- Heaven Hill Brands sold Irish Mist to Old Canal Quay Spirits
- David Phelan leads the company as CEO
- Pat Rigney and Tom Cleary back the acquisition
- The US is the largest market for Irish Mist
- The brand was founded in the 1940s
The Co Offaly-based drinks brand Irish Mist has been sold by US company Heaven Hill Brands to Dublin-based drinks business the Old Canal Quay Spirits company. The Old Canal Quay Spirits company is owned and led by international spirits industry specialist and entrepreneur David Phelan and fellow Irish drinks industry figures. David Phelan has taken on the role of CEO at the Old Canal Quay Spirits company and leads the Irish Mist’s growth and development.
He co-founded Boru Vodka/Castle Brands with Pat Rigney, from The Shed Distillery, in 1998. Pat Rigney and Tom Cleary, who owns The Temple Bar in Dublin, back the acquisition alongside US-based premium wine and spirits company Blue Ridge Spirits and Wine marketing. Both Phelan and Rigney worked together developing and growing the brand after it was sold to C&C in the 1980s. The US remains the biggest market for Irish Mist, which was founded in the 1940s.
David Phelan shared the Irish Mist Liqueur sits at the core of Ireland’s rich spirits history, unique heritage, and remarkable character. Allan Latts, co-president of Heaven Hill Brands, shared Irish Mist is an iconic Irish liqueur, and the right move is placing it in the hands of an owner with Irish roots and the focus to grow it the way it deserves.
