RENEE MONTAGNE, host:
And today's last word in business, whiskey rebellion.
In Minneapolis, a pub called the Local sells more Jameson Irish Whiskey than any other bar or restaurant in the world. Jameson is a big whiskey brand and its parent company, Pernod Ricard, confirmed Local's status. Local's sales are due in part to its passionate whiskey loving owner, Kieran Folliard.
Mr. KIERAN FOLLIARD (Owner, The Local): I'm actually only 25 but I look about 70. I mean all the whiskey I've been drinking myself over the years. I have down for 12 bottles a day.
MONTAGNE: Hey, I thought whiskey preserved you.
Folliard does say he's joking. But the Irishman has worked to cultivate sales, coming up with whiskey cocktails and nudging customers towards his favorite drink.
Mr. FOLLIARD: If somebody comes in and asks for a Jack and Coke, we'd say well, you know, you're in an Irish pub. You've got to try an Irish drink.
MONTAGNE: But Folliard is now jumping ship. He's giving Jameson the boot and launching his own whiskey brand. He'll import it from a small distillery in Ireland and says the move is more in keeping with his scrappy image. Selling his own brand will cut down on costs too.
Mr. FOLLIARD: It's a cutthroat environment and we've got to keep trying to figure out how to stay a step ahead of the posse.
MONTAGNE: Jameson's parent company, Pernod Ricard, was in public at least, magnanimous about losing its top seller. The company emailed NPR a statement saying it wished, quote, the Local the best with their new whiskey venture.
(Soundbite of music)
MONTAGNE: And that's the business news on MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.