Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey has welcomed the announcement that Micil Distillery is to start distilling and laying down Irish whiskey.
This will be the first Irish whiskey distilled in Galway in over a century and brings to 19 the number of counties across Ireland with operational whiskey distilleries.
The Micil Distillery based in Salthill is run by brothers Pádraic and Jimín Ó Griallais who are sixth generation Connemara poitín distillers and direct descendants of Micil Mac Chearra, the family’s original distiller.
The distillery, which is already famous for its gin and poitín, will be releasing two independently bottled Irish whiskeys this summer.
Speaking today, William Lavelle, Head of Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey, congratulated the Ó Griallais brothers on their new venture.
“This is great news for the Irish whiskey industry and in particular for Galway,” he said.
“Up until the start of the 20th century, Galway had a thriving whiskey distilling industry. Now, Micil Distillery will be the first Irish whiskey distilled in Galway since 1911.
“This will help put Galway back on the Irish whiskey map and create jobs for the local economy.”
Mr Lavelle said that like many industries, the past year has been challenging for Irish whiskey. But he said that it is encouraging to see a new distillery enter the market.
“The arrival of Micil Distillery means there are now operational whiskey distilleries in 19 counties across Ireland, which is indicative of the diversity and ingenuity at the heart of our industry.
“We look forward to seeing the Micil Distillery grow from strength to strength as it embarks on its Irish whiskey journey.”
