Top 10 Bourbon Producers in Ireland

1. Teeling Whiskey Company

Teeling Whiskey Company is one of the leading bourbon producers in Ireland, known for its high-quality and innovative spirits. Founded in 2012 by brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling, the company has quickly made a name for itself in the industry. Teeling’s flagship bourbon, Small Batch, has received numerous awards for its exceptional taste and craftsmanship.

2. Midleton Distillery

Midleton Distillery is a key player in the Irish bourbon market, producing a wide range of bourbons under various brand names, including Jameson, Redbreast, and Powers. The distillery has a long history dating back to 1825 and is known for its traditional production methods and commitment to quality.

3. Bushmills Distillery

Bushmills Distillery, located in Northern Ireland, is one of the oldest distilleries in the world, with a history that dates back to 1608. The distillery produces a range of bourbons, including its popular Bushmills Original and Bushmills Black Bush. Bushmills is known for its smooth and mellow bourbons, which are aged in oak barrels for a distinctive flavor.

4. Dingle Distillery

Dingle Distillery is a relatively new player in the Irish bourbon market, having been founded in 2012. Despite its young age, Dingle has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality bourbons with a unique character. The distillery’s small-batch bourbons are made using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients, resulting in a truly artisanal product.

5. Pearse Lyons Distillery

Pearse Lyons Distillery is another notable bourbon producer in Ireland, known for its distinctive approach to bourbon making. Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, an accomplished biochemist and entrepreneur, the distillery combines science and tradition to create innovative bourbons with a modern twist. Pearse Lyons’ bourbons have garnered praise for their complexity and depth of flavor.

6. Slane Distillery

Slane Distillery is a historic distillery located on the grounds of Slane Castle in County Meath. The distillery, which was founded in 2017, produces a range of bourbons under the Slane brand name. Slane bourbons are aged in a combination of virgin oak, seasoned oak, and sherry casks, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile. The distillery also offers tours and tastings for visitors to learn about the bourbon-making process.

7. Waterford Distillery

Waterford Distillery is a craft distillery in Ireland that focuses on producing single malt bourbons using locally grown barley. The distillery, founded in 2015 by Mark Reynier, is known for its terroir-driven approach to bourbon making, which emphasizes the unique flavors imparted by the region’s soil and climate. Waterford’s bourbons are aged in a variety of cask types to enhance their complexity and depth.

8. Walsh Whiskey Distillery

Walsh Whiskey Distillery is a family-owned distillery in County Carlow that produces a range of bourbons under the Writers’ Tears and The Irishman brand names. The distillery, founded in 1999 by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, is committed to producing premium bourbons with a focus on quality and craftsmanship. Walsh Whiskey’s bourbons have won numerous awards for their exceptional taste and smooth finish.

9. Kilbeggan Distillery

Kilbeggan Distillery is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Ireland, with a history that dates back to 1757. The distillery, located in County Westmeath, produces a range of bourbons under the Kilbeggan and Connemara brand names. Kilbeggan is known for its traditional production methods and commitment to preserving Ireland’s bourbon-making heritage.

10. The Shed Distillery

The Shed Distillery is a boutique distillery in County Leitrim that produces a range of bourbons under the Drumshanbo brand name. The distillery, founded in 2014 by PJ Rigney, is known for its innovative approach to bourbon making, incorporating unique botanicals and flavor profiles into its spirits. The Shed Distillery’s bourbons have gained a following for their creativity and distinctive taste.
In conclusion, the bourbon industry in Ireland is thriving, with a diverse range of distilleries producing high-quality and innovative spirits. These top 10 bourbon producers are leading the way in the market, each bringing its own unique approach and flavor profile to the table. With a rich history and a commitment to quality, Irish bourbon producers continue to make a name for themselves on the global stage.