Work starts on new Tullamore DEW distillery

Work has started on William Grant & Sons’ new €35 Tullamore DEW Irish whiskey distillery in Tullamore, County Offaly, bringing production back to the town 60 years after the original distillery closed.

Minister Coveney christens the foundations for the new Tullamore DEW distillery

Simon Coveney, Minister for agriculture, food and the marine officially “turned the sod” at the site yesterday (12 September), kicking off work on the distillery that will create up to 200 jobs.

“For many years, Irish whiskey has been one of the strongest and most distinctive products in the world, renowned for its quality and heritage, with a dual impact in terms of our exports and tourism,” said Coveney.

“Tullamore DEW is one of the key drivers of this success. I would like to commend William Grant & Sons for its commitment to the town of Tullamore where it is investing significantly to ensure that Tullamore DEW is coming back to its roots.”

The distillery – which will produce both malt and grain whiskey – is expected to be completed in autumn 2014.

Stella David, CEO of William Grant, said: “This investment ensures that we can cope with demand as the brand continues to grow globally.  As the second largest selling Irish whiskey worldwide, Tullamore DEW plays a significant role in the success of our overall business.

“When we acquired the brand in 2010 we felt it was important to strengthen the link with Tullamore, which we have done through the distillery and the new Tullamore DEW Visitor Centre which reopened last year.”

Tullamore DEW has doubled its global sales to 850,000 nine-litre cases since 2005, driven by increased demand from the US and emerging Irish whiskey markets Germany, Sweden and Eastern Europe.

The group recently announced the launch of new travel retail exclusives Tullamore DEW Phoenix, as well as Tullamore DEW 14 Year Old, its oldest whiskey to date.