A Modern Irish Whiskey With Wings
Irish whiskey has undergone a revival in recent years, and brands like The Flying Tumbler are at the heart of this new era—bringing fresh perspectives to age-old traditions. Among their growing lineup, The Bird stands out as a statement of what modern Irish whiskey can be: expressive, unpretentious, layered, and deeply connected to both place and people.Crafted in County Carlow, Ireland, The Bird is the flagship release from this independent bottler and brand. But don’t let the playful name fool you—there’s serious craftsmanship behind the label. The whiskey is a blend of triple-distilled single grain and single malt Irish whiskies, aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts, and bottled non-chill filtered at 43% ABV.It's a bottle that speaks to adventure, freedom, and balance—a celebration of Irish spirit with a contemporary twist.
The Flying Tumbler: From Legacy to Lift-Off
Founded by the Walsh family, The Flying Tumbler is more than a whiskey—it’s a personal story. Named after the Irish Flying Tumbler pigeon, a bird known for its acrobatic flight and homing instincts, the brand is symbolic of the founders' own return to their roots in Ireland and their desire to build something lasting, honest, and innovative in the world of spirits.The brand launched in 2020, at a time when Irish whiskey was already booming—but The Flying Tumbler came in with a fresh voice. Independent, family-owned, and quality-focused, their goal is to craft whiskies that are approachable enough for newcomers, but distinctive enough for seasoned sippers.At the core of their philosophy is a belief in transparency, integrity, and story-driven whiskey making—no gimmicks, no shortcuts, and no bloated marketing. Just great liquid and a solid story to match.
Inside The Bird: What’s in the Bottle
The Bird is the first permanent expression from The Flying Tumbler, and it’s designed to be versatile, expressive, and flavorful.
Production Breakdown:
- Blend: Triple-distilled single grain and single malt Irish whiskey
- Cask Influence: First-fill ex-bourbon barrels + Oloroso sherry butts
- ABV: 43%
- Filtration: Non-chill filtered
- Additives: None
That balance between bourbon and sherry casks offers a beautifully layered profile, while the non-chill filtering preserves texture and subtle complexity often lost in mass-market Irish whiskies. This gives The Bird a tactile richness on the palate, allowing its flavors to evolve sip after sip.
Tasting Notes: A Flight Worth Taking
The Bird is a whiskey that invites exploration—it’s not overly bold or flashy, but it rewards attention with a nuanced and well-structured profile. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Appearance
Pale gold with a bright, clean glow. There's a slight oiliness when swirled, a hint at the weight and mouthfeel to come.
Nose
Fresh and floral, with notes of lemon zest, white peach, and soft vanilla. A touch of grassy sweetness lingers beneath, balanced by a delicate hint of cherry lozenge and the earthy minerality that comes from well-aged grain whiskey.
Palate
Smooth but lively. Citrus peel and green apple open the show, followed by warming notes of white pepper, honeycomb, and toasted almond. There’s just enough sherry character to add a layer of dried fruit and spice, without overwhelming the fresher elements.
Finish
Clean, concise, and slightly dry, leaving whispers of oak spice, vanilla, and a touch of lemon meringue.It’s a whiskey you can sip neat, with a splash of water, or over a large cube—and each format reveals something a little different.
A Whiskey for All Occasions
One of The Bird’s greatest strengths is its versatility. This is a whiskey that performs well in virtually every setting:
- Neat: Elegant and soft, easy on the palate without being boring.
- With Water: A few drops enhance the fruitiness and dial back the spice.
- On the Rocks: Great for casual sipping. The lower temperature brings out more vanilla and creaminess.
- In Cocktails: The grain-malt balance holds up beautifully in mixed drinks—especially refreshing highballs or citrus-driven classics.
This makes The Bird not just a whiskey for special moments, but one you can reach for any day of the week.
The Role of The Bird in Modern Irish Whiskey
There’s a growing movement in Ireland—a new generation of distillers and bottlers who are taking whiskey into more personal and experimental territory, without forgetting where it all started. The Flying Tumbler is right at the center of that movement.What makes The Bird significant is its ability to bridge the gap between old-school authenticity and new-age accessibility. It’s not a heritage brand, and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it’s a whiskey made by people who love whiskey, not marketers or multinationals. That independence matters.With more expressions expected from The Flying Tumbler in the coming years, The Bird sets a strong foundation—a whiskey that can evolve with its audience while keeping its core identity intact.
Final Thoughts: Follow the Flight
In a sea of Irish whiskey brands, The Bird by The Flying Tumbler stands out for all the right reasons. It’s honest, thoughtfully crafted, and uncomplicated—but never boring. Whether you're just starting your Irish whiskey journey or already deep in the world of single malts and blends, this bottle offers something rewarding.Approachable enough to share, complex enough to savor, and proudly independent, The Bird is a whiskey you can return to again and again—and it always finds its way home.
The Irish Gold: A Cocktail That Lets The Bird Soar
If you’re in the mood for something bright and approachable that still lets the whiskey shine, this twist on an Irish classic is just the ticket.
Irish Gold Cocktail (Featuring The Bird)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz The Bird Irish Whiskey
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- ½ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
- Ginger ale to top
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Add whiskey, orange juice, and honey syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake briefly to chill, then strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with cold ginger ale.
- Garnish with an orange slice or twist.
This cocktail brings out the citrus and vanilla in The Bird while layering in gentle spice and honeyed warmth—an ideal pairing for warm evenings or easygoing afternoons.
