New Irish distillery debuts blended whiskey brand

The first distillery in Donegal for 174 years, Sliabh Liag Distillery, has unveiled its first Irish whiskey, The Silkie.

The new distillery is to be built on the slopes of the Sliabh Liag cliffs

Although construction of the distillery is still in the planning stages, the company has already launched its first expression, a blended Irish whiskey named The Silkie.

The expression is the first release in a portfolio of four spirits brands comprising An Dúlamán Gin, An Béal Bocht Poitín, and two additional single malt whiskies under An Sliabh Liag.

All brands are said to be “inspired by local lore and legends” rooted in to the Donegal Gaeltacht, where the new distillery is to be built on the slopes of the Sliabh Liag cliffs.

The Silkie is inspired by the legend of the silkie, or “selkie seals”, that came ashore as beautiful sea maidens and charmed local men.

It is said to have a “malty nose with hints of green apples”, and a “honeyed taste, with hints of orange, ginger, and a pronounced biscuit and butterscotch note”.

Miriam Mooney, head of the Irish Whiskey Association, said: “The revival of the Irish whiskey industry is being felt across the island of Ireland and I’m delighted to hear of plans to open Donegal’s first distillery for 174 years.

“The announcement is another sign that the Irish Whiskey industry is moving confidently towards double digit export growth by 2020. With the Irish whiskey industry exporting to 77 countries, great Irish brands like this will continue to be experienced through our high quality whiskey products.

“Bord Bia recently said that the best performing category in terms of exports growth was the beverage sector, largely driven by sustained growth in exports of Irish whiskey, which recorded export growth of 18%.”