Keeper's Heart Irish & American 110 Proof Blended Whiskey 700ML

Keeper's Heart Irish & American 110 Proof Blended Whiskey 700ML is a high-proof blend of Irish pot still, Irish grain, and American rye whiskeys bottled at 55% ABV (110 proof) in a 700ml format. This expression earned a Double Gold at the 2023 Pr%F Awards and 93 points with a Gold medal at the 2023 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards, underscoring its serious credentials as an Irish-American fusion whiskey with real depth.

Quick Facts: ABV: 55% (110 Proof)  |  Origin: Minneapolis, USA & Ireland  |  Aged Over 4 Years  |  Distillery: O'Shaughnessy Distilling Company

Production & Heritage

Keeper's Heart is produced at O'Shaughnessy Distilling Company in Minneapolis under the direction of Master Distiller Brian Nation, who spent seven years overseeing production of Jameson, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, the Spot range, and Powers Irish Whiskey. The blend comprises 57% Irish whiskeys and 43% American rye whiskey. The Irish component includes triple-distilled single pot still whiskey made from malted and unmalted barley alongside a maize-and-malt grain whiskey, both aged over four years in refill American bourbon barrels. The American component is a 95% rye whiskey, also matured over four years. At 110 proof, this expression amplifies the interplay between the creamy Irish pot still character and the assertive spice of high-rye American whiskey — a category-bridging approach with very few direct parallels on the market.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens vibrant and immediately spicy, with rye-driven peppercorn giving way to ripe orchard fruit. Underneath, a subtle tropical fruitiness adds dimension and warmth.

Taste: The entry is rich with confectionary sweetness — think honeycomb and candied ginger — before orchard and tropical fruits emerge across the mid-palate. Baking spices build steadily, layering cinnamon and ginger alongside citrus zest. As the intensity peaks, charred oak and a distinctive barley-grain note surface, revealing the depth of the Irish pot still component.

Finish: Long and warming, with sweet spices lingering alongside charred oak and toasted barley. The 110 proof carries the flavors well past the final sip without becoming harsh.

How to Drink Keeper's Heart 110

At 55% ABV, this whiskey rewards a slow pour neat with a few drops of water to open up the fruit and spice layers; it also holds its structure beautifully over a single large ice cube. Its high proof and spicy rye backbone make it a formidable cocktail anchor. A Manhattan benefits from the rye spice and pot still creaminess, creating a richer, more layered version of the classic. A Whiskey Sour lets the tropical and orchard fruit notes shine against citrus, while the proof ensures the whiskey isn't drowned by sweetener. An Irish Old Fashioned plays directly into the blend's dual heritage, with a barspoon of demerara syrup drawing out the confectionary sweetness and charred oak.

Best For

• Whiskey enthusiasts exploring the emerging Irish-American blended category
• Bartenders seeking a high-proof, flavor-dense base for rye-forward cocktails
• Gifting someone who appreciates cask-strength or barrel-proof expressions
• Side-by-side tasting alongside traditional Irish pot still or American rye whiskeys

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Keeper's Heart 110 taste like? Keeper's Heart 110 delivers concentrated confectionary sweetness and orchard fruit layered with baking spices, candied ginger, and citrus, finishing with charred oak and toasted barley grain. The high proof amplifies both the creamy Irish pot still character and the bold rye spice.

How does Keeper's Heart 110 compare to the standard Keeper's Heart Irish + American? The standard Keeper's Heart Irish + American is bottled at a lower proof, making it lighter on the palate and more approachable. The 110 Proof expression uses the same blend components but delivers significantly more intensity, with amplified spice, deeper oak influence, and a longer finish suited to sipping neat or standing up in cocktails.

Is Keeper's Heart 110 good for cocktails? Yes — the 55% ABV and high rye content make it an excellent cocktail base that holds its flavor against mixers, ice, and citrus. It works particularly well in stirred drinks like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds.

Where is Keeper's Heart 110 made? Keeper's Heart is created at O'Shaughnessy Distilling Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota, using Irish whiskeys sourced from Ireland and American rye whiskey. The blend is assembled under the supervision of Master Distiller Brian Nation.

What foods pair well with Keeper's Heart 110? Smoked brisket or barbecue ribs complement the charred oak and rye spice. Dark chocolate truffles mirror the confectionary sweetness. Aged cheddar or Gruyère stands up to the proof and echoes the barley-grain notes. Spiced apple tart plays into the orchard fruit and baking spice character. Charcuterie with peppered salami aligns with the peppery rye backbone.

What sizes does Keeper's Heart 110 come in? This expression is available in a 700ml bottle. Standard 750ml formats may also be available depending on market.

Is Keeper's Heart 110 worth the price? Keeper's Heart 110 Proof positions as a premium blended whiskey with a unique production concept, multi-award recognition including a Double Gold, and the pedigree of a master distiller with deep Irish whiskey credentials. For drinkers seeking a high-proof, flavor-complex whiskey that bridges two traditions, it represents strong value within the premium tier.

Why Keeper's Heart 110?

Very few whiskeys successfully merge Irish triple-distilled pot still tradition with American high-rye intensity, and fewer still do so at barrel-strength proof. Brian Nation's background at Midleton — home to some of the most respected Irish whiskeys on earth — lends genuine authority to the blending decisions here. The 57/43 ratio of Irish to American whiskey strikes a deliberate balance: the pot still whiskey provides creaminess and fruit, while the 95% rye delivers structure and spice that the 110 proof locks firmly in place. With a Double Gold from the 2023 Pr%F Awards and 93 points at the Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards, this is a blend that has earned critical recognition to match its ambition.