Bushmills Black Bush Stories collaboration with Grá Chocolates
It’s great to see the Irish whiskey sector reaching out to new audiences and at the same time shining a light on some of Ireland’s great talent.
The innovative and exciting Black Bush Stories from Bushmills have seen a series of exciting collaborations and immersive events with independent, curious and spirited talent across Ireland. The series has included showcasing talent from leather makers to tea producers. Their latest adventure is one with independent chocolatier, Gráinne Mullins, founder of Grá Chocolates.
Gráinne has inherited the love of good food from her family and has worked in Michelin star restaurants as a pastry chef over the last decade. Having worked in many of Irelands top restaurants her talent was recognised as winner of the prestigious 2019 Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year. in 2020, during the Covid lockdown, Gráinne seized the opportunity to found Grá Chocolates in her hometown of Kilchreest, County Galway.
Grá Chocolates are made from the finest ingredients – ethically sourced Valrhona Chocolate, Casar Luker cocoa butter and the world’s best dairy produce, Irish cream and butter. Her hot chocolates are just as luxurious and decadent, made using her signature chocolate, and have been awarded a number of prestigious awards including the Blas na hÉirann gold for the past two years. The talent of Gráinne has also been recognised abroad as she was included in this year’s Forbes 30 under 30 awards.
Working with Bushmills’ aromatic and characterful Black Bush whiskey, Gráinne has created a new limited edition Grá Chocolates x Bushmills Black Bush hot chocolate that was showcased with Bushmills Brand Ambassador; Mark McConville at a series of special Black Bush Stories Masterclasses that took place on Sunday 22nd October, in Eatyard, Dublin.
The sessions included an exclusive first-taste of the Grá Chocolates x Bushmills Black Bush limited edition hot chocolate. Over 50 guests (from the food, drink and hospitality sectors) at each of 4 sessions got the opportunity to learn Gráinnes story and about the expertise and artistry that goes into making both Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Grá Chocolates. Highly acclaimed cocktail master, Chris Pawars, guided the guests with a hands-on cocktail tutorial to make two Grá Chocolates inspired Bushmills Black Bush cocktails; a chocolate & cherry Old Fashioned with Black Bush, and Grá -titude, a cocktail composed of cranberry juice, lemon, raspberry and peppercorn syrup, Grá Chocolates x Bushmills Black Bush hot chocolate, and Black Bush.
Chris and Gráinne at the Black Bush Stories masterclass
The event continues with a 4-week Bushmills Irish Whiskey bar takeover at Eatyard, Dublin, running every Thursday- Sunday from Thursday 19th October until Sunday 12th November.
The exclusive bar menu offers drinks to suit all tastes including a selection of bespoke Black Bush cocktails, premium single malt expressions including Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt and Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt, as well as the exclusive Grá Chocolates x Bushmills Black Bush hot chocolate served three ways; a non-alcoholic version, a spiked version and a festive fruity spiked version.
Remarking on the partnership, Gráinne said:
“When I was invited to create something new with one of the most innovative whiskey brands in Ireland I had to say yes. Chocolate and whiskey go so well together. The intense sweet sherry profile of Black Bush balanced with the notes of my rich cacao chocolate make this a stand-out marriage of flavours to savour. It is pure happiness for people to enjoy especially as we approach the indulgent festive season!”
Grá Chocolates x Bushmills Black Bush hot chocolate is a limited-edition product, exclusively available to purchase from 23rd October priced at €18 for 275gm at grachocolates.com/collections/shop
Keep up to date with #BlackBushStories and join in the conversation, follow @BushmillsIRL.
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