The Connacht Whiskey Distillery in Ballina, Co. Mayo has been officially opened by Taoiseach Enda Kenny. The venture says it will lead to 40 new jobs at the distillery, which is set to start producing later this month with the aim of producing 70,000 cases yearly.

Co-director Tom Jensen said: “Irish whiskey is the fastest-growing whiskey in the US, but is outsold by scotch by a factor of four to one. Irish whiskey lacks regionally produced whiskeys that reflect the various terroirs of Ireland. Our goal is to introduce US consumers to the beauty of a hand crafted, pot distilled Irish whiskey from Western Ireland.”

Rob Cassell, Master Distiller, Connacht Whiskey designed the stills at the distillery. He said: “We are very different from the massive, production-driven Irish distilleries that have been in the news lately. We are a company focused on bringing consumers small-batch Irish whiskey that is smooth, full of character and has a distinctive flavor.”

Connacht Whiskey managing director David Stapleton said the distillery's first bottle of pure pot still Irish whiskey won't be ready for another five years, but the distillery will produce gin and vodka in the meantime.

Pot Stilled

In Association with

Co-director P.J. Stapleton said Irish whiskey has been the fastest-growing spirit on the US market in the past two years, with demand exceeding availability. He expects Connacht Whiskey's pot-distilled whiskey to appeal to the US whiskey aficionado's palate.

He also foresees both national and international interest in the distillery's Conncullin Gin. "Globally, there has been a marked uptake for this spirit, and gin consumers enjoy searching for ever-more-nuanced combinations of berries and botanicals," he said.

Jensen added: “Our team has a deep understanding of export markets in general and the US in particular. We have relationships with the US distributors and retailers that will ensure our product will reach export consumers.”

Connacht Whiskey Principals

The five Connacht Whiskey directors are:

• David Stapleton, who has extensive experience in manufacturing and has worked in the US, Europe, Asia and Ireland.
• P.J. Stapleton, who was on the board and Chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for 15 years.
• Robert Cassell, the master distiller and an award-winning pioneer in U.S. craft distilling.
• Tom Jensen, a 30-year veteran of the US drinks industry and past President and CEO of Remy Cointreau USA.
• John Romanelli, whose background is corporate finance and who founded Seahawk Advisory in 2007, after a 25-year career with investment banks including Credit Suisse First Boston.