Kilbeggan

Introduction:

Kilbeggan’s standard bottling is a double distilled blend, offering a mild and smooth flavor profile with notes of sweetness, malt, and a subtle fruitiness. Unlike the typical triple distillation process in Ireland, Kilbeggan opts for double distillation for this expression.

The Small Batch Rye, also double distilled, contains 30% rye in its mash bill. This release was significant as it marked the first Whiskey produced entirely at the new Kilbeggan distillery since its reopening in 2010. The Small Batch Rye offers a distinctive character with the spiciness and complexity that rye is known for.

Kilbeggan Single Grain Whiskey is crafted using a mash of 94% corn and 6% malted barley. It undergoes maturation in bourbon barrels before receiving a finish in various robust wine casks. The Single Grain expression exhibits a soft and smooth profile with flavors influenced by the bourbon barrels, such as coconut and vanilla, along with fruity undertones and a touch of spice on the finish.

The Production:

Kilbeggan’s annual production volume is approximately 175,000 litres of Whiskey, which translates to around 250,000 bottles released each year. The majority of Kilbeggan’s Whiskey is still produced at the Cooley distillery, while only select Kilbeggan expressions are produced at the revived Kilbeggan distillery.

The distillery draws its water for production from the Brosna River, which flows adjacent to the distillery. In 2010, the distillery expanded its facilities to include an oak mash tun and six traditional wooden washbacks, enhancing the mashing and fermentation processes.

The distillery utilizes a water wheel as a source of electricity, which operates most of the time. In cases when water flow is insufficient to power the water wheel, a steam engine is employed to generate the necessary energy for distillery operations. This allows for reliable and sustainable power supply to support the production process.

The Pot Stills:

Kilbeggan is home to the world’s oldest copper still, which dates back to the 1800s. This historic still was in operation until 2019, and a replica of the original riveted still was subsequently created by the esteemed Scottish still manufacturer, Forsyths. The replica still is currently in use at Kilbeggan.

While triple distillation is the norm for Irish Whiskey, Kilbeggan distillery opts for double distillation. The unique stills at Kilbeggan have a round shape reminiscent of moonshine stills, and they feature narrow swan necks without constriction or reflux balls. The wash still has a capacity of 3,000 litres, and the spirit still, which was renewed in 2019, has a capacity of 2,000 litres.

Kilbeggan distillery operated under a license and produced Parliament Whiskey. Additionally, the distillery also produced “normal” unlicensed Whiskey using these distinctive stills. The use of such stills adds to the character and history of Kilbeggan’s Whiskey production.

The Warehouse:

Kilbeggan distillery has a unique “racked warehouse” where the Whiskey, including the portion distilled at the Cooley distillery, is matured. This warehouse features smaller casks that have previously held other spirits or wines, predominantly Bourbon or Sherry casks. For instance, the Kilbeggan Single Grain undergoes a minimum of four years of maturation in ex-bourbon casks, followed by further maturation in various robust wine casks.

The warehouse itself was constructed in the 1940s and boasts a distinctive design inspired by the palace of Ctesiphon in Baghdad. This design incorporates a perfect arch shape, which optimally distributes the weight. The warehouse is made entirely of concrete and has been sealed with tar on the exterior. This unique structure contributes to the aging process and character development of the Whiskey maturing within.

The History:

Kilbeggan Distillery has a rich history that dates back to its founding by Matthias McManus in 1757. Initially, the distillery had small stills and produced around 6,800 liters of Whiskey per year. However, the temperance movement in the 1930s and other challenges, such as the food shortage during World War I and Prohibition in the USA, led to difficult times for Irish distilleries.

The distillery was acquired by the Locke family in 1843, and it became known as “Locke’s Distillery”, a name that can still be seen on the distillery’s chimney. In 1878, a fire damaged part of the distillery, but the local residents of Kilbeggan rallied together to save the Whiskey barrels by rolling them into the street.

Production at Kilbeggan faced further setbacks, including temporary shutdowns in 1917 and 1953 due to market conditions and tax increases. In 1963, Kilbeggan was purchased by Karl Heinz Mellor, who sold off the remaining stock. The Kilbeggan Preservation and Development Association was formed in 1982 to raise funds for the preservation and development of the distillery.

In 1987, the Cooley distillery was founded by John Teeling, and the Kilbeggan distillery was acquired by Cooley in 1988 to store Whiskeys produced at Cooley. Finally, in 2007, just in time for the distillery’s 250th anniversary, operations resumed at Kilbeggan using the antique copper stills. Additional equipment for mashing and fermentation was added in 2010, allowing the entire production process for selected Kilbeggan Whiskeys, including cask storage, to take place under one roof.

The Visitor Centre:

Kilbeggan Distillery offers visitors a unique experience as it serves as both a working distillery and a museum. While new equipment has been installed since the distillery’s reopening in 2007, much of the old machinery, including millstones, waterwheels, and a steam engine, has been preserved, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of Whiskey production from decades ago. The distillery also features a modern restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a bar where visitors can sample the distillery’s range of Whiskeys.

Tours of the distillery can be booked online or by phone, providing an opportunity to explore the historic site, learn about the distilling process, and enjoy tastings of Kilbeggan’s Whiskeys. Whether visitors are interested in the distillery’s rich history or simply want to experience the flavors of their Whiskey, Kilbeggan offers a comprehensive and enjoyable visitor experience.

Visitor information:

Kilbeggan Distilling Co.
Lower Main St.
Aghamore
Kilbeggan
County Westmeath
Tel: +353 (0)57-9332134