Ireland is renowned for its whiskey, with a history dating back centuries. The country is home to some of the world’s most respected distilleries, many of which are small-batch operations. These distilleries produce whiskey in small quantities, often by hand, using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation. In this blog post, we will be taking a closer look at the top 5 small-batch whiskey distilleries in Ireland.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
The first distillery on our list is the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, located in the heart of Dublin. This distillery was established in 2015 by Jack Teeling, the founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company. The distillery is housed in an old Liberties area of Dublin, and it is the first new distillery in the city in over 125 years. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery produces a variety of different expressions, including single malt, single grain, and blended whiskey. The distillery uses a combination of traditional and modern methods to produce its whiskey, resulting in a unique and complex flavor profile.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery Website
Dingle Distillery
Next on our list is the Dingle Distillery, located in the picturesque town of Dingle in County Kerry. This distillery was founded in 2012 by three friends with a passion for whiskey and a desire to create a truly Irish whiskey. The Dingle Distillery is a small-batch operation, producing just a few hundred bottles per week. The distillery uses locally-sourced barley and water, as well as traditional pot stills, to produce a truly authentic Irish whiskey. Dingle Distillery’s whiskey has won numerous awards, and it is considered to be among the best Irish whiskey in the world.
Sliabh Liag Distillers
The third distillery on our list is the Sliabh Liag Distillers, located in County Donegal. This distillery is run by husband and wife team, James and Moira Doherty. They started the distillery in 2014, and since then they have been producing a range of unique and innovative whiskey expressions. The Sliabh Liag Distillers use 100% malted barley and water from their own well to produce their whiskey. The distillery has a small production capacity, which allows them to focus on the quality of their whiskey rather than the quantity.
Sliabh Liag Distillers Website
Waterford Distillery
The fourth distillery on our list is the Waterford Distillery, located in the medieval city of Waterford. This distillery was founded in 2014 by Mark Reynier, a whiskey industry veteran. The Waterford Distillery produces a variety of different expressions, including single malt, single grain, and blended whiskey. The distillery uses locally-sourced barley and water, as well as traditional copper pot stills, to produce its whiskey. The distillery is known for its focus on quality and innovation, and it has already won numerous awards.
Glendalough Distillery
The fifth distillery on our list is the Glendalough Distillery, located in the Wicklow Mountains. This distillery was founded in 2011 by five friends with a passion for whiskey and a desire to create a truly Irish whiskey. Glendalough Distillery is a small-batch operation, producing just a few hundred bottles per week. The distillery uses locally-sourced barley and water, as well as traditional pot stills, to produce a truly authentic Irish whiskey. Glendalough Distillery’s whiskey has won numerous awards, and it is considered to be among the best Irish whiskey in the world.
Glendalough Distillery Website
These five distilleries represent some of the best small-batch whiskey distilleries in Ireland. Each distillery has its own unique story, production method, and flavor profile, making them all worth visiting and trying. If you’re planning a visit to Ireland and are a whiskey enthusiast, we highly recommend visiting these distilleries. Not only will you be able to sample some of the best whiskey the country has to offer, but you’ll also be able to witness the traditional methods and craftsmanship that go into producing small-batch whiskey.
When planning your visit, be sure to check the distilleries’ websites for tour information and tasting schedules. Also, don’t forget to bring a designated driver or make arrangements for transportation, as whiskey tastings can make for an enjoyable but tipsy experience.