Raise your glass and toast to history in a bottle of the Fighting 69th whiskey, made exclusively for and sold at Northern Colorado’s very own Candlelight Dinner Theatre. Only during Father’s Day weekend will this whiskey be available. This exclusive cask selection of Irish whiskey is a testament to the Irish influence and an Infantry division that changed the course of history forever.
So, who are the Fighting 69th? They were an infamous military regiment that is among the most celebrated in our country’s history. The regiment started as a militia, made up of Irish immigrants in New York City. A group of young Irish men learning military tactics with the ultimate goal of using these tactics to expel the British from their homeland. While history didn’t play out as they had hoped, the 69th Regiment solidified its place in history with its military contributions to the US.
The unit first gained a reputation in the American Civil War. Fighting for the Union cause, the group of volunteers became the unit generals knew they could count on for the toughest missions, or even those deemed hopeless. Their fighting spirit and willingness to do anything for the cause earned them the nickname “The Fighting 69th” from General Robert E. Lee himself. The moniker stuck and “The Fighting 69” began their march through history.
Fighting in many American wars, the 69th Regiment continued to make a name for themselves. During World War I, Father Francis Patrick Duffy of the 69th, “The Fighting Chaplain” became the most highly decorated clergyman in US Army history. No longer exclusively members of Irish descent, Duffy declared every member of the 69th an honorary Irishman saying, “They are Irish by adoption, Irish by association, or Irish by conviction.”
The Regiment was officially recognized for their contributions since the Civil War by John F. Kennedy, in 1962, solidifying their place in both Irish and American history. The then president addressed the Irish Parliament saying, “They bore a proud heritage and a special courage given to those who had long fought for the cause of freedom. I’m referring, of course, to the Irish Brigade.” He presented The Fighting 69th’s flag as recognition of the Irish Regiment’s contribution to American history and an allegiance shared by both countries.
The Fighting 69th was the first military operation on the scene on September 11th, 2001, due in part to their proximity to Ground Zero with their headquarters in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. In historic fashion, they rushed to the scene as the events were unfolding, to help secure what would later become known as Ground Zero and aided in the rescue and recovery efforts of the attack. Known for fearlessness and dedication, it was no surprise they were among the first at the scene. As a part of not only American history but New York’s history, the infantry was determined to help their city in its darkest days.
The Brigade is a major part of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City and is arguably the biggest celebration of the Irish here in the United States. Leading the way since 1851 in the parade is the 69th Infantry, with the mission of ensuring the safety and protection of all that march in and attend the parade. Before the event each year, the officers of the 69th gather and do a toast of Irish whiskey. This toast is to their heritage, the historic sacrifices of the men of the 69th and their families.
Retired Colonel James Tierney of the 69th had an idea while raising his glass to the historic regiment. He wanted an Irish whiskey that imbues the spirit of The Fighting 69th. With their motto “Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked” as inspiration, he began approaching distilleries in Ireland about creating this special whiskey. In 2020, the 169th time the Regiment would be leading the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City, the officers raised their glasses with a new, fine Irish whiskey, created especially to commemorate and honor the regiment that has contributed so much to American history, the Fighting 69th whiskey.
The unique connection between Ireland and the US imbues this whiskey with its distinct character, enriched by subtle hints of American bourbon in every sip. More than just the spirit itself, the label of Fighting 69th whiskey carries deep historical significance. It lists the Civil War, World Wars, Iraq, and Afghanistan battles fought by the infantry, complemented by Celtic symbols that honor the valor of these soldiers.
With a special batch of the whiskey made just for Candlelight, the label also includes the Candlelight flame. Each bottle is numbered so you know the exact barrel it came from, as well as the year it was bottled in Ireland before being shipped to Colorado. One dollar from every bottle sold helps to support the non-profit Sixty-Ninth Infantry Regiment Historical Trust, honoring the lineage, honors, traditions, and heraldry of the military division.
Each batch of the whiskey is triple distilled in copper pot stills with pure Irish water. It then ages in bourbon casks for a minimum of three years, adding an American twist to this traditional Irish whiskey process. After the aging process, it is transferred to yet another barrel for the finishing process. The finishing touches come from a port barrel, giving the whiskey hints of cherry and rich scents of jammy fruit.
A gold medal winner in 2020 at the New York International Spirits Competition, The Fighting 69th whiskey lives up to its influence. With an initial flavor of seasoned oak, followed with an array of dried fruit essences that finishes with a citrus zest, this whiskey is excellent on its own, or in a cocktail.
In honor of Father’s Day, The Candlelight, and The Fighting 69th, we’re bringing you some unique cocktail recipes inspired by this special whiskey. Each cocktail is simple, with only a few ingredients but brings a complexity of flavor because of all of the nuances in the whiskey. Each ingredient plays a big role and enhances the robust flavor without masking or hiding it.
The oak flavor is brought out with a smoked simple syrup, which sticks true to being simple to make and gives Dad an excuse to use the Traeger. Mix together 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar, and place into a long, shallow dish. This kind of dish allows for more surface area to smoke the simple syrup, resulting in a sweet and smoky addition. Smoke at 180 degrees for 2 hours, using your favorite pellets. The flavor of the smoke will infuse the syrup and give the cocktail a hint of flavor that compliments the oak in the whiskey. Each cocktail is perfect for enjoying outside, pairs perfectly with anything off the grill, and is a great way to celebrate the men who hold the ever-important title of “Dad.”
69th Old Fashioned
2 ounces of the Fighting 69th whiskey
½ ounce of smoked simple syrup
Dash of walnut bitters
Muddle an orange and a real maraschino cherry in a mixing glass. Pour in the ingredients. Add ice and stir. Strain over a large ice cube. Garnish with a twist of orange
Chai MANhattan
1 ½ ounces of The Fighting 69th whiskey
½ ounce sweet vermouth
½ ounce chai liquor
Stir ingredients together with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Regiment Lemonade
1 ½ ounces of The Fighting 69th whiskey
¾ ounces fresh lemon juice
4 ounces of club soda
½ ounces smoked simple syrup
Mix all ingredients with ice. Garnish with grilled lemons for an enhanced smoky flavor.