Altia and Walsh Whiskey ink supply partnership

Walsh Whiskey Distillery has secured its first third-party supply agreement since the commissioning of its new distillery, and will now produce, mature and store whiskey for Finnish drinks company Altia.

Altia will use the matured Irish whiskey primarily for its Latitude brand, a name well-known in the Swedish market.

The liquid will be produced in the same still house, said to be the only one in Ireland to house both pot and column stills under one roof.

Both companies already shared a distribution agreement, with Altia the exclusive supplier of Walsh Whiskey Distillery’s The Irishman and Writers Tears across the Nordic markets.

“We strongly believe in the growth of the whisky segment, particularly Irish whiskey, which is extremely popular in our Nordic markets,” said Pekka Tennilä, Altia CEO.

“Demand for Irish whiskey currently exceeds available supply. This deal guarantees a high-quality, hand-made and triple distilled malt and grain whiskey to Altia, so we are very pleased to make this agreement with Walsh Whiskey Distillery.”

Bernard Walsh, founder and CEO of Walsh Whiskey Distillery, added: “We are looking forward to a successful long-term partnership with Altia. We are allocating 15% of the output from our distillery at Royal Oak to the production of whiskey for a small number of selected international partners. We are particularly pleased that our first agreement is with a company like Altia which is a partner of choice for us.

“In addition to already being our distribution partner, they are an innovative and modern leader in the Nordic spirits and wine sector.”

Located one hour from Dublin, the €25 million Walsh Whiskey Distillery at Royal Oak started production in March, and is set to hold an official opening ceremony next month.