Powers, often referred to as John Power & Son, is one of the oldest and most respected names in Irish whiskey. The brand was founded in 1791 by James Power in Dublin and later grew under his son and grandson, with the family establishing the famous John’s Lane Distillery in 1822. That site became one of the largest whiskey operations in Ireland during the 19th century, known for quality and innovation.

One of Powers’ claims to fame is that it was the first Irish distillery to bottle its whiskey in-house, starting in the late 1800s, rather than selling it by the cask. This move set new standards for consistency and branding, with the iconic gold label “Powers Gold Label” becoming a signature. The brand also became known for its commitment to pot still whiskey, a traditional Irish style made from a mash of both malted and unmalted barley distilled in copper pot stills, which gives a creamy texture and spicy, robust character.

Today, Powers is produced at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, alongside other leading Irish whiskey brands. The portfolio includes Gold Label, John’s Lane Release (which pays homage to the original distillery), Three Swallow Release, and higher-end limited editions. Each expression reflects Powers’ distinctive style: bold, full-bodied, with layers of spice, honey, and orchard fruit.

As a brand, Powers represents Irish whiskey tradition at its most authentic. It stands for craftsmanship, resilience, and a legacy of innovation that helped shape the modern Irish whiskey industry, making it both a historic name and a contemporary favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.