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Slane Distillery ‘on track’ for summer distilling
The construction of Brown-Forman-owned Slane Distillery in Ireland is nearing completion, with plans for production to begin on-site in July 2017.
The distillery is constructed around a collection of restored 18th century horse stables and courtyards – which have been converted into the production area and visitor experience.
Located in Boyne Valley, on the grounds of Slane Castle, the extensive restoration included masonry repair, traditional lime rendering, timber restoration and replacement of the 18th century beams, doors and windows, Welsh slate roofing and restoration of the stables’ original chiming clock tower.
Three hand-beaten copper pot stills and six column stills crafted by McMillan of Scotland were recently installed on-site, while traditional timber wash backs are to follow this spring, hand-built by Joseph Brown of Dufftown.
Work on the visitor center interior will commence shortly, before the production buildings are enclosed and final interior electrical, gas and plumbing work is completed.
“It is uplifting and inspiring to see our shared vision of having a distillery become a reality,” said Alex Conyngham is partnering on the project with Brown-Forman.
“Slane Distillery will combine the hallmarks of Irish whiskey-making tradition with innovation, and we are excited about the future of Slane whiskey.”
Slane is the first new distillery Brown-Forman has built outside of the US, and it also marks the firm’s first move into the fast-growing Irish whiskey sector.
The group purchased all shares in Slane Castle Irish Whiskey in June 2015 and pledged US$50 million to build a new distillery and malting plant on the estate. Construction works began in September 2015.
“We are proud and excited to introduce Slane Irish Whiskey and begin production at Slane Distillery,” said John Hayes, CEO of Brown-Forman Brands.
“As Brown-Forman expands its whiskey portfolio, we are confident that Slane will offer a superb Irish whiskey experience and taste.”
Slane Irish Whiskey will launch in Ireland this coming April followed by select markets in the US, UK and Australia in mid-2017.
The initial expression will use third party-sourced liquid, finished to Slane’s specifications using a triple casked process, until its new-make liquid has matured.