Donegal – ​ the Islay of Ireland​

The distillery is dedicated to smoky Irish whiskey, Single Malt and (currently non-compliant) Pot Still, typically peated to a level of 55ppm (though we do use some higher and some lower).

An ‘all grains in’ approach (so no mash tun) means we capture ALL the character of the WHOLE crushed grain right through to the wash still (it gives us greater character and greater yield too – grandad Frank would love that).

Distillation in three beautiful copper pot stills fabricated by Forsyth’s – with the wash still an ‘off-set neck’ design, rarely seen these days.

A lazy boil in the intermediate and spirit stills keeps the spirit soft, and we take narrow cuts to ensure a balance between the sweet spirit and the dry pipe smoke character.

Two 6000 litre wooden “soleras” hold the new-make spirit prior to casking, guaranteeing consistency by marrying across distillation runs.

A team led by Head Distiller, Graeme Bell, sees human skill and endeavour rather than computers operate the new technology. The provision of exciting employment opportunities for young people has been a key motivation in the design and development of Ardara Distillery.