Glendalough Distillery to launch pink gin

Ireland’s Glendalough Distillery has expanded into three US markets and revealed plans to launch three new Irish whiskeys and a pink gin this year.

Irish whiskey and gin producer Glendalough Distillery will move into pink gin

Glendalough’s products are currently available in 12 US states through online retailer The Liquor Barn, and will expand into Texas, Florida and California in early 2019.

The County Wicklow-based company’s US sales are forecast to grow by 50% in 2019, following 35% growth last year.

This year will see Glendalough add a number of spirits to its portfolio including a Glendalough pot still Irish whiskey aged in Bourbon casks and finished in virgin Irish oak, and Glendalough Rose Gin, a “floral” pink gin.

The distillery will also launch the first two expressions from its new Connoisseur Collection – a 17-year-old single malt Irish whiskey finished in rare virgin Japanese mizunara oak and a 25-year-old single malt aged in Bourbon and oloroso Sherry barrels and finished in virgin Irish oak.

Gary McLoughlin, co-founder and marketing director said: “Last year we launched two exceptional whiskeys along with a distinctive new bottle design across our full range.

“This coupled with our continued commitment and focus on the US saw us significantly outperform category growth trends.

“Our expansion into three key Irish whiskey markets – Texas, Florida and California – and our upcoming new whiskey and gin launches will fuel our continued growth in 2019.”

Next month Glendalough will launch its “biggest” St Patrick’s Day (17 March) campaign to date, called Made from Ireland. The marketing push will include trade and consumer on- and off-premise activations, social media and PR.

Glendalough Distillery, which claims to be Ireland’s first craft distillery, produces poitín and whiskey in addition to gin.