Ardara – Sliab Liag

Introduction:

Sliabh Liag Distillers, operating in Ardara, has created an exclusive club known as the Seanchaí for whiskey enthusiasts who wish to become part of a storied tradition. By purchasing one of the limited 600 Seanchaí casks, individuals can become storytellers and custodians themselves. These casks are filled with raw spirit and carefully stored in first-filled Bourbon or Sherry casks. The lid of each cask is stamped with the owner’s name and membership number, making it a truly personalized and cherished possession. After a minimum of five years of maturation, approximately 350 bottles will be released from each cask, with the first batch anticipated in January 2022.

While awaiting the release of the Seanchaí bottlings, Sliabh Liag Distillers has been producing a delightful blend called the Silkie. This blend combines double and triple distilled Single Malts, Irish Grain Whiskeys, and a hint of peated Malt. The Silkie offers a harmonious balance of flavors, showcasing the distillery’s expertise in crafting exceptional blends.

Within the Silkie range, the Legendary Dark Silkie stands out as a smoky blend. It features triple distilled, peated Single Malts that have been matured in Sherry casks, resulting in a captivating and rich profile.

Completing the Silkie collection is the Midnight Silkie, which is known for its distinct smokiness. This blend comprises four triple-distilled Single Malts and one triple-distilled peated Single Malt, all matured in a variety of casks, including Sherry, Bourbon, Red Wine, Stout, and fresh oak. The Midnight Silkie offers a complex and deeply flavored expression that is sure to captivate whiskey enthusiasts.

The Silkie range draws inspiration from Irish folklore, specifically the mythical seal creatures known as Silkies. These beings transform into humans when they venture onto land. The label of the Silkie bottles prominently features the image of one of these beautiful Silkie women in her human form, further adding to the enchanting storytelling element of the whiskies.

The Seanchaí casks and the Silkie blends showcase the commitment of Sliabh Liag Distillers to producing exceptional and captivating Irish whiskies. With their unique character and rich stories, these offerings invite whiskey lovers to experience the magic and tradition of the Ardara distillery.

The Gin:

Ardara Distillery takes pride in producing An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin, a unique expression crafted with a blend of eleven botanicals, including six traditional herbs and five locally harvested seaweed. The incorporation of these seaweed varieties pays homage to the enchanting magic of the sea, known as ‘Draíocht na Farraige’. Moira Doherty, the esteemed ‘Banríon an Gin’ (Gin queen), distills this gin in a 500-litre still named Meabh, employing a delicate approach with a low alcohol by volume (ABV) and a precise temperature range to capture the essence of the seaweed.

In 2019, Ardara Distillery unveiled a limited edition release of their gin, An Dúlamán Santa Ana Armada Strength Gin. This special bottling, aged in Rioja casks, is Ireland’s first Navy Strength Gin, bottled at a robust 57% ABV. It is named after La Duquesa Santa Ana, a magnificent Andalusian ship that tragically sank off Loughro’s Mor in Ardara in 1588.

The attention to detail and craftsmanship extend to the bottling process, where each batch of An Dúlamán Gin is meticulously bottled by hand. To further accentuate its uniqueness, the distillery adorns each bottle with handwritten batch and bottle numbers. The choice of a dark 0.5 litre bottle pays homage to the historical bottles discovered along the Donegal coast during the time of the Spanish Armada’s ill-fated voyage.

An Dúlamán Gin showcases Ardara Distillery’s commitment to producing exceptional spirits that pay homage to Ireland’s rich maritime heritage. From the careful selection of botanicals to the attention to detail in bottling, these gins offer a truly captivating and memorable experience for gin enthusiasts.

The Production:

Ardara Distillery demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through various initiatives and practices implemented in its operations. One notable example is the “All grains in” initiative, which aims to minimize waste and energy consumption throughout the distillation process. By utilizing all grains, the distillery ensures that every part of the grain is utilized effectively, reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.

Additionally, Ardara Distillery’s sustainable approach extends beyond waste reduction. The distillery employs environmentally friendly practices to minimize its overall environmental impact. These practices may include energy-efficient technologies, responsible water usage, and the use of renewable energy sources wherever possible.

By prioritizing sustainability in its planning and operations, Ardara Distillery strives to create a more environmentally conscious and responsible production process for its whiskeys. This approach aligns with the growing global focus on sustainability and contributes to the long-term health and well-being of the environment.

The History:

James Doherty and his wife Moira embarked on their journey to revive Donegal’s whiskey heritage by founding the distillery. They received significant support from a crowdfunding campaign, which allowed them to bring their vision to life. With their efforts, whiskey distillation in Donegal was revitalized after nearly two centuries of absence.

The process began with Sliabh Liag Distillers obtaining planning permission in 2019, followed by the commencement of construction in October 2020. By 2022, the distillery was ready to fill its first cask in Ardara, marking a significant milestone in the revival of Donegal’s whiskey production.

While the initial location in Carrick, where An Dúlamán Gin was produced among other things, no longer serves as a distillery, it continues to play a role as a bottling and administration center for Sliabh Liag Distillers. The company’s focus shifted to Ardara, where their primary distilling operations take place, contributing to the reestablishment of Donegal’s whiskey-making tradition.

Through their passion and dedication, James and Moira Doherty, along with their team at Sliabh Liag Distillers, have revived the whiskey heritage of Donegal and brought the region’s rich distilling traditions back to life.

The Visitor Centre:

The Ardara Distillery will welcome visitors to a new Visitor Centre from summer 2022.

Visitor information:

Sliabh Liag Distillers
Line Road
Carrick
Co Donegal
F94 X9DX
Tel: +353 749 739 875
Email: info@sliabhliagdistillers.com