Nestled in the scenic Mourne Mountains of County Down, in the north of Ireland, Killowen Distillery is a testament to the dream and determination of its founder, Brendan Carty. Along with Liam Brogan and Shane McCarthy, he set up the facility in 2017. Driven by a passion for whiskey, and with a deep connection to his Irish heritage, Carty has created a distillery that not only produces a unique whiskey but also embodies the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
The idea for Killowen Distillery began to take shape when Carty was working in Australia more than a decade ago. Inspired by a visit to Belgrove Distillery in Tasmania, he decided to pursue his long-held dream of owning a distillery. “It was always a dream that you never bothered to acknowledge,” Carty says. “But in Australia, after tasting Belgrove and visiting the distillery, it made the whole thing seem achievable.”
The journey to establish Killowen was fraught with challenges. Initially, the team struggled to find a suitable location. “We were initially going to call it Narrow Water Distillery because we had a site near Narrow Water, where they are now building a bridge,” Carty explains. “But our friend, who owned the building, needed it for his farm, so we had to look elsewhere.”
The eventual site for Killowen was found serendipitously. “We were out for a drive to visit Liam Brogan’s aunt for a cup of tea when we came across this place. We spoke to the land owner, and that’s how we ended up here. It was as random as that,” Carty says.
Financial constraints and regulatory hurdles also posed significant challenges. Carty and his co-founders had to navigate complex HMRC licensing processes and stringent health-and-safety regulations. “Opening a distillery requires a budget and numerous licences,” he recalls “We did all the legwork ourselves, learning as we went.” Gaining planning permission and building control approvals required significant effort, particularly given the specific requirements for a distillery. “Luckily, I was an architect, so I managed the planning and building control myself, which was a huge help.”
Killowen’s whiskey production process is a meticulous blend of tradition and innovation. The distillery uses both malted and unmalted grains, often peated (or “turfed” as Carty prefers to say), which are milled on-site to preserve freshness. The mash is mixed by hand in upcycled dairy tanks before undergoing open-top fermentation, allowing wild yeast and bacteria to impart unique flavours. “They create a special DNA for our distillery,” Carty notes.
The distillery employs flame-fed stills from Portugal, which provide a softer, thinner copper that gives better interaction with sulphates, enhancing the whiskey’s character through very slow distillations. The team rely on their noses to make the cuts, ensuring each batch’s distinctive character. This hands-on approach is a hallmark of Killowen’s commitment to craftsmanship. “The cuts are done by nose, which means each batch has its own unique profile,” Carty explains.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Killowen’s operations. The distillery prides itself on using upcycled materials and minimising plastic use. The bottling process takes place in a repurposed 20-foot container, reflecting the distillery’s ethos of resourcefulness and environmental responsibility. “This place was seriously put together on zero budget,” Carty says, highlighting the necessary ingenuity involved in the operations.
“Sustainability is essential. We’ve moved away from plastic as much as possible, and use upcycled materials throughout the distillery,” Carty emphasises. He acknowledges the complexities of true sustainability, and is against greenwashing. “We need to find methods to quantify the efforts made by smaller companies,” he argues.
Killowen Distillery strikes a delicate balance between honouring traditional methods and embracing modern innovations. Carty is passionate about maintaining the rich history of Irish pot still whiskey while integrating contemporary techniques and sustainability practices.
“We embrace science, new yeast strains, and consumer education. It’s about acknowledging our whiskey past while looking to the future,” he explains. This approach allows Killowen to produce whiskey that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Killowen offers a diverse range, primarily focusing on pot still whiskey with various mash bills incorporating oats and wheat. The distillery also experiments with rare grain combinations, including a 100 per cent oat mashbill whiskey. Additionally, Killowen engages in independent bottling, such as collaborations with the aforementioned Belgrove Distillery. Killowen’s Rum & Raisin Single Malt, finished in rum and PX sherry casks, is a core product celebrated for its unique flavour profile. “We love experimenting with mash bills and cask types. It keeps the process exciting and the products unique,” Carty notes.
Killowen’s Bonded Experimental Series captures the imagination of whiskey enthusiasts by blending different whiskey components and using various cask types. This series serves as an educational tool, showcasing how different woods and cask influences affect the whiskey’s flavour. “We played with different casks like Tequila, Hungarian oak, and Jamaican rum to see how they influence the whiskey,” Carty explains.
The Killowen Kult, a dedicated community of whiskey lovers, has organically grown around the distillery. This group fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared appreciation for Killowen’s products. The distillery supports this community by issuing membership cards and creating exclusive casks for its members.
“The Kult is more than just a fan club; it’s a community of people who share a passion for great whiskey,” Carty says.
Carty envisions expanding Killowen’s operations to include a smoking room for sustainable grain smoking, enabling the on-site production of peated whiskey. He also dreams of establishing a smaller distillery in Donegal, focusing on 100 per cent smoked whiskey using naturally felled plants. “We want to keep growing sustainably,” he says. This vision underscores Killowen’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. “It would be a tiny distillery, smaller than Killowen, focusing purely on production, with casks stored elsewhere,” he says.
Killowen’s whiskey is characterised by its full body, rich in oils and viscosity, which amplifies flavours on the palate. Drinkers can expect a balance of spices, fruit, biscuity notes, and earthy undertones, with a long-lasting finish.
The distillery’s use of flame-fed stills and wild fermentations ensures a unique and dynamic flavour profile in every bottle.
“Expect a huge range of flavours, but always balanced. The key is balance, and that’s what we aim for in every batch,” Carty emphasises.
Visitors to Killowen Distillery can expect a warm welcome and an immersive experience that delves into the intricacies of whiskey production. The distillery offers tours that provide insight into its unique processes and the rich history of the region.
“We’re a small team, but we love sharing our story and our passion for whiskey with visitors,” Carty says. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or a curious newcomer, a visit to Killowen Distillery promises a memorable and enriching experience.
Killowen Distillery exemplifies a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Brendan Carty’s dedication to creating exceptional whiskey, honouring his heritage, and embracing sustainability sets Killowen apart. With a small but dedicated team, the distillery continues to push the boundaries of whiskey production while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the world around them. For whiskey enthusiasts, Killowen offers not just a drink but a journey into the heart of Irish whiskey-making traditions. As Brendan Carty and his team continue to experiment and innovate, Killowen Distillery has quickly become a cherished name among whiskey aficionados worldwide.
As Carty puts it: “We aim to create whiskey that not only honours the rich heritage of our region but also embraces the future. It’s about finding that perfect balance.”
As Carty and his team continue their journey, they remain focused on producing whiskey that not only reflects their heritage but also pushes the boundaries of what whiskey can be. As he says: “We’re not just making whiskey; we’re creating a legacy.”
