Ahascragh distillery

Introduction to Ahascragh Distillery

A distillery with passion for craft

Ahascragh Distillery is an Irish distillery nestled in the heart of East Galway, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative production techniques. Located in the charming village of Ahascragh, this family-owned operation has breathed new life into a historic 19th-century mill, transforming it into a beacon of sustainable Irish whiskey production.

The distillery stands as a testament to the revival of craft distilling in Ireland, focusing on creating premium spirits that honor local heritage while embracing modern sustainability practices.

Why we have a soft spot for Ahascragh

At Vault of Spirits, we’re drawn to Ahascragh’s commitment to sustainability and their unique approach to whiskey-making. Their dedication to using locally sourced ingredients, renewable energy, and their innovative “field-to-glass” philosophy sets them apart in the crowded whiskey landscape.

What truly captivates us is their balance of respecting Irish whiskey traditions while boldly experimenting with different grain varieties and cask finishes to create expressions with distinctive character and depth.

The Story Behind Ahascragh Distillery

Origin and development

Ahascragh Distillery was founded by the McAllister family, with Gareth and Michelle McAllister at the helm. Their vision to create a world-class Irish whiskey distillery came to fruition when they acquired the historic Old Mill in Ahascragh village and began the ambitious restoration project in 2019.

The couple’s journey into whiskey-making began years earlier with their premium spirits brand, Clan Colla. This experience gave them the foundation to embark on creating their own distillery, with production officially beginning in 2022 after meticulous planning and restoration work.

The people behind

The McAllister family brings a unique blend of business acumen and passion for Irish spirits to Ahascragh. Master Distiller Noel Sweeney, with decades of experience in Irish whiskey production, oversees the distillation process, ensuring each batch meets their exacting standards.

Their team includes local craftspeople and international experts who share a common vision: producing exceptional spirits that honor the rich history of Irish whiskey while pushing boundaries through innovation and sustainability.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Ahascragh begins with carefully selected grains, including locally grown barley, wheat, and heritage varieties specific to the Galway region. The distillery employs a “field-to-glass” approach, working closely with local farmers to ensure quality and sustainability.

Their production method utilizes both traditional copper pot stills and modern distillation techniques. What sets Ahascragh apart is their commitment to renewable energy – the distillery is powered by renewable electricity and employs heat recovery systems to minimize their carbon footprint.

Maturation and aging

Ahascragh’s spirits mature in a thoughtfully curated selection of casks, including ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and virgin oak. They also experiment with less conventional options such as Irish oak and casks that previously held other spirits or wines from around the world.

The warehouse’s location in Galway, with its temperate climate influenced by Atlantic breezes, creates ideal conditions for maturation, allowing the whiskey to develop complex flavor profiles while maintaining the characteristic smoothness of Irish whiskey.

Selected Products from Ahascragh Distillery

Clan Colla Irish Whiskey – An introduction to the house style

While waiting for their own distilled whiskey to mature, Ahascragh offers the Clan Colla range – carefully sourced and finished Irish whiskeys that showcase the flavor direction of the distillery. These releases feature notes of honey, orchard fruits, and warm spices, with a silky mouthfeel that makes them approachable for newcomers while offering enough complexity for seasoned enthusiasts.

Xin Gin – A distinctive botanical expression

This award-winning gin reflects Ahascragh’s innovative spirit, blending traditional botanicals with Eastern influences like Osmanthus flower and Jasmine. The result is a unique, aromatic gin with citrus brightness, floral undertones, and a spicy finish – demonstrating the distillery’s versatility beyond whiskey production.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Ahascragh Distillery offers immersive tours that showcase both the historic mill buildings and their modern sustainable production facilities. Visitors can follow the entire production process from grain handling to distillation and maturation.

Tastings typically include selections from their Clan Colla range and Xin Gin, often paired with local artisanal foods to enhance the experience. For dedicated enthusiasts, masterclass sessions delve deeper into whiskey appreciation and the art of distilling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ahascragh Distillery?

Ahascragh Distillery is a craft Irish whiskey and gin distillery located in County Galway, Ireland. It produces premium spirits with a focus on sustainability, local ingredients, and innovative production methods while honoring traditional Irish distilling techniques.

Where is Ahascragh Distillery located?

The distillery is located in the village of Ahascragh in East Galway, Ireland. It operates from a beautifully restored 19th-century mill complex that has been transformed into a modern distillery while preserving its historical character.

What characterizes Ahascragh Distillery?

Ahascragh is known for its commitment to sustainability, using renewable energy sources and implementing water conservation measures. They specialize in creating spirits with distinctive character through the use of locally sourced grains, innovative cask finishes, and a meticulous approach to production.

Where can I buy whiskey from Ahascragh Distillery?

Selected bottles from Ahascragh Distillery, including their Clan Colla range and special releases, are available at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best expressions from this emerging Irish distillery to give you access to their most exceptional offerings.