The actor, known for roles in Gladiator and LA Confidential, attended the formal opening of the new home for The Muff Liquor Company. Joining him were broadcaster Ryan Tubridy and former Boyzone member Ronan Keating.

Crowe and Keating are among the investors in the company, which has recently secured a distribution deal for the US market.

Crowe expressed his admiration for the new facility, saying he was “thoroughly impressed with what I’ve seen.” He wished the company success, addressing its chief executive, Laura Bonner, with hopes for a “long series of successes.”

Attracted to the company initially by its compelling story, Crowe recounted how Ms. Bonner’s grandfather, Philip, a potato farmer, started making vodkas and gin using his own recipe. He began by sharing his creations with family and friends, eventually leading to a local tradition where people would line up at his farmhouse every Friday afternoon to collect his spirits before the local dance.

“When I heard the story of old Phil and what would happen on a Friday afternoon, I just got really attracted to it,” Crowe said. “And then I tried the product, and that really sealed the idea for me that I had to get involved. It is a great product and the story is fantastic, one that will travel from place to place, from country to country. And I just wanted to be part of that.”

He added, “It’s a romantic idea, isn’t it? A potato farmer creating a drink from his leftover potatoes, which then becomes a community staple. I just think it’s a brilliant story of community,” he said, drawing laughter.

Tubridy, who hosted the opening, became friends with Crowe through interviews on RTE’s The Late Late Show. He commented, “We wouldn’t pedal muck, this is good stuff. I think people appreciate the story behind it, it’s not just a drink. So I like that too.”