Surfing Without The Surfboard

We love reading about the innovative and ambitious – attributes shared with The Wild Geese all those years ago – and today we stumbled across this gem: Bodysurfing.

Simply put, this is surfing without the surf board. Instead, surfers equip themselves with specialised ‘swimfins’ which optimize propulsion and help to help direct the surfer. In the video below, Matt Larson shows us how its done.
We’re sure this will push Men of Action to their limits. Over at Haraka Haraka Haina Baraka, Mark Lukach outlines just how challenging bodysurfing can be:
Aaron Lieber demonstrates Bodysurfing over at ESPN
We’re going to keep our eyes peeled for those people who put bodysurfing into action. 

Boxing Day at The Spare Room Pt. 2

The Boxing Day charity event was a big success!

We sponsored an event hosted at The Spare Room (in the Roosevelt Hotel) on Hollywood Boulevard in L. A., which supported The Hospitality Kitchen, a charity that helps California’s homeless.

It was an exciting evening! Guests were treated to an electrifying punch on offer from The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes created by the event’s hostess and Spare Room Beverage Director, Naomi Schimek.

 

 

 

Boxing Day Punch

Created by Naomi Schimek

2 oz The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers and Heroes Classic Blend
1 oz Barry’s Irish tea (double strength)
75 oz Honey syrup 
5 oz fresh lemon juice
25 oz fresh orange juice 
Mix ingredients together with ice. Add a dash of angostura bitters and a dash of cardamom tincture to taste. Shake and strain over ice. Garnish with micro-planed nutmeg. 

 

Naomi and Silamith

With the frivolity in full swing, our new brand ambassador Silamith Weir was on hand to serve the punch and showcase our Collection to the bar and cocktail community, who joined in the fun. Many influential mixologists really loved the brand, with the Single Malt emerging as the prominent favourite.

There was a drive to collect blankets and clothes, and about $2000 was raised to help keep the homeless community warm this winter. We’re really proud to have been a part of the event. Thanks you to all who turned up and we hope you enjoyed yourself!

*Outside North America The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes is sold under the brand name ‘The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey’.

McIlroy and Clarke Set to Receive Honours

The Queen of England’s New Years Honours List has been revealed – and has tow very familiar names on it. Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke are both being honoured for their services to sport. 

Both golfers have had a remarkable 2011. McIlroy won the US Open in April after displaying an astounding level of talent and focus throughout the tournament. He is the youngest person to have won in 88 years and will be honoured with an MBE. 
- Rory McIlroy
Darren Clarke walked away from the British Open with the tournament trophy and will receive an OBE. 
- Darren Clarke
Congratulations to both golfers! 

Boxing Day in The Spare Room

On Boxing Day night we’ll be sponsoring a charity event at the Spare Room in The Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles.

The event has been set up in support of The Hospitality Kitchen. This charity is a Skid Row soup kitchen . It’s known as the ‘Hippie Kitchen’ and offers aid to those who truly need it.

Designed by Studio Collective, the newly renovated Spare Room opened in January 2011 has a distinct character and beacons in the stylish trendsetters. The Spare Room offers a unique night out, boasting two vintage reclaimed bowling lanes and backgammon tables. Tucked away in a secret location is secret photo booth, which is rumoured to be somewhere near the bowling shoes area. It’s worth a look, as you could come away with some back and white photo booth pictures to add to the photo albums.

The Spare Room has already attracted celebrity patrons (including Ryan Gosling) and is quickly becoming a sensational part of Los Angeles nightlife. We’re really excited to get The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes* mixing it up in such a mesmerising location.

If you’re in the area, come down and show you’re support in a remarkable location.

*In North America The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey is sold under the brand name ‘The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes’.On Boxing Day night we’ll be sponsoring a charity event at the Spare Room in The Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles.

The event has been set up in support of The Hospitality Kitchen. This charity is a Skid Row soup kitchen . It’s known as the ‘Hippie Kitchen’ and offers aid to those who truly need it.

Designed by Studio Collective, the newly renovated Spare Room opened in January 2011 has a distinct character and beacons in the stylish trendsetters. The Spare Room offers a unique night out, boasting two vintage reclaimed bowling lanes and backgammon tables. Tucked away in a secret location is secret photo booth, which is rumoured to be somewhere near the bowling shoes area. It’s worth a look, as you could come away with some back and white photo booth pictures to add to the photo albums.

The Spare Room has already attracted celebrity patrons (including Ryan Gosling) and is quickly becoming a sensational part of Los Angeles nightlife. We’re really excited to get The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes* mixing it up in such a mesmerising location.

If you’re in the area, come down and show you’re support in a remarkable location.

*In North America The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey is sold under the brand name ‘The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes’.

Robinson Surfs into the History Books Off The Irish Coast

We’ve just found images of the largest wave to be recorded off the Irish coast. A major Atlantic swell produced a wave of 20.4m during a week of stormy weather and rough seas at Mullaghmore Head.  An M4 weather buoy recorded this record-breaking size last Tuesday.

But while this would be bad news for most of the country, Jayce Robinson, a professional surfer and former top Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) European junior took to the waters to ride the biggest waves Ireland has seen.

Robinson was in Ireland training for the second annual Billabong and Monster Tow-in season, but turned out to be making history off of Ireland’s coast. But the record-breaking stormy conditions meant that Robinson was came away with a dislocated knee:

But like the Men of Action our brand celebrates, this injury isn’t going to put him off and he’s already thinking about future trips to Ireland to experience these one-of-a-kind waves.

You can see more photos of Robinson’s surf, as well as other stunning images from Ireland on his blog – http://www.jaycebloginson.com/

The BBC Good Food Show Winter, November 2011

We’ve just got back from the BBC Good Food Show, which took place in Birmingham, UK. 


The NEC was packed full of people on the hunt for something new, something different and something to help fill those Christmas stockings. 

The show opened on Wednesday and offered the best in fine foods and drinks to guests from all over the UK. In between cooking competitions and presentations on the theatre stages, consumers were able to explore the sprawling alleyways of exquisite independent products. And that’s where they found The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey* – at stand T64. 

Although some familiar faces dropped by, who we met at the BBC Good Food Summer Show (in June), for many experiences what The Wild Geese had to offer was something new. 






Our promoter, Kate, was an instant hit and her enthusiasm for The Wild Geese was shared by the people we met. 

By Friday, the carpets were blocked out by the pulsating crowds – everyone excited to find something new. 




Nick Wykees, our mixologist was also on hand to demonstrate the versatility of The Wild Geese, and mixed up some cocktails recipes which emphasised the Untamed nature of The Wild Geese Rare Irish Whiskey and The Wild Geese Golden Rum. 




We hope you all enjoyed yourself at the BBC Good Food Show and be sure to stay in touch with The Wild Geese Collection. You can find more photos on our facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/thewildgeeseirishwhiskeycollection

We hope to see you all soon! 

*In North America The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey is sold under the brand name ‘The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes’. 

Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving has become a intricate part of life in the United States. It’s a time to look around oneself and appreciate all that one has achieved and been blessed with.

During one of the earliest Thanksgiving celebrations in 1619, Captain John Woodlief held a service in thanks that his emigrated settlers had reached North America safely. It was a time to consider the opportunities that lay ahead of them in the New World.
Nearly 400 years later, the United States has become one of the most prominent countries in the world. Americans across the country will be celebrating how far they have come in only 400 hundred years.
For us, this is also a time to consider the incredible impact Wild Geese have had on the US over the centuries. Millions of Irish people have arrived on the shores of the US. No other country has received more of The Wild Geese than America and no ethnic group had a greater impact on the history of the USA.
Eight of the fifty-six delegate signatories of the United States Declaration of Independence were of Irish descent. They fought for a beautiful dream – Freedom for Everyone.
Known for their hard-working ethic and community spirit, Wild Geese of all generations have helped to build the great nation which we know today.
To mark the Holiday Season, we’re put together a recipe for a refreshing party paunch.
Light, refreshing and festive, it is sure to impress your guests this Thanksgiving.
We hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving and take some time to appreciate everything you have achieved.

Ireland Qualify for Euro 2012!

After beating Estonia on aggregate, the Irish national football will be heading to the UEFA European Championship next year.

Ireland’s battle with Estonia took place over two matches. The first was hosted in Tallinn last Friday (11/11/11), where Ireland emerged with an impressive 4-0 victory. The second match took place in Dublin this past Tuesday (15/11/11).

In a packed Aviva Stadium, Stephen Ward secured a goal in the 31st minute. Although it looked like Ireland’s European campaign was a sure thing, Estonia battled back with a goal from captain Konstantin Vassiljev.

But as the whistle blew at full time, Ireland were through to Euro 2012 with a victory of 5-1 (on aggregate).

- Goal Keeper Shay Given 
This is the first time Ireland have qualified for a major championship tournament in 10 years. The last time they featured in the European Championships was 1988! So there’s plenty of reason to celebrate last Tuesday’s very important victory, and the energy and motivation for next year’s tournament is already building.
- Shay Given
The match draw will take place of December 2nd, which is when the Euro 2012 campaign will truly begin. We’re sure Wild Geese across the world will be watching with anticipation and ready to support Ireland through their first major tournament in 10 years. 
Congratulations to the entire team!

Men of Action Take to the Sky

Check out these images from Tyler Roemer, a photographer who specialises in Outdoor Adventure.

His latest task as been to ascend Mount Hood at Timberline Ski Resort in Oregon, US, with a group of professional skiers. At more than 3,350m (11,000ft) the skiers performed stunts as they glided above the clouds, allowing Roemer to capture some heavenly images. 

Tyler Roemer ‘strives to get off the beaten path by using his extensive knowledge in the outdoor field to get him the next shot’. These latest images combine a sublime elegance with the raw excitement of extreme sports.

It’s definitely worth taking a look at Tyler Roemer’s website to see more breath-taking images.

Making Waves – A New World Record

Take a look at this video! On a huge 90ft wave, you can just make out the silhouette of Garrett McNamara who broke a world record for the biggest wave ever surfed. 




With the wave collapsing just behind him, this Man of Action beat the previous world record, set by Mike Parsons in Cortes Bay, California when he surfed a 77ft wave in 2008.

A native to Hawaii, McNamara was invited to Nazaré in Portugal for a big wave competition. There is an underwater canyon 1,000 ft deep, which causes some of the largest waves in the world. 

There certainly is an element of danger, as the position of the canyon – which runs from the ocean to the coast – means that waves often break very close to shore. 

What’s extraordinary is that this was a spontaneous decision. Garrett had originally only agreed to tow a friend, Andre Cotton, out but as the waves grew bigger and bigger he decided to take it one step further. 




But they say actions speak louder than words – so its worth going back and watching that again….