Kilbeggan Distillery

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Kilbeggan Distillery is a whiskey distillery located in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, Ireland. It is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world, with a history dating back to 1757. The distillery is known for producing Irish whiskey and has a rich heritage that reflects the traditional methods of whiskey production.

History

The Kilbeggan Distillery was founded in 1757 by Matthias McManus. It operated continuously for over 200 years, surviving various economic challenges and changes in ownership. In 1954, the distillery ceased production due to financial difficulties. However, in 1982, the local community formed the Kilbeggan Distillery Preservation Society to restore and preserve the historic site.

In 1987, the distillery was acquired by the Cooley Distillery, which resumed production and invested in modernizing the facilities while maintaining traditional distilling methods. Today, Kilbeggan Distillery is owned by the Beam Suntory group, a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings.

Production

Kilbeggan Distillery produces a range of Irish whiskeys using traditional pot stills and a combination of malted and unmalted barley. The distillation process involves mashing, fermenting, distilling, and aging the whiskey in oak casks. The distillery's water source is the River Brosna, which flows through Kilbeggan.

The distillery is known for its small-batch production and attention to detail, ensuring high-quality whiskey with a distinctive character. Some of the popular products include Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Kilbeggan Single Grain, and Kilbeggan Single Pot Still.

Visitor Experience

Kilbeggan Distillery offers guided tours that provide visitors with an insight into the history and production process of Irish whiskey. The tours include a visit to the old distillery building, the working distillery, and the maturation warehouse. Visitors can also participate in whiskey tastings and purchase exclusive products from the distillery shop.

The distillery is a popular tourist attraction and plays a significant role in promoting the heritage and culture of Irish whiskey.

See Also

• Irish whiskey
• Cooley Distillery
• Beam Suntory
• Suntory Holdings
• Pot still
• Whiskey