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Diageo

United Kingdom

With over 200 brands and sales in nearly 180 countries, Diageo is a global leader in premium drinks. The portfolio has remarkable breadth and depth: from centuries-old names like Johnnie Walker, established in 1820, and Guinness, an iconic Irish stout since 1759, to recent innovations like Tanqueray 0.0. Employing over 29,000 people globally, Diageo builds brands that resonate with consumers worldwide, committed to what they call a brilliant blend of “creativity with precision”.  

Among the portfolio sits Roe & Co, a contemporary Irish whiskey brand that marks Diageo’s triumphant return to the Irish whiskey market. Established in 2017, Roe & Co pays tribute to George Roe, a legendary 19th-century distiller whose pioneering spirit helped shape the golden era of Irish whiskey. In 2019, Diageo opened the first distillery it had built in Ireland since 1910, a stunning facility on Thomas Street in Dublin’s vibrant Liberties district, housed in the beautifully restored former Guinness Power Station. 

The Roe & Co team is united by a passion for innovation, craftsmanship and storytelling, bringing together diverse expertise to create whiskeys that reflect both heritage and modernity. Master blender Caroline Martin, drawing on 30 years of experience, uses triple distillation to create a soft and smooth spirit, a blend of malt and grain whiskey matured in bourbon casks. The whiskey has a velvety, creamy texture with notes of vanilla, caramel and ripe orchard fruit, bottled at 45% ABV. 

At Roe & Co, the team is inspired by the opportunity to reimagine tradition, creating whiskeys that are rooted in history but designed for today’s drinkers. They love the artistry of whiskey-making: from carefully selecting casks to curating unique flavour profiles that evolve over time. There’s a deep sense of pride in crafting a spirit that brings people together, whether enjoyed neat, in a cocktail or as part of a shared experience.  

Roe & Co 14 Year Old Flor Grain Whiskey exemplifies this philosophy. Matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in Fino sherry-seasoned casks, this expression showcases a refined balance of creamy vanilla, floral notes and subtle salinity, offering a layered and elegant tasting experience. It challenges expectations of single grain whiskey, demonstrating the complexity and depth achievable through thoughtful cask selection and extended maturation.