From Needle to Still: The Spirit of Maisy McLoughlin

Some names fade with time, while others leave behind a legacy worth raising a glass to. In the heart of Dublin’s Liberties, amidst the hum of sewing machines and the scent of aged whiskey, Maisy McLoughlin carved out a life of quiet resilience—one stitch, one dram at a time. Now, decades later, her name graces a bottle of fine Irish whiskey, a tribute to craft, character, and the simple pleasure of a well-earned sip. But what would Maisy herself make of it? We imagined sitting down for a chat with the woman behind the name—one whose spirit, quite literally, lingers in every drop.

In the heart of Dublin’s Liberties, a neighbourhood known for its rich history and vibrant culture, Maisy McLoughlin was born in 1913, the year of the Dublin Lock-out. A talented and creative seamstress, Maisy dedicated her life to her craft and her family. After long days of sewing and tending to her loved ones, she would reward herself each evening with a dram of Grand Irish Whiskey, savouring it by candlelight—a personal toast to style and resilience.

Decades later, Maisy’s legacy lives on through a whiskey that bears her name. We imagined sitting down with Maisy herself to discuss her thoughts on this tribute and to delve into her life, her passions, and the culture of her time.

If Maisy McLoughlin could step into the present day, what would she make of the whiskey bearing her name? We sat down for a conversation with the formidable Irish businesswoman herself—well, in spirit, at least.

Luxfanzine: Maisy, it’s a pleasure to speak with you. How does it feel knowing there’s a whiskey named in your honour all these years later?

Maisy McLoughlin: Ah, now isn’t that a thing? Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought my name would be on a bottle of whiskey! Back in my day, a drop was a comfort, a quiet moment to oneself after the hum and bustle of work. That my name is tied to something that brings people together, well, I’d call that a fine legacy.

LF: You were known for your nightly dram by candlelight. What did that ritual mean to you?

Maisy: It was my own time, simple as that. After a long day at the sewing machine, the house settling down for the night, I’d pour myself a measure and let the day’s worries ease away. There was a peace to it, just me, the soft flicker of the candle, and the warmth of a fine whiskey. It wasn’t about indulgence—it was about taking a breath before the next day came marching in.

LF: Dublin in the early 1900s saw its fair share of struggles, like the Lock-out. How did those times shape your life?

Maisy: Hard times make strong people, that’s what I’d say. We had to look out for each other, share what little we had, and make do. My sewing wasn’t just a trade; it was how I helped keep food on the table, how I played my part in our little world. And in the evenings, a shared drink wasn’t just for the taste—it was a moment of camaraderie, a reminder that we weren’t alone in it all.

LF: People today compare whiskey-making to an art form. Do you see any similarities with your own craft?

Maisy: Oh, absolutely. A fine stitch and a fine whiskey have more in common than you’d think. Both take patience, precision, and an eye for detail. In sewing, you lay each stitch carefully, working towards a piece that’s both strong and beautiful. With whiskey, you need the right ingredients, the proper aging, the perfect balance. And in both, if you cut corners, it shows. The best of either craft isn’t rushed—it’s made with care and meant to last.

LF: If you could raise a glass of Maisy McLoughlin’s Grand Irish Whiskey today, what would you want people to take from the experience?

Maisy: That life isn’t all rush and hurry. We weren’t meant to be running ourselves ragged every hour of the day. A good whiskey is best sipped slow, with company if you’re lucky. I’d hope people take a moment, let the day settle, and enjoy what’s in front of them. That’s the real spirit of it, isn’t it?

LF: Back in your time, where would one go for a decent glass of whiskey in Dublin?

Maisy: Well, that depended on who you were and what you had in your pocket! The fine gentlemen had their clubs, all polished and proper, but for the rest of us, a snug in a good public house was where you’d find the best drink. Mulligan’s, The Long Hall—those were places where the whiskey was fair, and the company even better. Of course, there were places best avoided too, unless you fancied something that tasted more like turpentine than whiskey.

LF: Was there a whiskey of choice back then?

Maisy: Powers was a good, honest drop, the kind a working man could trust. Jameson too, of course, but Powers had a way of warming you from the inside out. And if you were lucky, you might get a sip of something special—a well-aged pot still whiskey that never saw a tax stamp.

LF: We talk a lot about tasting notes today. How would you describe the whiskey of your era compared to now?

Maisy: (laughs) Tasting notes! Back then, we weren’t fussing about hints of vanilla or a touch of spice. You wanted a whiskey that had weight to it, that warmed you straight through. The best had depth, a richness that stayed with you. If it didn’t, you might as well have been drinking floor cleaner.

LF: Did women drink whiskey openly, or was it more for the men?

Maisy: Oh, the men were the ones you’d see in the open with a glass in hand, but don’t think for a second the women weren’t drinking too. We just knew how to do it without a fuss. The snug was where you’d find us, where we could drink without any nosey sorts getting in the way. And at home? A hot whiskey could cure most things—colds, nerves, even a broken heart if need be.

LF: Would you say whiskey was for the working man, or was it a luxury?

Maisy: A bit of both. The fine stuff was kept behind locked cabinets, poured into crystal for the well-to-do. But a working man, he’d have his whiskey too, even if it was a simpler dram. It wasn’t about luxury—it was about a moment of relief, a toast to getting through the day, or raising a glass to absent friends.

LF: People used to say whiskey was a cure-all. Did you believe that?

Maisy: Believe it? We knew it! A drop for a cough, a sip for the cold, a full glass for a hard day—whiskey had its uses. Whether it truly healed or just made you forget your troubles for a while, well, that’s another matter entirely.

LF: If only we could share a dram of your whiskey with you now.

Maisy: Ah, wouldn’t that be a grand thing? Just be sure it’s a proper whiskey, mind. None of this watered-down business. A good whiskey should taste of time itself.

…as Maisy fades back into history, her words linger like the finish of a fine dram—bold, warm, and with a hint of Irish mischief. And so, we raise a glass to the woman whose name now graces a whiskey worthy of her spirit.

Stitching Together a Legacy: A Whiskey Worthy of Maisy McLoughlin

In November 2024, at The World Whisky Experience in London, an event orchestrated by Club Oenologique, I found myself at Spitalfields Christ Church, surrounded by some fine whiskies from across the globe. Among them, one stood out—not just for its crisp, fresh character but for the charm of its story. A whiskey deeply rooted in Irish heritage, proudly carrying the name of a woman whose nightly ritual was a quiet moment with a well-earned dram.

A Tribute in a Glass

This blend honours Maisy McLoughlin, a seamstress from Dublin’s Liberties, born in 1913—the year of the infamous lock-out. Juggling a bustling household and tireless sewing work, she found solace each evening in a simple pleasure: a sip of smooth Irish whiskey, candlelit and contemplative. That quiet toast to resilience lives on, captured in a bottle that balances history with a distinctly modern, refined touch.

Craft and Character

Delving deeper into the craftsmanship behind this distinguished Irish whiskey reveals a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The production process begins with the careful selection of premium local grains, primarily malted and unmalted barley, which are instrumental in achieving the whiskey’s distinctive character.

The malting process involves steeping the barley in water to initiate germination, followed by drying to halt this process, thereby converting the starches into fermentable sugars. This malted barley is then milled into grist and combined with pure Irish water in a mash tun, extracting the rich sugars essential for fermentation.

Fermentation occurs in traditional wooden wash-backs, where yeast is added to the wort, transforming sugars into alcohol over several days. This extended fermentation period allows for the development of complex flavour compounds that contribute to the whiskey’s depth and character.

Distillation is conducted in copper pot stills, a hallmark of Irish whiskey production. The triple distillation process employed ensures a refined spirit, enhancing its smoothness and purity. The shape and size of the stills play a crucial role in defining the whiskey’s flavor profile, with the copper facilitating the removal of unwanted sulfur compounds, resulting in a cleaner taste.

Maturation takes place in carefully selected oak casks, predominantly ex-bourbon barrels, which impart subtle vanilla and caramel notes to the spirit. The aging process, influenced by Ireland’s temperate climate, allows the whiskey to develop its characteristic smoothness and complexity over time.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Light gold, bright and clear in the glass, offering an inviting warmth.
• Nose: Soft floral notes with honey and vanilla, underpinned by a delicate oakiness.
• Palate: Silky and smooth, with toasted grains, caramel, and subtle fruit—think pear and apple—woven through a malt-rich core.
• Finish: Long and warming, where gentle spice lingers, leaving behind whispers of cinnamon, nutmeg, and oak.

Where to Find It

Available through select retailers, this whiskey is stocked in the UK by The Little Whisky Shop and in Ireland by the Tribe Gin School. Both outlets reflect the brand’s commitment to independent, quality-driven partnerships. Beyond the standard offering, private labelling, corporate packages, and event catering are also part of the portfolio, making it a versatile choice for both personal enjoyment and special occasions.

An Irish Toast

With a balance of tradition and thoughtful craft, this blend carries the essence of its namesake—hard work, quiet indulgence, and a touch of style. Whether neat, on the rocks, or in a carefully mixed cocktail, each sip raises a glass to the past while embracing the present.

Further information: https://www.maisymcloughlins.com/

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