West Cork

Introduction:

West Cork Distillers offers both Single Malts and Blended Whiskeys, with a focus on special cask maturation and finishes. As part of their range, they feature unique expressions such as the Bog Oak Charred Cask and Peat Charred Cask. These Whiskeys are matured in casks that have been charred using bog oak and peat smoke, respectively.

In 2019, as part of a relaunch of their range, West Cork Distillers made some notable changes. They eliminated the use of coloring and chill – filtration in their Whiskeys, aiming to present a more natural and authentic product. The new design introduced a range of Single Malts with various cask finishes, including Sherry, Port, Rum, Calvados, Virgin Oak, and even IPA and Stout finishes. These different cask finishes contribute to a diverse array of flavors and profiles within their product lineup.

The Gin:

West Cork Distillers operates three Gin stills at their Irish distillery, where they produce a range of Gin varieties. One of their Gins is called Garnish Island Gin, named after a small island located in the west of Cork. This Gin draws inspiration from the island’s flora, particularly the flowers such as hibiscus and roses, as well as herbs like rosemary and thyme that grow in its Italian botanical gardens. These botanicals are utilized in the production of Garnish Island Gin, imparting a floral aroma to the spirit.

Another Gin variety from West Cork Distillers is Two Trees Dry Gin, which takes a more traditional approach to Gin production. It incorporates classic Gin botanicals such as cassia, citrus peel, angelica root, orris root, and coriander leaves, resulting in a balanced and classic flavor profile.

Additionally, there is a Pink Gin variant within the Two Trees range. This Pink Gin obtains its pink color and berry aroma from a raspberry infusion, adding a fruity and aromatic twist to the Gin offering from West Cork Distillers.

Production:

West Cork Distillers has significantly expanded its production capacity and now produces an impressive four million liters of pure alcohol. The distillery maintains a consistent focus on using Irish grain, and places great importance on effective cask management.

With a team of over 100 employees, West Cork Distillers produces Whiskey, as well as Gin and Vodka. They utilize eight pot stills for distillation and maturation processes. The distillery boasts seven warehouses on its premises, providing storage for up to 55,000 casks. Special cask finishes play a prominent role in their maturation process, with cask types including Calvados, IPA, Port, Rum, Sherry, Stout, and Virgin Oak. Primary maturation typically takes place in Bourbon barrels, which is a common practice in the industry.

To facilitate efficient production and bottling, West Cork Distillers operates five bottling lines that run 24 hours a day, six days a week. These lines are capable of processing 2,000 bottles per hour, ensuring a steady flow of their products to the market.

History:

West Cork Distillers was established in 2003 by three childhood friends: John O’Connell, Ger McCarthy, and Denis McCarthy, who are also cousins. They embarked on their whiskey – making journey by purchasing two small stills from a Swiss spirits producer. Initially, they began producing whiskey in a back room of Denis’ house. However, in 2014, they relocated to their new distillery premises in Skibbereen, which is considered the capital of West Cork.

Skibbereen, a small town in County Cork, derives its name from the Irish language, meaning “small boat harbor”. County Cork itself is renowned as a significant region for beer, whiskey, and food production in the Republic of Ireland. It has a rich heritage and is considered a hub for these industries within the country.

The Visitor Centre:

Tours of the West Cork Distillery can be booked via email to info@westcorkdistillers.com.

Visitor information:

West Cork Distillers
Marsh Road
Skibbereen
West Cork
Tel: +353 (0)28 – 22815
Email: info@westcorkdistillers.com