Dingle

Introduction:

Dingle Distillery, located in the town of Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland, produces both Single Pot Still Whiskey and Single Malt Whiskey using the traditional method of triple distillation. Initially, the production was focused on small batches of Whiskey. However, in 2021, Dingle introduced its first Single Malt Whiskey as part of its core range, expanding its offerings to include this style of Whiskey alongside the Single Pot Still expression. This expansion showcases the distillery’s commitment to producing high-quality and diverse Irish Whiskeys.

The Gin:

In addition to Whiskey and Vodka, Dingle Distillery also produces Dingle Pot Still Gin. This Gin is crafted using a range of locally sourced botanicals that capture the essence of the wild surroundings of Dingle. Botanicals such as rowan berries, fuchsia, bog myrtle, heather, and hawthorn are macerated in the spirit and then distilled. During the distillation process, an aroma basket located at the top of the still holds additional botanicals, allowing their flavors to infuse into the Gin. Dingle uses a small swan neck pot still for the production of both their Gin and Vodka. After distillation, the Gin is initially at a high alcohol content of 70% and then diluted to a drinking strength of 42.5% using pure water sourced from the distillery’s own well, which reaches a depth of 70 meters.

The Production:

Dingle Distillery sources its water for the production of Dingle Whiskey from its own well, which is located below the distillery and reaches a depth of 70 meters. This water is pumped up and used in the whiskey-making process. Dingle employs three pot stills for their distillation process, which results in a mild and smooth spirit. The triple distillation helps to refine and purify the whiskey, contributing to its character and flavor profile.

The Pot Stills:

The pot stills at Dingle Distillery are designed with reflux bowls to enhance copper contact and promote reflux during the slow distillation process. This design feature allows for better separation of the alcohol, resulting in a smooth and pure spirit. By removing unwanted aromas during distillation, the spirit matures more quickly, as there are fewer undesirable compounds that need to be eliminated during the aging process in casks. This contributes to the overall quality and flavor development of Dingle Whiskey.

The Malt:

Dingle does not have its own malting floor. Instead, they source their unpeated malt from Irish suppliers such as Minch Malt and Malting Company of Ireland (MCI). They use two different barley varieties, concerto and laureate, to create the malted barley used in the production of Dingle Whiskey. By partnering with reputable malt suppliers, Dingle ensures the quality and consistency of their malt, which is an important ingredient in crafting their unique whiskey.

The Mashing:

they employ a mash infusion process, where the water is in contact with the malt grist for an extended period. This extended contact enhances the extraction of sugars and flavors from the malt, resulting in a sweeter and more malty character in the wort, which is the liquid extracted from the mash. This sweet character carries over into the new make spirit, which is the distilled product obtained from the fermented wort. The focus on a longer mash infusion allows Dingle to highlight the malty and sweet characteristics in their whiskey production.

Fermentation:

At Dingle, they opt for a medium to long fermentation period of 72 hours. Allowing the yeast to work for this extended period helps to develop a fruity character in the fermentation process. During fermentation, the yeast consumes the sugars in the wort and produces alcohol, as well as various flavor compounds. The longer fermentation time allows for more complex flavors to develop, contributing to the distinctive fruity character found in Dingle Single Malt whiskey.

Cask Storage:

The mild climate of Kerry, where Dingle is located, plays a significant role in the maturation process of Dingle Whiskey. The constant, moderate climate allows for consistent maturation throughout the year. The humid sea air in the region also contributes to the interaction between the Whiskey and the wood of the casks, resulting in a quick and harmonious maturation process.

Dingle Distillery utilizes a variety of cask types for maturing their Whiskeys, including Sherry, Bourbon, Port, and Madeira casks. This allows for a diverse range of flavors and aromas to develop in the maturing Whiskey.

The Founding Fathers Programme was a unique opportunity for whiskey enthusiasts to become part of the distillery’s journey. By investing in 500 casks, they became “founding fathers” and had the privilege of having their names labeled on the casks. They could choose the type of cask they preferred, such as Bourbon, Sherry, Port, or Madeira. When the maturation period ended, the founding fathers had the option to decide whether to bottle the Whiskey for their own consumption, continue maturing the casks, or sell them back to the distillery. The bottles were also labeled with the respective founding father’s name, adding a personalized touch to the experience.

History:

Dingle Distillery was founded in 2012 by Oliver Hughes, Liam LaHart, and Peter Mosley, who were all experienced beer brewers. After establishing themselves in Ireland’s craft beer scene in the 1990s, they decided to venture into the world of spirits, including Whiskey and Gin. In 2012, they filled their first cask with new make spirit, marking the beginning of their journey in crafting premium spirits.

By entering the craft Whiskey movement in Ireland, Dingle Distillery became part of a growing trend of small, independent distilleries focused on producing high-quality, artisanal spirits. Despite the growth and popularity of the distillery, it has remained independent and family-owned, preserving its dedication to craftsmanship and the pursuit of excellence.

The Visitor Centre:

Dingle Distillery offers guided tours for visitors to explore their distillery and learn about the production process of their spirits. During the tour, visitors have the opportunity to taste a selection of their products, including their Gin, Vodka, and Whiskey. It’s a great way to experience the flavors and craftsmanship of Dingle’s spirits firsthand and gain insights into their distilling techniques and philosophy.

Visitor information:

The Dingle Whiskey Distillery
Dingle
County Kerry
Tel: +353 (0)66-4029011
Email: info@dingledistillery.ie