Kung-fu hero and Hollywood superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme has launched his Irish whiskey brand, Old Oak Whiskey. – Named after the Oak Leaf District in Derry, Northern Ireland.

Known to many as ‘the muscle from Brussels’, Van Damme is the latest star to dip his toe into the whiskey pool, co-founding the Belfast-based spirits brand. – Van Damme chose to become partners after tasting the beer during a chance meeting.

Old Oak’s signature 3-year-old blended whiskey is finished with a carefully selected blend of bourbon and new oak barrels.

Meanwhile, the brand’s other product, a five-year-old blended whiskey, gets its distinctive flavor from aging in reserve casks.

Commenting on the launch, Van Damme said: “I was looking for my own brand of whiskey, maybe an American bourbon, and then one of my close friends and business partners asking ‘why American whiskey when you can go back to the origins of whiskey. and looking for an Irish whiskey?

“He then introduced me to the yet-to-be-launched Old Oak whiskey brand that had been put together by some whiskey lovers in Ireland.”

The Belgian action star, known for films including cult hit Bloodsport and subsequent hits including Universal Soldier, has teamed up with Derry native Kevin Carson as part of the project .

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Now it seems the man who once said “I’m the Fred Astaire of karate” will now challenge for the title of Irish Whiskey Titan. The star added: “It was also the perfect opportunity to combine two things that I feel are closely connected to… whiskey and its rich heritage as well as its charm and warmth.” of Ireland and its people.”

“I loved the aroma and smoothness on the palate compared to heavier whiskeys I’ve tasted from different parts of the world.”

Old Oak describes the brand as a “premium craft whiskey” and is produced at a craft distillery just outside of Belfast.

Using what is described as “some of the purest water in Ireland” sourced directly from a 300ft deep well located on the distillery grounds, the brand is also said to be introducing Pot Still for more exclusive aged whiskeys in the vicinity. future .