It's been a rough year for the young people of Ireland as it's felt like more doors were closing than opening. What should be one of the most exciting times in a person's life - finishing secondary school and embarking on a new adventure, be it college, travelling or perhaps jumping straight into the work force - ended up being roadblocked by the global pandemic for thousands of Irish teenagers.
Thankfully, it seems as though we might be finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel and there's reason to hope again at last. That's why we're delighted to hear that one of the Ireland's most well-known whiskey brands, Tullamore D.E.W. (the second biggest selling Irish whiskey in the world as a matter of fact) has chosen two young lads from Co. Offaly for a truly unique job opportunity.
The whiskey brand announced last week that it had recruited Dylan Healion (18) and Corey Bracken (19) as its new apprentice coopers, having just opened the distillery's cooperage for the first time in 66 years!
If you're not familiar, a cooper is someone who makes and repairs the barrels that whiskey is made in. Coopers are integral to the process of achieving the unmistakable taste of Tullamore D.E.W whiskey - would you believe as much as 80% of the character of an Irish whiskey comes from the cask?
The role of a cooper is rare in Ireland with only five qualified coopers and four apprentice coopers across a nation with nearly 40 distilleries. For want of a better phrase, for two boys interested in the art of cooperage, it sounds like this actually is 'a once in a lifetime opportunity' - but like, actually.
Corey and Dylan will now train for four years under the expert guidance of Enguerrand Vandenbossche, a French cooper (photographed below sporting a wonderfully, characteristically French moustache) with nearly 10 years' experience in the industry, and the current Head Cooper at the Tullamore distillery.
The boys were apparently chosen as they 'reflected an appreciation for the heritage, knowledge and skills required to keep this age-old tradition alive'. Commenting on the opportunity, Corey said: "I'm excited to start the apprenticeship because it's such a rare and unique opportunity."
"I started working in the bottling hall at the distillery and my interest in whiskey production grew from there. I'd love to have my own apprentice in the future so I can pass down my skills and continue to keep this rare craft alive," he continued.
It wouldn't be the role for everyone, granted, but we think we it's brilliant to see an Irish brand support the drinks industry here by opting to upskill within its locality of Co. Offaly before looking further afield to fill the positions.
Safe to say the Tullamore D.E.W should be flowing all night at Corey and Dylan's upcoming 21st birthdays!
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Ireland