Written & transcribed by Alexandria Craw / Interview by Nik Mohan

Redbreast Irish Whiskey, the world’s most awarded single pot still Irish whiskey, is stepping into the spotlight with a bold new cultural partnership. The brand has announced a multi-year global collaboration with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), becoming the Official Whiskey of the Festival for 2025 and 2026. Building on the success of its “Redbreast Unhidden” initiative—launched with actor Andrew Scott at SXSW earlier this year—the partnership continues Redbreast’s mission to champion originality by shining a light on films and filmmakers that deserve to be discovered.

At the heart of the collaboration is “Redbreast Unhidden Gems,” a carefully curated TIFF selection of standout films chosen to celebrate authentic storytelling and emerging voices. From the exclusive Red Carpet Suite at Roy Thomson Hall to immersive tastings, culinary pairings, and fan experiences across Toronto, Redbreast will toast both the art of whiskey and the art of film. This union of craft and creativity underscores the brand’s philosophy: uncovering hidden treasures, whether in a glass or on the big screen.

Top Film sat down with Darragh McArdle, Senior Brand Manager at Corby Spirit and Wine (manages Irish and Scotch whiskey portfolios for the Canadian market [Redbreast]) to talk about the brand’s passion for storytelling, why TIFF is the perfect stage for this partnership, and how whiskey and cinema share more in common than one might expect.

*Darragh McArdle, Courtesy of Redbreast.*

TOP FILM: Can you talk a little bit about why you (Redbreast) decided to come to TIFF this year?

DARRAGH: There’s many different things. We first kicked off this main film platform with Redbreast’s Unhidden—I’m sure you’ve seen at South-by-Southwest (SXSW) earlier in February. What we really saw is so many parallels of what we’re trying to do as a brand with film.

Redbreast’s full Unhidden Gems List includes:

Copper by Nicolás Pereda
Glenrothan by Brian Cox
Laundry by Zamo Mkhwanazi
The Captive by Alejandro Amenábar
Dinner With Friends by Sasha Leigh Henry
Julian by Cato Kusters
Levers by Rhayne Vermette
The Tale of Silyan by Tamara Kotevska
Under the Same Sun by Ulises Porra

DARRAGH: [cont’d] When you think of Redbreast, it’s very much rooted in this idea of discovery and authenticity—we see a lot of values in what films are trying to do and what they represent. We really just want to shine a spotlight on stories that are worth talking about, and storytellers that might otherwise remain hidden. It’s like how Redbreast—being Irish myself—has always been considered this hidden gem in the world of whiskey. When you look at both whiskey and the world of film, they’re a lot about the craft, the patience, the vision… You can’t really rush a great story and so many filmmakers we’re seeing at this festival have talked about the years it’s taken to bring their film to life. Our signature whiskey (12-year-old), was distilled in 2013. So there’s lots of parallels between whiskey-making and filmmaking in terms of the story from concept to screen, layering in details and the emotion. And when we look at Redbreast, it’s very similar in a different way; it’s about creating something that’s lasting. When we look at TIFF, the world’s largest public film festival, we thought well there’s no doubt there’s a match made in heaven here between what Redbreast is trying to bring to the world as a whiskey brand, and what TIFF is trying to do in the world of film. So building off that platform from SXSW, it was really a no-brainer for us to then bring this platform to life at TIFF.

TOP FILM: How would you say that being a sponsor at film festivals like TIFF—or projects on the Unhidden Gems list that you’ve curated—help you reach new audiences beyond traditional whiskey drinkers?

DARRAGH: I think the beauty about film is that it really gives us access to cultural spaces where people can really come together to be inspired. I think we’ve been so impressed by the wide variety—the demographics that we’ve seen at TIFF—the people attending the movies and people soaking in the festival itself, and that’s what we’re really trying to do with reaching new audiences. We know that not everybody is a whiskey drinker. But everyone is able to appreciate a well crafted story, and if we bring that to life for people within this festival through our Unhidden Gems selection, then I think that’s what we’re aiming to do. TIFF gives us the opportunity to connect with those audiences in a really fresh and meaningful way.

TOP FILM: In choosing which‬‭ Unhidden Gems‬‭ to sponsor, what specific qualities or values‬ did you look for in the projects or filmmakers? Was there a set criteria for the selection?

DARRAGH: When we initially talked to the TIFF team, we really wanted this to be a collaboration where it was both of us—between the TIFF programming team and also ourselves—we wanted to make sure that we were really bringing these films to life. We want stories we think are worth bringing to the consumer. This wasn’t just about making sure we’re putting a light on blockbusters and big films, it was really about okay what are some stories worth unearthing and getting out to the audiences. TIFF—as you know yourself—is a huge event with so much choice out there, and we wanted to shine a spotlight and say; as Redbreast we’ve created a list of nine films that are worth sharing… These are stories worth talking about.

DARRAGH: I had the pleasure of attending ‘Julian’ (Unhidden Gems). It really brought to life this idea, again—this project started for them back in 2017—eight years in the making. It really struck me at the time when we had the Q&A set (with director Cato Kusters), this is a story I want to bring to the world. That really showcases what we’re trying to do with the selection of films—to really make sure we’re highlighting stories worth unearthing that maybe wouldn’t have gotten out there. So anything we can do to help support that and bring that to audiences at TIFF, whether that’s Canadian or people who are flying in for the festival, that’s what we really wanted to do and I’m glad we’re able to see that come to life.

TOP FILM: How do you hope that this initiative will impact the filmmakers themselves?

DARRAGH: We’re giving a spotlight to them [filmmakers] through the voice that we now have. The fact that we now have through Andrew Scott who’s a natural fit as an Irish person himself, and an actor who’s debuting his ‘Knives Out’ movie this year at TIFF, it’s another opportunity to shine a spotlight on them that might’ve not happened without the support of Redbreast. They [filmmakers] are bringing their films and stories to the world’s largest public film festival, so to play a small part in shining a light on them through our efforts, through our media, through our PR, is just a fantastic experience.

TOP FILM: Just for the future outlook of Redbreast within the industry—or other creative industries, do you see Redbreast diving into music, art, and literature among film festivals?

DARRAGH: Absolutely. I think Redbreast has long been connected to various different facets in Ireland whether that’s the music, art, literature. We’re always exploring ways to bring the craft and the heritage of Redbreast, that’s so rich, into other creative worlds. Redbreast is proud to be part of the heritage and foundation—it’s very rooted in tradition but always open to discovery. You know, when we think about that line, we really think film is the space we want to be in. Having seen the success of SXSW and the notoriety we’ve been gaining these past few days here [TIFF], for us moving forward, that’s a space we want to develop in and look for more opportunities.

TOP FILM: Were there any films you grew up with in Ireland that impacted your decision making later in life; for example a TIFF partnership?

DARRAGH: Growing up, I think Irish filmmakers and actors—we had a few, no doubt. The beauty of what’s going on now is that films and stories I would’ve seen as a kid that the whole world might not’ve seen because we were a small island wedged between the UK and North America; we’re now seeing Irish actors really have a moment in the spotlight. And that’s really exciting as an Irish person myself—particularly living abroad—we see what’s going on at film festivals; whether that’s Cillian Murphy on the red carpet yesterday, Barry Keoghan, Michael Fassbender, Andrew Scott… the plethora of our talent is really having a moment. It’s really quite a moment for me: seeing Irish people land on the shores of these big film festivals, telling their stories and also being fantastic representatives of Irish heritage and history.

TOP FILM: I went to the opening night party [TIFF] and got to try Redbreast’s special cocktails, 12-year-old whiskey, and 15-year-old whiskey. One of the smoothest, slightly sweet, most balanced flavors I’ve tried [12-year]. Is there a cocktail or specific whiskey age in Redbreast’s range that you would encourage our audience to try?

DARRAGH: I’m glad you got to try it, we have amazing expressions right through the range from Redbreast 12-year-old, all the way up to our really special Redbreast 27-year-old. Each one has their unique taste, unique profiles. But what I really recommend all audiences to try or anyone who is experiencing the film festival, or Redbreast for the first time, is our Flying Old Fashioned. That’s our signature cocktail. I tried it myself at the opening night party [TIFF]. You can try it at a variety of on-premise accounts in Toronto at the moment; whether that’s the Fox on John, we’ve got a special pairing at Alo. We’ve also got Minami and Melrose. And for that, it just really allows the whiskey to come through. So for anyone who wants to try Redbreast, I highly recommend the Flying Old Fashioned. That for me is a cocktail that epitomizes everything that Redbreast is—unbelievably smooth, so delicate, but a fantastic way to really experience that sherry influence that we have and the whiskey that is Redbreast 12-year-old.

*The Unhidden Gems list, courtesy of Redbreast.*

In bringing Redbreast Irish Whiskey to TIFF, Darragh McArdle and his team have created more than a sponsorship—they’ve built a bridge between two worlds rooted in patience, craft, and authenticity. Through the Unhidden Gems initiative, Redbreast is not only amplifying underrepresented voices in film but also reinforcing its own philosophy of discovery and lasting artistry.

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