Sommeliers Choice Awards 2024 Winners
Lough Gill Distillery
Category: Distillery
Country: Ireland
Date:21/10/2019
Lough Gill Distillery is situated in a unique location in Sligo West of Ireland. An area surrounded by history, folklore and mythology. Even the word whiskey is immersed in Gaelic roots, deriving from the term uisce beatha, meaning ‘water of life’ . Whiskey is one of Europe’s earliest distilled beverages, the first record of Irish whiskey dating back to 1405, around 90 years before it was first recorded in Scotland. The factors that define Irish whiskey include a rich history and reputation, a unique production process, natural elements such as water and climate, and the passion and commitment of the people who participate in the production process. All these, and more, are found in abundance in Hazelwood Estate and the Lough Gill Distillery. Irish whiskey led the world’s spirits trade before a perfect storm of politics and prohibition decimated the country’s producers. After a period of decline during the 20th century, Irish Whiskey is now the fastest growing spirit in the world.
Lough Gill Distillery sits on a 100 acre site in Sligo, on the Wild Atlantic. The estate includes the 300 year old Hazelwood House and a factory that is 6 acres under roof, a landmark of Sligo's industrial revolution. This is where we have build our distillery, a 1 million litre plant with planning to add a second 2 million litre plant when required. Our brand, Athrú (meaning transform in Gaelic), is aimed at the ultra-premium sector and Billy Walker (ex BenRiach, Glendronach, Glenglassaugh) has lent his expertise with the finishing of all our whiskeys. Our first collection of 9 whiskeys are 6,600 bottles each and are designed to look like “First Editions” books, rooted in the mythology of Sligo, West of Ireland. All our whiskey will be produced in this style and finished in different casks to produce different flavours. The long term plan is to place our brand in the top end of the market and produce the best Irish whiskey in special limited edition collections. We will continue to invest heavily in the branding and style of packaging to keep us at this level. The Creation Trilogy 2019 - Crafted by Billy Walker, World Distiller of the Year 2015 Athrú Annacoona PX/Oloroso finish 14 yr. Single Malt Athrú Knocknarea Oloroso finish 14 yr. Single Malt Athrú Keshcorran Tokaji finish 14 yr. Single Malt