CONSTRUCTION is under way along the Tyrone and Donegal border on the north’s latest gin and whiskey distillery.
The Wild Atlantic Distillery, based in Aghyaran, some five miles from Castlederg, is due to open its doors before the end of 2019.
Set up Brian Ash and Robert Nash earlier in the year, the company has already launched its first product, Wild Atlantic Irish Gin. Although based inland, the spirit takes its name from the botanicals used to make the gin, which are harvested from the west coast of Ireland.
It’s the latest distillery project to be unveiled in the county.
Ion Distillery is Carrickmore is already producing locally made craft rums, gins and vodkas, with plans to launch a new Co Tyrone-made whiskey next year.
Dr Ulrich Dyer’s Woodlab Distillery in Benburb is also earning a growing reputation for its range of spirits.
Jim Nash has said the plans for the new distillery in Aghyaran include a gin school.
“We expect to be up-and-running by early December – just in time for Christmas – and we hope to create some much-needed employment for the local area.
“We’re passionate about maintaining the history of independent, traditional and craft distilleries in Ireland and we’ve been working hard behind the scenes, perfecting our whiskey and gin recipes. We’re delighted with the reception to date and can’t wait to open our doors and share our unique spirits with locals and visitors alike.”
His business partner Brian Ash said the company has designed 188 whiskey casks available for private investors.
“The whiskey is distilled in our handmade copper pot still using a combination of traditional and modern skills to produce an exceptional spirit.
“Labelled and bottled bearing the name of these points, the casks are a unique expression of Ireland’s whiskey making traditions.”
