The history of whiskey in Ireland is ancient and storied, but there are only four operational distilleries on the entire island. This was the result of a series of mergers and acquisitions, but the remaining four distilleries still manage to produce a staggering range of whiskeys. Dozens of unique Irish whiskey brands source their products from these four distilleries, and the resultant flavor profiles are quite diverse.
Each Irish whiskey is distilled at one of these four facilities, but the aging process takes place elsewhere. For instance, Kilbeggan whiskey was sourced from the Old Midleton Distillery for years. The whiskey was then carried back to the shuttered Kilbeggan facility to be aged. The process is similar for other Irish whiskey brands, each of which has its own method and means for aging, which is when the true flavor of the whiskey is allowed to mature.
Here are the remaining distilleries and the whiskeys that are born there:
The Cooley Distillery was a potato alcohol plant until 1987. Since then, it has been the home to many of Ireland’s favorite whiskeys. The whiskeys produced at Cooley aren’t the most famous names in the world, but many of them have received critical acclaim in recent years. Some of the Irish whiskey brands produced at the Cooley Distillery include:
- Michael Collins
- The Tyrconnel
The Old Kilbeggan Distillery has a history that dates to at least 1757, when a small pot distillery was operated on the premises. The facility has operated under other names, including Locke’s Distillery and Brusna Distillery, but it currently carries the Kilbeggan name. This ancient distillery was closed down in 1957, and production of whiskeys like Kilbeggan and Locke’s were moved to Cooley’s Distillery. In 2007, the facility returned to active service.
The New Midleton Distillery is a massive complex that consolidated the production of many smaller distilleries. It sits next to the Old Midleton Distillery, which was established during the 17th century. Some of the most famous Irish whiskey brands, including Jameson, are produced here.
- Green Spot
- Tullamore Dew
The Old Bushmills Distillery is widely thought of as the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland or anywhere else in the world. It is home to the famous Bushmills label, but a number of other Irish whiskey brands also source their spirits from this ancient distillery.
- Knappogue Castle
This list is far from comprehensive, and we hope to expand it whenever time and tide permit. If you have a favorite Irish whiskey brand, label, or vintage that we haven’t covered, feel free to let us know. We’d love to add it to our list so that others might imbibe and enjoy!