The earliest iterations of legendary Irish rockers Thin Lizzy, coalesced circa late 1969 in Dublin, Ireland. Phil Lynott and company went on to persevere through a weighty campaign into the hearts and minds of rock and roll fans around the world. Their sixth studio record, Jailbreak, was a major turning point in the story for the band. Critics and fans alike lauded this release, but the key breakthrough was finding success in the United States. Led by Phil Lynott (vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar), this classic line up included Scott Gorham (lead/rhythm guitars), Brian Robertson (lead/rhythm guitars), and Brian Downey (drums, percussion). Along with the unmistakable growl of Lynott, the dual guitars continue to be the hallmark of their signature sound.
Tragically, Phil Lynott passed on January 4th, 1986… too soon at the tender age of 36. His presence was all too brief in our world, but those around him have done well to preserve his amazing legacy. Classic songs like “Jailbreak”, “The Boys are Back in Town”, “The Rocker”, “Whiskey in the Jar”, and “Dancing in the Moonlight”, endure as stunning examples of the Thin Lizzy legacy. In addition, the 1978 double album “Live and Dangerous” is one of the best live albums ever recorded.
There is an undeniable connection between music and whiskey. With Phil Lynott being a celebrated hero from Ireland, it makes complete sense that an Irish whiskey bears the name of the band. Over the course of two years, Scott Gorham and Brian Downey, together with the Lynott family (Caroline, Sarah, and Cathleen) embarked on a two year process with West Cork Distillers to create a whiskey where Irish craft and art combine.
The group was committed and uncompromising in their approach. At the culmination of their journey, they selected an unusual blend of grain & malt finished in double charred oak casks. Each bottle is adorned with the works of Thin Lizzy cover artist, Jim Fitzpatrick (the iconic “Black Rose”).
Thin Lizzy and the Family of Phil Lynott provided the following statement to Whiskey Network Magazine:
“Thin Lizzy and the Philip Lynott Estate are delighted to announce the global launch of their own brand Irish Whiskey, developed by the band in collaboration with Ireland’s West Cork Distillers.
The Thin Lizzy Irish Whiskey was created as a result of band members Scott Gorham and Brian Downey together with the family of Philip Lynott – wife Caroline and daughters Sarah and Cathleen – visiting the beautiful town of Skibbereen and working with the Head Distiller at West Cork Distillers to develop an Irish Whiskey which we all enjoy and are excited to share with Irish Whiskey enthusiasts around the world.
We asked the renowned Dublin artist Jim Fitzpatrick, creator of many of the Thin Lizzy iconic album covers, to come on board and work with the West Cork Distillers branding team to produce a label that will be immediately recognized and associated with the band by fans whilst also appreciated for its beauty by all.
We are truly proud that our whiskey has already achieved double gold medals in The Europe Wine & Spirit awards, proving that we have a quality offering worthy of the Thin Lizzy name.
Only last month Thin Lizzy were voted the best Irish band of all time in a St Patrick’s Day poll of more than 10,000 music fans and listeners of Ireland’s Radio Nova. This confirms Thin Lizzy’s status and proves the band are still as relevant as ever.
We hope you will enjoy this very special product. Scott, Brian, Caroline, Sarah & Cathleen.
Sláinte!”
Of course, the spirit within the spirit is the rebellious and roguish Phil Lynott, adding his own touch of rock and roll magic to the whiskey. His statue on Harry Street, just off Grafton Street in Dublin, is a permanent reminder of the legend and legacy of Thin Lizzy. Rest assured that his spirit is celebrating nearby. Just make sure that you visit the nearest pub that carries the Thin Lizzy Whiskey. It’s an instant classic!
You can learn more about it here.
