Ballykeefe Distillery announces first release of its pot still whiskey

– Ireland’sFirst Eco-Friendly Family Farm distillery

–  100% grain to glass experience

– Seven casks released from Ballykeefe’s first distillations in 2017

Ballykeefe Distillery, Ireland’s first Eco-Friendly family farm distillery, has announced the release of its first Pot Still whiskey. The distillery, which was built in 2016 and began production in 2017, is releasing for sale 350 bottles at Cask Strength and 700 bottles at 46% Abv drawn from seven casks of the premier distillations.

Located on the Ging family’s beef and tillage farm, Ballykeefe Distillery is located 15 minutes outside Kilkenny City. The distillery was introduced to diversify operations in response to longstanding issues and uncertainty in the farming industry. Every drop of whiskey in a Ballykeefe bottle is triple distilled from barley grown on the farm, making it a 100% grain to glass operation.

Morgan Ging, Owner of Ballykeefe Distillery said: “The launch of the Ballykeefe whiskey is the culmination of over 25 years work for our family. In 2016, we took the decision to adapt our traditional farming business and revive the longstanding tradition of small family farm distilleries in Ireland. Our operations are centered around our unique, high quality product, which is produced using leading technology to ensure eco-friendly practices and zero off-farm waste.”

Dick Manogue, Collector of rare whiskeys said: “The limited release is a collector’s dream in terms of presentation, rarity and future value, for those who hold on to their bottle rather than drinking it. Each cask is individually bottled, with both the cask and bottle number handwritten on the label of each bottle.”

The exclusivity and collectability of this first release is further enhanced by the packaging and presentation. Each bottle has been hand-engraved by Kilkenny Crystal and mounted in a presentation box with a certificate of authenticity. The cask strength bottles come with a larger presentation box which includes two hand cut crystal glass tumblers, uniquely designed in partnership with Kilkenny Crystal, which is Ireland’s oldest family-owned crystal studio workshop.   

The single farm, single estate and single cask whiskey is available online and in store with Ballykeefe’s local retail partner, the Wine Centre. 

Commenting on the partnership with two local businesses, Morgan added: “I am delighted we are working with the team at Kilkenny Crystal. Their exceptionally talented craftsmen are among a very few who are hand cutting crystal in Ireland. The Wine Centre in Kilkenny has been chosen as our sole retail partner for this first release, due to our longstanding relationship and their expert knowledge.”

Ballykeefe’s Pot Still whiskey is distilled from a mixture of malted and unmalted barely, which traces its accidental origins back to the early 1800s, when efforts were made to reduce the use of malted barley when it was subject to punitive taxes imposed by the British. Morgan adds “this is a story of necessity and typical Irish ingenuity which gave birth to an especially smooth and flavoursome whiskey”.

Ballykeefe has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability and has won multiple awards at local and industry level. In addition to this, the distillery and farm operations are a flagship member of Bord Bia’s Origin Green program.