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Sliabh Liag Distillers seeks €3.5m investment

Irish spirits producer Sliabh Liag Distillers is looking to raise €3.5 million (US$3.85m) to build its new distillery in County Donegal and create the “Islay of Ireland”.

An impression of the planned Sliabh Liag distillery in Ardara, County Donegal

Company directors James Doherty, Moira Doherty and James Keith are leading the fundraising efforts. The company secured planning permission to build the distillery and visitor centre in Ardarra, County Donegal, in August this year, bringing whiskey production back to the county for the first time in 177 years.

James Doherty said: “Sliabh Liab Distillers’ Ardara distillery is a €10m project to reclaim the distilling heritage of Donegal.

“Our goal is to recreate the peated whiskeys form before the industrial revolution and build a scalable international spirits business.”

Sliabh Liag Distillers already creates An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin, Assaranca Vodka and Silkie Blended Irish Whiskey, which are available in 15 markets around the world.

As well as plans for the new distillery, Sliabh Liag hopes to create several new brands over the next few years, including single malt and pot still whiskeys.

If the funds are raised, it is hoped the new distillery will have the capacity to produce 400,000 litres of pure alcohol per year, which could produce more than 1.2 million bottles of whiskey. It would also employ “at least” 40 members of staff.

The building has been designed by Corner Stone Architecture in keeping with the tone of the surrounding village and surroundings, and will also include visitor centre to boost tourism to the region.

Sliabh Liag Distillers has also created two membership platforms for whiskey fans. The first, called Seanchaí (pronounced ‘shan-a-key’) will offer 600 members the first casks produced at the Ardara distillery.

The second platform, called Ár Muintir (pronounced ‘muun-cher’), will give members an exclusive taste of the first liquid that Sliabh Liag Distillers will produce.

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