New independent film A Sip of Irish has released in cinemas and on streaming services this week. The film covers Ireland's drinks industry and history, with a focus on its whiskey.

A Sip of Irish was directed by Frank Mannion, whose previous drinks-related films include Sparkling: The Story of Champagne. 

The film investigates the Irish contribution to the story of whiskey, with contributions from Midleton blender Deirdre O'Carroll, who, among other topics, discusses why Powers whiskey is essential in an Irish coffee and why Jameson has so many celebrity fans.

Travelling further afield, Mannion explores the Irish history behind Cognac heavyweight Hennessy: the brand was founded by Richard Hennessy of County Cork, and has been described as an "Irish drink in French terroir". 

Mannion commented: "Irish whiskey exports topped a whopping €1 billion for the first time last time, so I wanted to explore that world and meet the key people behind that success. I was surprised that journey would take me from Midleton distillery to Bordeaux and Napa Valley where I met the Barton family of Chateau Leoville Barton and the Barretts of Chateau Montelena whose wine barrels give the Midleton Green Spot whiskey series such a distinctive flavour.

"My mother, Anna Mannion, was a teacher in Midleton and my curiosity about whiskey stems from her love of Redbreast for a special occasion. She is in good company as actors Andrew Scott and Chris O'Dowd love it too. My mother often told visitors that Powers invented the classic mini-bar bottle, Baby Power, in 1889 and that it was the essential ingredient in an Irish coffee. Making this film, I discovered that Marilyn Monroe was a fan too as she was pictured downing a Powers Irish coffee at Foynes airport in County Limerick."

A Sipe of Irish is available now on selected streaming services.