Velvet Cap’s triple-casked whiskey is made from a blend of malt and grain whiskeys and aged in bourbon, port, and sherry casks. Credit: RoCo Brands.

Spirits accelerator RoCo Brands has bought Irish whiskey brand Velvet Cap from Blackwater Distillery for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition marks RoCo Brands’ foray into the Irish whiskey market.

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“It is a strategic move to tap into the global demand for Irish Whiskey, which is one of the fastest-growing spirits categories in the world,” RoCo Brands MD Nigel Truphet told Just Drinks.

Originally established in 1880 in Dungarvan, in the south east of Ireland, Velvet Cap was revived in 2020 with a focus on traditional Irish whiskey craftsmanship.

Made from malt and grain whiskies, the production of Velvet Cap includes a triple cask maturation process in Bourbon, Port and Sherry barrels.

Two single malts, a Bordeaux Cask 5-Year-Old and a Peated Sherry Cask single malt, are on sale.

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Velvet Cap is available in countries including the US, Australia, Poland, France, Germany and the UK.

“RoCo Brands is dedicated to building on Velvet Cap’s strong foundation and increasing its presence in both domestic and international markets,” Truphet said. “Over time further variants of the brand are planned to meet growing consumer interest in Irish whiskey.

“It is also available in duty free in Ireland through Dublin and Shannon airports, and RoCo Brands are actively looking to further expand distribution of the brand in duty free and global travel retail.”

Blackwater Distillery will work with RoCo Brands on the development of new products and bottling.

Peter Mulryan, the founder and CEO of Blackwater Distillery, said RoCo Brands’ “expertise in premium spirits will ensure Velvet Cap continues to thrive and grow in the competitive Irish whiskey landscape”.

Founded in 2022, RoCo Brands owns Dangerous Don mezcal, which is available in three variants: Espadin, Café, and Mandarin.

The company operates in 22 markets, including global travel retail.

Truphet added: “RoCo Brands are looking to add a botanical rum, a super-premium Indian gin and a Japanese whiskey to the company’s portfolio in the near future.”