NOT ABOUT iRISH WHISKEY; BUT

[scotty]

this gilbys and smirnoff thing still tasks me.

His eldest son, Walter Henry Gilbey, inherited the baronetcy at the age of 55 and went on to become chairman of W & A Gilbey Ltd. The Company then extended their interests, becoming responsible for such household names as Hennesey brandy, Smirnoff vodka and Croft port and sherry, as well as the eponymous Gilbey’s gin. However, as a result of increased taxes and out-dated work practices, the company fell into dire financial straits and take-over attempts were made. To stop this they merged with a smaller firm in 1962, becoming International Distillers and Vintners.


link to the article is forthcoming

[scotty]

http://www.stortfordhistory.co.uk/guide2/walter_gilbey.html