KATELYN MCKENNA
Irish Graphic Designer & Illustrator
BATTLE OF KINSALE WHISKEY SERIES
Premium Irish Whiskey has been launched by Cork’s Kinsale Spirit Company – co-founded by Ernest Cantillon, Colin Ross, and Tom O’Riordan. Label illustration by Katelyn McKenna.
Red Earl Irish Whiskey
'As bold as the hero that inspires it.’ Red Hugh O Donnell is known as one of the great heroes of Irish history. As chieftain of a powerful Irish dynasty in north west Ireland, he led the success of numerous battles against the forces of Queen Elizabeth I. He became Earl of Tyrconnell after escaping five years of captivity in Dublin Castle at the hands of the English army, aided by Hugh O Neill, the Great Earl.
He fled across mountains and the harsh Irish landscape in the height of winter and as a result suffered severe frostbite, losing a big toe from each foot. As chieftain, he formed a number of alliances with various Irish clans to challenge English power in Ireland. This included the powerful alliance with rival clan, the O’Neills, led by his future father-in law and courageous leader, the Great Earl.
Together they fought in the ‘Nine Years War’ to drive their common enemy out of Ireland.
Great Earl Single Grain Irish Whiskey
Hugh “The Great Earl” O Neill, a celebrated general, was undaunted despite the odds.
Having rescued Red Hugh O Donnell, following his escape from Dublin Castle, they fought side-by-side with Juan del Aguila, “the Spanish Earl,” at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601.
Leaving Ireland in the Flight of the Earls in 1607, he died in Rome nine years later, where he is still buried and immortalised in a fresco in Vatican City.
Spanish Earl Single Malt Irish Whiskey
‘Born without fear,’ in 1545, Juan del Aguila served with valour, commanding armies across Europe and Africa. He fought alongside Red Hugh O Donnell and The Great Earl during an arduous, two month campaign at the Battle of Kinsale, the ultimate battle in England’s conquest of Gaelic Ireland and the climax of the Nine Years’ War.
During this time, he lodged in Portney’s Lane, Cork, and was a popular figure with locals. This influences the stout finish of Spanish Earl Single Malt Irish Whiskey, combined with a hint of rum ageing, for extra sweetness and nose.
Returning to Spain, helping wounded troops from his own funds, he died, bruised but not beaten, in 1602. Spanish Earl Single Malt Irish Whiskey, triple-distilled, triple-casked, fearless to its core.