For Minnesota-based O'Shaughnessy Distillery Co., this St. Patrick’s Day marks a double celebration. It’s the first holiday the distillery is open under the authority of Brian Nation–former Master Distiller at Jameson–and the second anniversary of the distillery breaking ground.
To commemorate the occasion, the distillery launched a themed campaign titled, “Almost Everyone is Excited About Keeper’s Heart,” dedicating an apology to the people of Ireland for relocating Nation to the U.S., inviting them to partake in the distillery’s celebration until their founding product, Keeper’s Heart, ships across the pond.
“Ireland is my home,” Nation told Forbes. “That’s why it’s so important to show just how much I care about my roots and invite every single person in Ireland to the distillery – for them to fall in love with Keeper’s Heart the same way I did.”
Nation first learned of the brand from a LinkedIn message sent by co-founders and cousins, Michael and Patrick O'Shaughnessy, who a few years earlier, conceptualized a whiskey that celebrated their Irish-American heritage after attending a family reunion. Upon receipt of their message, Nation took a call with Patrick and agreed to a drink the next time he visited Ireland.
“Much to my surprise, he showed up three days later. What was meant to be a quick drink turned into a five-hour-long dinner,” shared Nation.
At that dinner, the O'Shaughnessy's shared their plan to develop a brand from the ground up–“creating a new way of whiskey” according to Nation–through a taste profile that blended the best flavors of American and Irish whiskey, for people to enjoy at their preference–whether neat, on ice, in a cocktail or a mixed drink. Though their pitch was impressive, Nation said it was the duo’s demeanor that really sold him: “It felt more like meeting up with old friends than a first-time introduction. Their emphasis on family values and sharing moments with the people you love really inspired me.”
So, after 23 years at Irish Distillers, seven of which he spent as Master Distiller for brands like Jameson, Redbreast and Midleton Very Rare, Nation hopped the pond to Minnesota to join the O’Shaugnessy team as Master Distiller.
Below, Nation shares more about O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co., launched in August 2021, and how he hopes to win the hearts back of his hometown with the future tasting of Keeper’s Heart.
Jillian Dara: How does the spirit at O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. reflect what you stand for in the industry?
Brian Nation: Family. The O’Shaughnessy family has welcomed me and my family, and together with the rest of the team, we built the distillery from the ground up. We see the distillery as our “family home” that is open to everyone. This is how I am personally; I love meeting new people and inviting them for a good drink and great conversation.
Dara: How do you plan to get O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. to stand out in a crowded industry?
Nation: Innovation. It’s what drew me to the concept, to begin with, the opportunity to blend, experiment, and try new things. The idea of getting to develop a new whiskey style, and brand, and a distillery from the ground up has been a dream journey. I think Keeper’s Heart's unique taste and coupled with familiar faces from the distilling world and the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at our distillery makes O’Shaughnessy more than a name, but a place for everyone to enjoy, from any and everywhere.
Dara: Why do you think now is the time to release new spirits like this?
Nation: More people are enjoying whiskey and Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey is a truly new style of whiskey. Whiskey drinkers nowadays love the versatility to enable them to experiment with whiskey in different drinks and cocktails but also want to be able to enjoy it neat or on the rocks. We feel that Keeper’s Heart ticks all of those boxes. Creating new whiskeys and experimenting with different techniques make whiskey exciting. People gravitate towards new and unique, while wanting a spirit that holds its own.
Dara: What do you see as one of the biggest challenges ahead for this type of whiskey in America? What about the biggest opportunity?
Nation: Educating consumers about what sets us apart from other whiskeys and what it means to be an Irish and American whiskey requires additional work but something we love doing as we are so proud to tell our story – the category can be a challenge to understand and just how the two styles are blended. In that same vein, I also believe that to be our biggest opportunity – carving out a completely new category for whiskey drinkers. The liquid celebrates the best parts of Irish and American whiskey.
Dara: What has been the most challenging aspect about adapting to life stateside? What about the thing you miss most back in Ireland?
Nation: Driving on the wrong side of the road! Otherwise, we have been really fortunate and really grateful as we have been welcomed with open arms by our new neighbors and friends; they have done everything possible to make us part of the community which is brilliant for me and my family.
I’m looking forward to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day here and being part of the festivities – this will be a big year all around for the festivities after the last two years of St. Patrick’s Day festivities were muted or canceled due to Covid. It is also a double celebration for us at Keeper’s Heart as it marks the second anniversary of when we broke ground for the distillery. I miss my family and friends and traditional Irish food – but looking forward to having them here in the Twin Cities once the snow disappears.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
