain. Aged in ex-bourbon, sherry casks and virgin American Oak.

The Merchants Malt is a carefully selected and sourced 15 year old triple distilled single malt Irish Whiskey from the north coast of Ireland and aged solely in bourbon barrels. An exceptional bottling

that showcases Irish Whiskey at its finest. Only a limited quantity of this unique Irish whiskey will be available.

Director of Distilling & Blending David Boyd-Armstrong says “We are Irish Whiskey distillers and blenders at heart and love to create new and innovative expressions. The Irish Whiskey Bonding Company gives us a platform to take the whiskey that we distil at Rademon Estate Distillery under our Shortcross Irish Whiskey brand and to use that to create new expressions that will help us reach a greater number of Irish whiskey fans globally. The art of blending Irish Whiskey is something that we have been working hard at behind the scenes and it’s an exciting time to bring these new Irish Whiskies to market.”

All expressions are available to purchase online now via www.irishwhiskeybondingcompany.com

Building on the export success of their existing brands, has seen the Irish Whiskey Bonding Company land its first exports to United States of America, Managing Director Fiona Boyd-Armstrong adds “ In blending each of these expressions we wanted to create Irish Whiskies that we could export across the world, when we first spoke with our importer in the US where they immediately onboard with the new brand and we are delighted to say the Irish Whiskey Bonding Company is now available to purchase across the United States”.

Separately Fiona Boyd-Armstrong has also revealed that as part of a recent investment in the business that Rademon Estate Distillery are now able to provide a contract bottling and storage solutions for other Irish whiskey producers, the company’s recent Salsa audit has seen it accredited for the production and bottling of both Gin and Irish whiskey.

Fiona added “As the Irish Whiskey industry continues to expand we are excited to be able to offer our services in two areas that the industry is facing significant constraints. We are already working with a number of other producers across the island and expect these elements of our business to grow over time”.

Two Taste of Ulster members have won awards at the Georgina Campbell Irish Food and Hospitality Awards 2023. They were announced on Wednesday 11^th October, 2023 at an event hosted by Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, at the new Bord Bia Dublin Global Hub in Ballsbridge.

The Parson’s Nose in Hillsborough Co Down is the Georgina Campbell Pub of the Year 2023. The citation read: “Previously named after its original owner, The Marquis of Downshire, Ronan and Jennie Sweeney’s charming 18th century pub and restaurant is a sister to that great dining pub, Balloo House in Killinchy and its stylish younger sibling, The Poacher’s Pocket in Lisbane – and it is always a special pleasure to visit. It emerged from a major revamp a few years ago, with all of its character and style intact – think old world with a distinctive modern twist – a spacious and comfortable dining area on the garden level and, more recently, a large covered beer garden overlooking the Hillsborough Castle lake. In the welcoming bar a real coal fire burns in the grate and, along with their popular woodfired sourdough pizzas, classic cooking of famous local meats, poultry and fresh fish are a highlight at this cosy venue. ‘Honest Food and Ales’ is the mantra, and it shows in their good food and drink, including a selection of local beers. Super friendly, professional staff and seriously delicious food – always. A great asset to ‘Royal Hillsborough’.

The Clandeboye Lodge Hotel was named 4-Star Hotel of the Year. Described by Georgina Campbell as a “comfortable privately owned modern four star near Bangor” which “fits in well with its rural surroundings and not only offers an appealing alternative for those who do not need to stay in town, but is also handy enough for business visits to Belfast. Reception staff are exceptionally warm and helpful and this – together with a welcoming fire and plentiful seating areas in the the large and stylish foyer – creates a good impression that carries throughout the hotel. A note from the owners, Pim and Mandy Dalm, to guests arriving in the thoughtfully designed bedrooms, is a nice touch, and the quiet attention to detail is outstanding.

And then there is the good food served in the attractive Coq & Bull brasserie, where an iconic Sophie Dickens Coq and Bull sculpture sets the tone for a stylish design and ‘destination restaurant’ ambience, and the “Good Honest Food” served is inspired by consultation with the famed Nick Price – formerly of Nick’s Warehouse and one of the chefs who led the way in Northern Ireland’s thriving new food scene. The hotel is a popular wedding venue, but events take place in separate conference and banqueting centre, so other hotel guests are not disturbed. Not a bells and whistles place, this is just the spot for guests who appreciate understated excellence.”

Congratulations to both members.

Orchard County village hosts its annual Bramley Apple celebration

Living in County Armagh, which is of course famous for its orchards, you could easily take apples for granted…

However, at the end of October each year, the people of Richhill, itself surrounded by orchards, celebrate the locally grown Bramley Apple.

This year’s Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre will take place over six days from Tuesday 24th October to Sunday 29th October.

The main event, as always, is Saturday’s Apple Fayre Day. It sees the historical centre of Richhill transformed into an open air market with live music and entertainment throughout the day.

“We pride ourselves on a warm, welcoming atmosphere on Apple Fayre Day and this year we would love to see lots of people who haven’t been before in Richhill on Saturday 28th October,” said Ruth Briggs, one of the organisers of the Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre.

“We obviously want everyone to have a great time, but we also want to keep highlighting the importance and value that apple growing brings to our local community. 

“So you’ll see apples everywhere and many of the traders will have an apple twist to tie in with our overall theme.”

There is also once again a very healthy crop of musical talent at Apple Fayre Day this year.

“On our music stage we have local favourites Catch 22, the super talented Qua Family and The Swingtime Starlets, who have also become firm favourites among fayre regulars,” said Ruth Briggs.

“And then all the way from Virginia, we’ll be joined by the American bluegrass band Level Best. They’ll be performing in the marquee at the castle on Wednesday night and then coming back to join us on Saturday again.”

The festival takes place at the end of October to coincide with the end of the apple harvest.

“This year we’ve been following the progress of one local Bramley Apple tree in particular,” said Ruth Briggs. 

“We’ve had regular updates on our Facebook page as it grew and then started producing apples of course.

“And on Apple Fayre Day, we’ll be asking people to guess how many apples have been picked from the tree. There’ll be a prize for the person with the closest answer, but more importantly we just want to re-emphasise that apples are at the very core of the fayre.”

A new event for the 2023 Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is ‘Richhill Memories’, a night of storytelling on Thursday 26th October.

“We’ve a great group of people lined up to tell a true story about Richhill or one that is linked to the village in some way,” said Ruth Briggs. “Expect nostalgia, a few good laughs and hopefully a few surprises as we will no doubt hear about some of the many wonderful characters associated with the village.

“This is the first year of this event and we’re hoping that it’s going to go from strength to strength.”

On Friday night, Orchard County residents can look forward to fireworks over Richhill thanks to the fayre’s ‘Alternative Hallowe’en’ celebrations. 

This event, supported by the local Methodist church, is aimed at younger generations with games and activities planned in the Square (Richhill).

Follow the ‘Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre’ Facebook page for regular updates on all this year’s events. 

For further information or to arrange an interview with an apple grower or a committee member, please contact Ruth Briggs on 07876 545482.

Northern Ireland footballing hero of the 1982 World Cup, Gerry Armstrong has launched a limited edition whiskey, Spirit of 82 that celebrates that iconic moment when the team defied all the odds. 

Armstrong struck the winning goal against the hosts, Spain, on June 25 and now he has produced a whiskey as a tribute to the dedication and passion displayed by our team during that extraordinary match.  

It was in the 47th minute against the favourites for the tournament in their own heartland of Valencia that Armstrong scored and the Northern Ireland team fought their way to hold on to the lead and etch their name into footballing history. 

Already Armstrong’s new blend, developed with Food NI member Titanic Distillers, is receiving plaudits from many quarters, including those close to home. 

“The whiskey process takes years but when people started drinking it their reactions were fantastic and very complimentary,” the Belfast man explained. 

“My father is an expert in whiskey drinking and said it was very smooth and easy to drink and reminded him of one of his favourite well known Irish brands.” 

The number nine of Northern Ireland on that special night said he worked with the right people to develop Spirit of 82, and make sure that he had a whiskey he was proud to bear his name. 

“After speaking with my good friend Peter Lavery I thought I must make a whiskey of my own choice and he helped me to select the type of whiskey I like” he said. 

“We went through the tasting procedures and eliminated the whiskey we didn’t think was good enough until we came up with the Spirit of 82. 

“All in all it was a fantastic process, it’s not easy to bring a whiskey to market but I have loved every step of the journey.”

Food NI member Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin, Co Down has secured the future of an historic building which was once one of Ireland’s largest malting houses, supplying malted barley to distilleries and breweries across the island.

With the support of Bank of Ireland UK, Echlinville has purchased the Ards Maltings building on the Portaferry Road just outside Newtownards, with a view to restoring the malting process on site and increasing their capacity to malt locally produced barley using traditional  methods.

The £5 million investment means that Echlinville will be the only distillery in Ireland with the capacity to produce, malt, ferment and distil their spirit from field to glass, with local investment an important pillar of the business growth plans. While the distillery team currently floor malt their barley on the distillery farm, this latest development will enable Echlinville to malt barley on an industrial scale.

Shane Braniff, owner of The Echlinville Distillery, explains: “Echlinville was the first new distillery in Northern Ireland for more than 125years when we received our licence and casked our first spirit back in2013.  We’ve always been proud of our roots here in the Ards Peninsula and we complete every stage of the production process from the ground up on site at our distillery, from growing and harvesting the barley on our family farm, right through to hand labelling and bottling the finest spirits that we produce.

“Irish whiskey is the world’s fastest growing spirits category and locally we have a long history of quality whiskey production. The Ards Peninsula has historically been known as one of the finest grain growing regions in Ireland, so it’s no coincidence that Ards Maltings was established at the northern end of the Peninsula, malting barley from the surrounding farms and becoming one of the country’s largest malting houses.

“In its day, Ards Malting provided malted barley to distilleries and breweries around Ireland, including such companies as Guinness, Bushmills and Comber Distilleries – the home of Old Comber Whiskey, a brand that we revived and now produce at Echlinville. We are delighted to be able to bring that particular story full circle.

“Ards Maltings is among the Ards’ most iconic buildings, standing proudly on the Northern shore of Strangford Lough and welcoming people to the Peninsula. We are excited to be able to restore the building for the purpose for which it was first built while continuing on our journey to put County Down back on the world whiskey map. Our focus has always been on providing quality, exceptional flavour and instilling excellence from field to glass in the production of the finest quality spirits, and Ards Maltings will play an important role in the future growth of our business.

“The team at Bank of Ireland UK have been strong supporters of our business as it has grown over the years and take the time to understand our plans for business development offering support, guidance and the right financial products to support our ambitions.”

Gavin North, Senior Business Manager at Bank of Ireland UK said: “Shane and the team at Echlinville Distillery have been quietly leading the regeneration of quality local whiskey production and their pursuit of excellence in every aspect is admired and recognised by the significant international awards they have achieved to date.

“We’re pleased to have provided the funding to support this next phase of their sustainable business plan and look forward to working closely with the team as they continue to achieve success locally and globally, placing The Echlinville Distillery firmly on the internationally acclaimed whiskey tourism map.”

Barista Bar, an initiative of the Henderson Group, a Food NI member, has struck a £2.5m deal with CJ Lang & Son in Scotland to expand its presence across Spar convenience store outlets there

CJ Lang & Son owns the SPAR convenience store chain in Scotland and presently operates more than 300 SPAR stores across Scotland.

As per the terms of the agreement, Barista Bar will install its self-serve coffee machines at 104 SPAR stores in Scotland.

It will also be deployed at independent retailers’ locations. 

Henderson Foodservice, which started Barista Bar in 2015, will now have 730 units across the UK with this new rollout.

Henderson Foodservice commercial and development director Mark Stewart-Maunder says: “Two years ago, our foodservice company invested over £6 millioninto Barista Bar to upgrade the brand and machinery to produce a stand-out product that has had a hugely positive impact on our retailers’ sales and footfall.