Cuckoo Whiskeymaking: How Flying Tumbler Does Things Our Way
Overview
Ever heard of cuckoo whiskeymaking? No, it’s not about birds getting tipsy (although Paddy the Pigeon fully approves). It’s our way of taking top-notch whiskey spirit from a distillery, then maturing, blending, and bottling it ourselves—just not in our own nest. Instead, we roll up to a partner facility, fully kitted out with all the gear we need to work our magic. It’s like whiskey-making on wheels, and it’s the heart of how Flying Tumbler operates.
The Problem
Here’s the thing—whiskey-making isn’t as simple as showing up with a few barrels and a dream. There are two big hurdles:
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The Legal Stuff – You can’t just blend and bottle anywhere. The site needs to be bonded by revenue, approved under the Irish Whiskey Verification Scheme, and given the thumbs up by the HSE as a food-safe facility. Bureaucracy, eh?
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The Space Issue – Whiskey blending and bottling takes up serious real estate. We’re talking flat floors for forklifts, power for all our gadgets, water (hot and cold, please), drainage, and plenty of room for barrels, bottles, and the occasional pigeon nap. Finding such a place? Not easy. Or cheap.
The Solution
Enter our unlikely hero: Carlow Brewing Company in Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. Yep, a brewery! At Flying Tumbler, we believe in doing things locally and hands-on, so we teamed up with these legends to bring our vision to life. Like the infamous cuckoo bird, we’ve found a home away from home. We set up shop, bring our gear, and get straight to work, blending up the good stuff.
Equipment and Setup
We wanted total control over the process—no shortcuts, no relying on outsiders. Our equipment is simple, craft-focused, and low-tech (Paddy prefers it that way). It all boils down to two key areas:
- Emptying & Blending – We bring in our casks, set up IBCs for blending, and carefully measure everything using old-school hydrometers and alcohol tables. Precision is key, but we do it with style.
- Filling & Labelling – Once blended to perfection, it’s all hands on deck to bottle and label, ensuring every drop meets Paddy’s high standards.
