Redbreast Irish Whiskey Taps ‘Sherlock’ Star Andrew Scott for Indie Movie Initiative

(Photos: Redbreast Irish Whiskey)

Redbreast Irish Whiskey is venturing into the movie industry — at least, sort of — alongside the South By Southwest Film Festival and BAFTA-winning actor Andrew Scott.

On Wednesday, the historic Irish distiller announced the debut of “Redbreast Unhidden,” a platform intended to shine a light on up-and-coming filmmakers working in the narrative shorts genre. Attendees at this year’s South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, will find that the brand is screening six original works including titles like “One Day This Kid” by Alexander Gara and “Nervous Energy” by Eve Lui. The brand says the films span a variety of topics and genres exploring themes of societal expectations, stereotypes, familial love and identity.

One of the filmmaker finalists will be bestowed the inaugural Redbreast Unhidden Award by Andrew Scott. Beyond his breakout role as James Moriarty in BBC’s “Sherlock,” the Irish actor is known for starring in “Fleabag,” “1917” and “All of Us Strangers,” the last of which scored him a Best Actor nod at the Golden Globes.

“I’m delighted to be partnering with Redbreast on this campaign to encourage creativity and discovery worldwide,” Scott remarked in a news release. “It’s been really fun to be part of, especially given their initiative to encourage filmmakers of the future, whose voices need to be supported now more than ever.”

Redbreast is a single-pot still whiskey that dates its roots back to 1912. Named in honor of the Robin Redbreast bird found throughout Europe and Northern Africa, the brand is today distilled at the Midleton distillery in Cork — a three-hour drive southwest from Andrew Scott’s hometown of Dublin.

“Redbreast, as the world’s most awarded single pot still Irish whiskey, is celebrated for its unparalleled complexity, richness, and its signature sherry cask influence. The first sip of Redbreast is a unique discovery and a feeling we are excited to share through our new partnership with the immensely talented Andrew Scott and the renowned SXSW Film & TV Festival,” Irish Distillers CEO Nodjame Fouad added. “We invite whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers on a journey that celebrates craftsmanship, character and complexity in the creative worlds of whiskey and film.”

If you’re interested in digging deeper into the brand, find our detailed ranking of the Redbreast Irish Whiskey catalog here.