Kinahan`s Special Release Project 18 Merlot Cask 11 YO (in tube)

The Kinahan`s company was founded in 1779 on Trinity Street in Dublin by Daniel Kinahan. Since then, the brand has begun its epic saga, a journey through time and an odyssey between generations. In 1980, the company acquired impressive warehouses in Hamilton Row, Dublin, allowing for proper storage of casks and the production of aged whisky. Thus, Kinahan’s became one of the first brands to produce and export only aged whisky. In 1807, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (head of state) Charles Lennox was so impressed with Kinahan`s whisky that he ordered all stocks to be taken exclusively for personal use, marking each cask "LL". This news gained wide publicity, leading to Kinahan`s becoming one of the most popular brands both domestically and abroad. In 1819, the popularity of the Kinahan’s brand allowed for the creation of its own four-story headquarters. By the mid-20th century, the historic building was destroyed. As Kinahan`s popularity grew, London became the base for international trade in the 1800s. For over half a century, the London base of the company has been the center of export trade to the continent, China, India, Australia, and other overseas markets. In 1845, Queen Victoria awarded Kinahan`s the Royal Warrant. With the growing popularity on the British Isles by the mid-19th century, Kinahan`s whisky gained recognition from the legendary Jerry Thomas, "the father of American mixology". The terms "Kinahan’s" and "Kinahan’s LL" became synonymous by 1881, gaining wide recognition as a shorthand designation for whisky of a certain price, quality, and reputation. One of the key family members, George Kinahan, died in 1903, marking the end of the family`s long association with public life in Dublin. Besides George Kinahan`s passing, the company had to deal with the changing economy of Ireland. In June 1911, Kinahan’s business operations were transferred to Bagot & Hutton, another long-established Dublin winery. This company bottled and distributed "Kinahan’s LL" whisky until Prohibition in the USA in 1920. The company resumed operations in 2004. It currently operates several production facilities across Ireland. The new whisky production team draws inspiration from Kinahan’s long-standing heritage, focusing on the unique characteristics of wood and various aging methods. Kinahan’s often challenges long-standing stereotypes. "Older whisky is not always better whisky, and age does not necessarily contribute to the maturity of aroma."