DONEGAL’S Sliabh Liag Distillers have announced the release of the first legally distilled whiskey from the county since 1841.
The Kilcar release, produced from James and Moira Doherty’s Ardara Distillery, has been dedicated to James’ grandfather, who produced his own spirit in the glens around Kilcar.
Limited to just 100 bottles, the release of the single malt Irish whiskey marks a significant milestone for the revival of spirit production in the North West.
The Crolly Distillery, based in Donegal’s Gaeltacht area, and Michael O’Boyle’s Baoilleach Distillery, have all emerged in recent years, while the Wild Atlantic Distillery was opened on the Donegal and Tyrone border in 2019.
Sliabh Liag Distillers are helping reintroduce Donegal’s traditional smoky style of Irish whiskey.
“Smoky Irish whiskey has a deep-rooted connection to Donegal and Sliabh Liag, our first single malt, is about reminding whiskey lovers – and the world – of that,” said James.
“The art of distillation, ageing, and blending has been refined over centuries, and the northwest region of Ireland has contributed its own distinct touch.
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"While Burt Distillery ceased production in 1841, we know illegal distilling continued during the intervening years, not least by my grandfather who was creating a smoky, double distilled spirit under the authorities’ radar on the hills ‘up the glen’ in Kilcar.
“It’s a special feeling to be releasing a spirit named in his honour; the first legal whiskey in Donegal for nearly 200 years, and a bridge between generations of Donegal distillers.”
His wife and co-founder Moira said the distillery has worked hard to ensure their products reflect the landscape around them, including sending turf from their own bog to be used for the malting process.
“James’s mum and aunt made it clear that the distillery was in the parish of Kilcar and that influenced the naming too,” she added.
The new release was double-distilled, with the first cask filled during the pandemic and matured in a first-fill bourbon American white oak cask.
With demand for the Kilcar release expected to be high, the 100 bottles, each priced at €300 will be made available by ballot.
Anyone interested in entering the ballot is asked to contact bigilinn@sliabhliagdistillers.com
Three of the earliest bottles in the run have already been auctioned for charity with two going to support the people of Creeslough.
