The British and Irish Lions have confirmed premium whisk(e)y brand Patron Saint as an Official Supplier ahead of the Qatar Airways Lions Men’s Tour to Australia 2025.
To mark the partnership, Patron Saint has launched a limited-edition whisk(e)y named 1888, honouring the year the Lions were founded. The blend is positioned as a tribute to the Lions’ heritage and is designed to reflect the collaboration of the four rugby unions represented by the touring side.
Only 1,888 bottles of the 1888 blend will be produced, making it a rare collector’s item. The whisk(e)y has been developed using whiskies sourced from across the British and Irish Isles, echoing the cross-nation makeup of the Lions squad.
The launch is supported by former Lions players John Rutherford (Lion #587) and Craig Chalmers (Lion #623), both of whom represented Scotland in previous tours. Rutherford described the Lions as “the pinnacle of a rugby player’s career” and said the 1888 whisky “fits perfectly with that prestige and history.” Chalmers added that the whisky was a way for fans to “connect with the spirit of the Lions.”
Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, welcomed the new addition to the Lions’ commercial family.
“I am pleased to welcome Patron Saint to the Lions family and hope that our fans enjoy their unique whisk(e)y whilst they cheer on the team this summer.”
Aidan Muir, Co-Founder of Patron Saint Whisky, said the partnership reflects shared values of unity and heritage.
“Our 1888 expression beautifully captures the spirit of collaboration, bringing together exceptional whiskies from across the British and Irish Isles—much like the Lions squad itself.”
The announcement adds another premium brand to the Lions’ portfolio of commercial partners as preparations intensify ahead of the highly anticipated tour of Australia.
These include Canterbury, Howden, Qatar Airways, DHL, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Oxford Landing, Dove Men+Care, ResMed, Charles Tyrwhitt, Rhino and Gilbert.
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The limited edition of 1,888 bottles plays well into the tradition of the Lions brand though the scottish spelling of Whisky as opposed to Whiskey (We’ve made our own amends above) means that a small extra hurdle needs to be overcome to get onto Irish shelves.
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