The World's Oldest Distillery!

The other day, St. Patrick's Day, as a matter of fact, I was introduced to a new  Whiskey:  Kilbeggan, and 'tis a fine Irish blend, little darlin'.

I was looking to purchase some Jameson to toast up the day, and a friend suggested Kilbeggan. A good price and a nice taste. Somewhat sweet, mild, no harshness here.
I definitely enjoyed my first taste, but it was much later, when I truly noticed the labelling on the bottle that I had to look further into Kilbeggan. The label carried the year 1757, and the line, "The World's Oldest Distillery". That caught my attention! 256 years old!

Kilbeggan Distillery is located in County Westmeath on the River Brosna. It is a pot still distillery, founded in 1757, taken over by 1798 by Matthias McManus, whose son was killed in the United Irishmen rebellion of that same year. Again, it was taken over by John Locke in 1843, remaining in the Locke family until 1943, then purchased by Transworld Trust in 1947. With the depression of the 1920's and 1930's, production ceased for a time. In the 50's, the distillery was turned into a whiskey museum, until Cooley Distillery bought the license to again produce Kilbeggan.

In more recent years, a world marketing campaign has brought Kilbeggan to the attention of the US, and people are giving it a go here in the States, with very favorable reviews. Of course, the Irish are a bit miffed at having their exclusive Ireland-only whiskey offered up to others. In fact the new marketing campaign goes so far as to capture that attitude. Catch "Tight Knit" below:
 http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=you+tube+kilbeggan&mid=E3527CD449B716535EC8E3527CD449B716535EC8&view=detail&FORM=VIRE2

Or how about: "The Plan"
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=you+tube+kilbeggan&mid=E3527CD449B716535EC8E3527CD449B716535EC8&view=detail&FORM=VIRE2

So, the secret's out. Pour yourself a tot, and let me know what you think!