Tipperary Boutique

Introduction:

Before Tullamore Distillery can release its own whiskey, it relies on independent bottlings from other distilleries. One such example is the Tipperary Watershed, a single malt whiskey. Malt Master Stuart Nickerson carefully selects six ex-Bourbon casks for each batch. This particular whiskey was initially introduced in the early days of the distillery, which was established in 2014. Prior to bottling, the Irish whiskey is diluted to 47% volume using water from Ballindoney Farm. Each bottle is individually numbered, adding a touch of uniqueness.

The first whiskey distilled at Tipperary from Ballindoney Farm’s own Olympus barley is the Homegrown Barley Single Malt, which was produced in 2020. Under the supervision of Stuart Nickerson, this whiskey was distilled at another Irish distillery. It spent three years maturing in first – fill Rioja Wine casks. Terroir, or the influence of the local environment on the whiskey’s character, is highly valued in Tipperary. As a result, customers can use a QR code on the label to discover precise details about the specific type of grain used, as well as the time and conditions in which it was grown.

The Gin:

Tipperary produces a Farmhouse Gin called Brigid, which is distilled in a copper pot still. Every batch of this gin is carefully crafted and distinct. Jennifer Nickerson’s mother creates the gin recipes using a small trial still, and Jennifer herself meticulously measures and adds the botanical ingredients by hand.

The Production:

The distillery is situated in the Golden Vale, a rich lowland region spanning Limerick, Tipperary, and Cork counties. This area is renowned for its fertile soil and pristine water, making it ideal for cultivating barley. The distillery follows a grain – to – bottle approach, growing barley exclusively for its own spirits. The water used in Tipperary’s Whiskeys and Gins is sourced from a natural spring on the distillery’s land. The Tipperary Boutique Distillery houses four copper stills, with the largest one having a capacity of 1,000 litres.

The History:

Tipperary Boutique Distillery Limited was established in 2014, primarily focusing on releasing independently bottled Single Malt Irish Whiskeys. However, with the launch of their new distillery in 2020, they have expanded their capabilities to produce their own Whiskey using barley grown on-site.

The founder, Jennifer Nickerson, developed a deep passion for Whiskey at an early age. Her father, Stuart, boasts an impressive career spanning over 40 years in the Whisky industry. He has held positions at renowned distilleries such as Arthur Bell & Sons, Dufftown, Pittyvaich, Blair Athol, Inchgower, Bladnoch, Highland Park, Glenrothes, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Kininvie, and Girvan. Stuart is credited with the revival of Glenglassaugh distillery. In 2008, he purchased the distillery on behalf of investors, renovated it, and reopened it after a 22-year hiatus.

Jennifer’s close proximity to the Whiskey industry, thanks to her father’s extensive experience, naturally drew her into the business. She initially achieved success with Tipperary’s independent bottlings before joining forces with her father and farmer Liam Ahearn to establish their own distillery. Liam Ahearn, who serves as the chief agricultural advisor to Tipperary Boutique Distillery, comes from a long line of farmers who have cultivated Ballindoney Farm for over two centuries.

Visitor information:

Tipperary Boutique Distillery
Ballindoney Farm
Grange, Clonmel
Co. Tipperary
E-Mail: info@tipperary.ie