Kilbeggan Distillery

Kilbeggan Distillery

File:Kilbeggan Distillery.jpg

Kilbeggan Distillery

The Kilbeggan Distillery is a historic distillery located in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, Ireland. It is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world, dating back to 1757. The distillery is known for producing Irish whiskey and has a rich history that spans over two centuries.

History

The Kilbeggan Distillery was originally established in 1757 by Matthias McManus. It was granted one of the first licenses to distill whiskey in Ireland. Over the years, the distillery changed ownership several times and underwent various expansions and renovations.

In 1843, the distillery was purchased by John Locke, who introduced several improvements to the production process. Under Locke's ownership, the distillery flourished and became one of the largest employers in the area.

During the Irish War of Independence in the early 20th century, the distillery faced challenges due to political unrest and economic difficulties. It was eventually closed in 1957, marking the end of an era for Kilbeggan whiskey.

Revival

In 1987, the Kilbeggan Distillery was purchased by the Cooley Distillery, which embarked on a mission to revive the historic brand. The Cooley Distillery invested in restoring the distillery buildings and reviving traditional production methods.

The distillery was reopened in 2007, exactly 250 years after its original establishment. Today, it operates as a visitor center and whiskey distillery, offering guided tours and tastings to visitors from around the world.

Production

Kilbeggan Distillery produces a range of Irish whiskeys, including the Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Tyrconnell Single Malt, and Connemara Peated Single Malt. The distillery follows traditional production methods, including the use of copper pot stills and oak casks for aging.

The water used in the production process comes from the nearby Brosna River, known for its purity and quality. The distillery takes pride in sourcing local ingredients and maintaining the authenticity of Irish whiskey production.

Visitor Experience

The Kilbeggan Distillery offers guided tours that take visitors through the distillery's history and production process. Visitors can explore the old distillery buildings, see the copper pot stills in action, and learn about the art of whiskey making.

The tour also includes a visit to the onsite whiskey museum, which showcases the distillery's rich heritage and collection of historical artifacts. At the end of the tour, visitors can enjoy a tasting session, where they can sample a variety of Kilbeggan whiskeys.

See Also

• Irish whiskey
• Cooley Distillery