The BBC Good Food Show Winter, November 2011

We've just got back from the BBC Good Food Show, which took place in Birmingham, UK. 

The NEC was packed full of people on the hunt for something new, something different and something to help fill those Christmas stockings. 

The show opened on Wednesday and offered the best in fine foods and drinks to guests from all over the UK. In between cooking competitions and presentations on the theatre stages, consumers were able to explore the sprawling alleyways of exquisite independent products. And that's where they found The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey* - at stand T64. 

Although some familiar faces dropped by, who we met at the BBC Good Food Summer Show (in June), for many experiences what The Wild Geese had to offer was something new. 

Our promoter, Kate, was an instant hit and her enthusiasm for The Wild Geese was shared by the people we met. 

By Friday, the carpets were blocked out by the pulsating crowds - everyone excited to find something new. 

Nick Wykees, our mixologist was also on hand to demonstrate the versatility of The Wild Geese, and mixed up some cocktails recipes which emphasised the Untamed nature of The Wild Geese Rare Irish Whiskey and The Wild Geese Golden Rum. 

We hope you all enjoyed yourself at the BBC Good Food Show and be sure to stay in touch with The Wild Geese Collection. You can find more photos on our facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/thewildgeeseirishwhiskeycollection

We hope to see you all soon! 

*In North America The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey is sold under the brand name 'The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes'. 

Photos from The Savoy Taylor's Guild

Here are some more photos from our event at The Savoy Taylor's Guild. We were supporting a charity event, in aide of the Kids Company charity.

The evening included an exclusive tasting of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection*, which has recently been voted 'Best Irish Whiskey' for the third time. Guests were invited to enter a prize draw, where prizes included a weekend at St. Andrews Golf Resort and a bottle of our super premium Irish Whiskey. 

The Savoy's Taylor's Guild on The Strand is the flagship store. It offers specialist suiting services and a mezzanine floor with access to unique collections. The evening saw 50 guests attend the event, many of which continued on to the West End to enjoy London's theatre offerings. 

The proved very successful. The Wild Geese Rare Irish Whiskey was very popular and was a great introduction for those who were new to drink whiskey. 

Thank you to all who came down on Thursday 8th September, we hope you enjoyed yourself. 

You can find more photos on our Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/thewildgeeseirishwhiskeycollection

*In North America The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection is sold under the brand name 'The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes'

Hollywood's Love Affair

Ireland has always had a love affair with Hollywood. It is a modern day chapter of The Wild Geese Story.

Talent has flocked from Ireland to carve out a career in California. The Golden Age of Hollywood saw the rise of George Brent (1899-1979), a 'dark haired charmer', left Ireland in 1925 and headed to the US. He started touring with production companies, performing across many different states and eventually appearing on Broadway alongside Clark Gable in 'Love, Honour, and Betray'.

In 1930 Brent moved to Hollywood and starred in his first film 'Under Suspicion', starting an extremely rich career. His most frequent co-star was Bette Davis and the two maintained a very close relationship, even up to his death in 1979. George Brent brought the romantic charisma of Ireland to the big screen, and captivated audiences of his age. However, he was was only the first part of this love affair.

In recent years, other stars from Ireland have resonated on the silver screen. Liam Neeson, Collin Farrell and Pierce Brosnan have now become established actors, recognised throughout the world. But a new wave of Irish actors is fast approaching and leading the way is Michael Fassbender, who has brought the appealing traits of George Brent to twenty-first century audiences.

Fassbender currently lives in LA - a sensible decision as he's currently working Hollywood blockbuster Promethus - but has an exciting heritage. Fassbender was born in Heidelber in Germany to a German father and Irish mother, but his family moved to Killarney, Co. Kerry.

'We moved to Ireland when I was two and we settled in Killarny, Co. Kerry. Where we were living in Germany is very industrial and grey and my parents wanted to have countryside around for my sister and I to grow up in'

Fassbender talking to Irish Central, February 2011.

He's quickly building a reputation has bringing sensitivity to the roles he plays, while also keeping them exciting and often on the fringe of hero and villain. He is perhaps at his best playing the Byronic hero Mr Rochchester in Jane Eyre . 

Fassbender's Irish accent also nearly stole the show in X-Men: First Class, in his dynamic turn as the troubled Magneto. But it was Fassbender's brave portrayal of Bobby Sands, who led the Irish Hunger Strike in 1891, that proved to be a turning point in his career. A sensitive role, Fassbender went through a crash diet and restricted himself to only 600 calories per day. The performance really opened audiences eyes to just what Fassbender could do. He received the award for Best Performance by an actor in a British Independent Film at the British Independent Film Awards. 

Already been dubbed 'an Irish Marlon Brando', its been a long journey from Ireland to Hollywood - taking numerous television roles and even working in a pub while times were hard - but it seems Michael Fassbender has finally arrived, and he's brought with him the remarkable creativity of Ireland. 

'The Irish part [of Fassbender] is that we're steeped in such cultural riches, for such a small Ireland'

Fassbender likes to return to Ireland when he gets the opportunity - 'Usually I get back around three times a year'. Back in 1691, Sarsfield and his followers took the name 'Wild Geese' as they left their homeland, hoping that one day they would return to Ireland. Its great to see that the call to home is still a powerful force.

Ireland's Highest Goalscorer Joins LA Galaxy

Irish footballer Robbie Keane has recently joined Major League Soccer in the US, signing with the renowned LA and scoring in his debut match - helping to ensure a victory for his new team.

Robbie Keane is Ireland's all-time record goalscorer, having become the first Irish player to score fifty international goals in June 2011. In high demand, LA Galaxy ensured they made room for him, trading Juan Pablo Angel and signing Keane on August 15th 2011. Keane took Angel's places as one of LA Galaxy's 'designated players'. The 'designated players rule' allows Major League Soccer Franchises to sign players that would usually be outside of the MLS salary cap. LA Galaxy's other 'designated players' are David Beckham and Landon Donovan.

Upon signing, Keane admitted, 'I have always wanted to come and play in Major League Soccer', and is proving the story of The Wild Geese continues today. As the captain of the Irish national team, Keane is in a position to inspire those around him. Already proving he is a world-class footballers, fans in LA Galaxy have been excited about his arrival. The 27, 000 capacity Home Depot Stadium in California sold out for his debut match on August 20th 2011. Ireland's colours were on show and traditional Irish dancers performed for the packed stadium before the match started.

Fans were anticipating what Keane could do.

'Of course we're delighted that Robbie's joined Galaxy... I train under 12s here in LA and it's fantastic that we can show them great players like Robbie here on their doorstep'

Christopher Cleary, originally from Dublin but living in LA

'As a striker, Robbie is going to bring so much value to the team... It's so exciting.'
Brenna, who plays under 15s soccer

The Wild Geese 'Untamed Tatto' has been designed
to celebrate those who share the qualities of The
Wild Geese.

Keane didn't disappoint. In his debut match, he scored the opening goal in the twenty-first minute, helping to secure a 2-0 victory for LA Galaxy against the San Jose Earthquakes. Robbie Keane is a testament to the continuing story of The Wild Geese - achieving remarkable feats away from his homeland. 

Honouring a Menacing Journey

This week, Sizewell Beach, on the British coast saw the arrival of a group of fundraisers who had spent forty hours kayaking from the Netherlands to the UK. 

A group of six - Alex Greenwell, Ed Cooper, Harry Franks, Olly Hicks and brother Henri and William Peteri - attempted to cross the North Sea in kayaks, following the same trail as 32 young Dutchmen had done 70 years ago, in an attempt to flee Nazi-occupid Holland. 

The Dutchmen who braved the original trip - known as 'Engelandvaarders' - tried to get to the shores of the UK to subsequently join the war effort against the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy and Japan). Not only did they face unpredictable weather conditions, the North Sea was also heavily mined. But, echoing Patrick Sarsfield's story, these courageous Men of Action wanted to escape oppression and have the opportunity to help secure freedom for their country. 

Original Engelandvaaders who left Holland during the Second World War

Although only eight of the original Engelandvaarders survived the menacing journey, this recent fundraising event is testament to the courage and dedication. 

Olly Hicks admitted 'It was a really tough challenge'. These words bear extra weight when you consider that Olly was the first person to row from the US to the UK in 2005. The team faced up to force six winds and didn't sleep for two night. He continued, 'I met some of the original Engelandvaarders in Holland and it's a privilege to do this in their honour'.  

Arriving at Sizewell Beach in Suffolk, UK

Raising thousands of pounds for the Suffolk Foundation, which is an independent grant maker for local charities, and Combat Stress, a leading organisation for the care of soldier's mental health, the recreation took forty hours. 

The courage and dedication shown by both the original Engelandvaarders and the men who recreated the journey are qualities shared by The Wild Geese - and what out Collection of Irish Whiskeys celebrates. 

Remembering Patrick Sarsfield: The Wild Geese Legacy

The Siege of Limerick  

The Battle of Aughrim in 1691 devastated the Jacobite army. Four thousand lives were lost, including the commanding officer the Marquis de St. Ruth. But determined to fight on for their freedom, Patrick Sarsfield oversaw the retreat to Limerick.

Limerick was a stronghold, still in the hands of the Irish Jacobite forces. It had withstood a siege a year before, in which Sarsfield planned a daring mission to destroy a siege train that carried heavy weapons that could breach the town's walls. But morale was low and the Jacobite forces were crumbling. As the Williamite army blockaded Limerick, the hope of securing civil liberties for the Irish people starting to fade. The French commanders who Sarsfield served under refused to retreat, but having been abandoned by King James, Sarsfield subverted the commanders and negotiated peace for his people - and began talks for the Treaty of Limerick.

Freedom  

In the Treaty, Sarsfield tried to secure the safety of the civilians living in Limerick as well as their guaranteed freedom. Patrick Sarsfield and The Wild Geese fought passionately for these liberties believing that every person had the right to enjoy them. This is why each bottle of The Wild Geese carries a commemorative '1691' medallion - the Collection celebrates the Men of Action who fought to uphold this freedom.

But when Sarsfield and The Wild Geese chose to leave Ireland, they also sparked an intrepid story, that is still very much alive to this day. Wild Geese all over the world have had a remarkable impact on the world. Our Collection of Irish Whiskeys, which have been recognised as 'Best Irish Whiskey' on three occasions within twelve months, continues to celebrate this.

In March of this year US President Barack Obama planned a 'homecoming visit' to Ireland, to trace his own Irish roots. In an address to an excited crowd in Dublin, the President echoed the story of Sarsfield and The Wild Geese:

'Remember that whatever hardships the winter may bring, springtime is always just around the corner. And if they keep on arguing with you, just respond with a simple creed: Is Feidir Linn - Yes We Can'

Sarsfield is remembered as a prominent figure - a hero - in Ireland, particularly in Limerick where appropriately a bridge has been named after him, which leads onto Sarsfield Street.

Sarsfield Bridge in Limerick

Remembering Partrick Sarsfield

1691

This week marks the anniversary of Patrick Sarsfield's death. 

A courageous Man of Action, he relentlessly fought for freedom and dreamed of one day returning to Ireland to enjoy this important liberty. Tragically, he would never return to his homeland, but sparked the story of The Wild Geese - a story that lives on to this day. 

The high quality of our multi award winning Collection of Irish Whiskeys reflects the rich and significant story that inspires it. Each bottle of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey commemorates these brave men and women who left Ireland seeking a new life.

Man of Action

Educated at a French Military, it is thought that Sarsfield was always prepared to take action - preferring to face daring pursuits in battle, rather than plan strategic campaigns of war. This passion burned in him throughout his military career. He first saw service in the army of Luxembourg as an ensign, and served in the army of King Louis XIV of France between 1671-1678. 

When James II ascended to the English throne in 1685, Sarsfield served under the King's commander in Ireland, Richard Talbot. Although James II recognised Sarsfield's raw courage, he didn't think that he was capable of high command or initiating strategies of war. 

Nevertheless Sarsfield served with distinction in the Williamite War. In 1690, Sarsfield served under St. Ruth, who he often disagreed with. But when St. Ruth fell in battle, Sarsfield ordered a hasty retreat. Unable to turn the tide of the battle, Sarsfield organised a strategic retreat - saving many of the men who served under him. 

He continued the war effort, by leading the defence of the Second Siege of Limerick. Faced with escalating odds, and realising that many more lives would be lost in a prolonged campaign, Sarsfield negotiated the Treaty of Limerick. In the Treaty, he ended the war and secured the rights of his people. 

The Wild Geese

But Sarsfield was unable to live under English rule. With many of his followers he boarded ships bound for France, and left Ireland believing he had ensured freedom for the people he had fought for. Taking the name 'Wild Geese', Sarsfield and his followers believed that one day they would enjoy this freedom in their homeland. 

Unfortunately the Treaty was not honoured by the English and Sarsfield served in European armies for the following three years. While fighting for King Louis XIV he received a Meréchal-de-camp (lieutenant-general commission), but was badly wounded in the Battle of Landen. Taken back to Huy, Belgium, Sarsfield did not recover from his injury and died three days later. 

It is thought that upon examining his bloody wound, and realising that he may soon die, his last words were 'Oh if only this were for Ireland'. Sarsfield was buried in Huy, in St. Martin's Church. Although is body was laid to rest in Belgium, it is clear that his heart belonged in Ireland. 

 

Cocktail Clinic in Amsterdam, 28th April 2011

Cocktails are very important to The Wild Geese Collection. They present whiskey in a very different, very contemporary fashion. Our collection of cocktails perfectly capture the versatility of the Rare Irish and Classic expressions of the Collection.


Last week, The Wild Geese hosted an intimate cocktail clinic in Amsterdam - tucked away in a charismatic wine cellar, which provided an ideal location to share what The Wild Geese has to offer. Our resident mixologist Nick Wykes was on hand to introduce the The Wild Geese cocktail recipes.

The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey already has a remarkable relationship with the cocktail market. The Five Points and The Long Goodbye have each won a Gold Medals at the Drinks International Cocktail Challenge. The Rare Irish Whiskey is the recipient of a Silver Medal itself, and is the staple ingredient of many of our cocktail recipes, providing a memorable foundation and lasting taste. 

After the tasting and mixing, our guests kindly let us know their thoughts. Thank you to all who attended and we hope you enjoyed The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection. Particular thanks goes to Hans de Lang for putting together such a successful event and Nick Wykes, whose enthusiasm for The Wild Geese is eternally appreciated.