Keeper's Heart represents an innovative marriage of two great whiskey-making traditions: Irish and American. The distillery was the brainchild of cousins Patrick and Michael O'Shaughnessy, who envisioned a space where the rich, smooth profiles of Irish whiskey could be expertly combined with the bold, layered complexity of American whiskey.
To realise their vision, the cousins enlisted the help of two renowned industry veterans: Master Distiller Brian Nation and David Perkins, the founder of High West Distillery. Nation, renowned for his work on iconic Irish whiskey brands such as Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton, brought with him a deep understanding of the nuances and traditions of Irish whiskey-making. Perkins, a veritable wizard of American whiskey, introduced the hard-hitting, multifaceted characteristics of American distillates.
Operating from their distillery in Minnesota, Keeper's Heart has dedicated over 15,000 square feet solely to the art of whiskey making. Central to their operation are three magnificent copper pot stills, each playing a pivotal role in the distillation process that gives Keeper's Heart whiskeys their distinctive taste. Beyond this, the distillery houses a restaurant and bar, offering unique shared spaces for visitors to enjoy delicious food and sample signature cocktails.
Despite being relatively new to the scene, Keeper's Heart has made its mark in the whiskey world by securing 81 awards and accolades from prestigious whiskey competitions globally. Some of these include "Best Whiskey in a Highball" at the World Cocktail Championships by the Beverage Testing Institute, multiple gold awards at the Critics Challenge International Spirits Competition, and an impressive score of 96 points and a platinum award at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards.
Each sip of Keeper's Heart whiskey encapsulates the ethos of the O'Shaughnessy family motto, "Fugit Hora" or "The Hour Flies". This principle serves as a reminder to cherish every moment spent with those we hold dear, and the distillery's products certainly facilitate this. Whether savoured during a special celebration or a casual gathering, Keeper's Heart whiskeys contribute a remarkable depth and character to any occasion, honouring the best aspects of Irish and American whiskey-making traditions in each carefully crafted blend.