The founders of the Wild Atlantic Distillery in Co Tyrone have announced plans for a new purpose-built distillery.
The distillery, currently located on the Tyrone/Donegal border, will launch its IslandMen Irish Whiskeys this week – the first Irish whiskey made in the area for more than a century.
The company was founded by brothers-in-law Brian Ash and Jim Nash, who first started distilling from a garden shed. They developed the Wild Atlantic Gin and Vodka, and with it, a gin school and award-winning distillery.
Jim says there’s a depth of tradition behind their new whiskey launch. “Small scale distilling goes back hundreds of years in this north west region. But the tradition died out and was almost lost.”
“Here at Wild Atlantic Distillery, we are proud to be part of the new wave of independent, traditional, and craft distilleries blossoming in Ireland. Together, we are making Irish Whiskey once again, the world’s most sought-after whiskey.”
The new IslandMen whiskey had its first exclusive release in December 2024, when around 300 bottles were drawn from Cask 001. It will officially launch this Friday, 28 March at the Guildhall in Derry.
Over 100 special guests are due to attend the celebratory occasion and get a taste of their new single malt whiskey and new blended whiskey. Amongst those expected to attend are Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor, and representatives from Tourism NI and Invest NI.
Co-founder Brian Ash shares details of the next phase of Wild Atlantic Distillery’s development. “It includes a purpose-built distillery and visitor centre, just twenty minutes from our current location. It will be easy to access on the A5 main Derry to Dublin road and will bring high-quality jobs to the region”.
Brian thanked Invest NI for their vital support in the ambitious venture. He also expressed gratitude to Tourism NI who recently honoured Wild Atlantic Distillery with a plaque to mark their role as a founder member of the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail.
Whiskey tourism on the island of Ireland continues to grow in popularity with over 30 distilleries across the island now offering tours, whiskey experiences and visitor events. The Irish Whiskey Association estimates that over 800,000 holidaymakers visited a whiskey distillery visitor experience on the island of Ireland in 2023.
IslandMen Irish Whiskey is now available at stockists across Northern Ireland, alongside Wild Atlantic Gin and Wild Atlantic Vodka.
