Boatyard distillery

Introduction to Boatyard Distillery

A distillery with passion for craft

Boatyard Distillery is an Irish craft distillery nestled on the shores of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. This independent, family-owned operation has quickly established itself as a producer of premium spirits that honor traditional distilling techniques while embracing modern innovation. The distillery’s waterside location provides not just stunning views but also a connection to the pure waters that influence their spirits.

Each bottle that leaves Boatyard carries with it the essence of its lakeside home and the passion of its creators. The distillery’s commitment to quality and authenticity has helped position it as one of Ireland’s most exciting new spirits producers.

Why we have a soft spot for Boatyard

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that stay true to their roots while pushing boundaries. Boatyard captivates us with their farm-to-bottle approach, using organic ingredients wherever possible and maintaining complete control over their production process. Their dedication to sustainability and traditional methods, combined with modern precision, creates spirits with distinctive character and exceptional quality.

We’re particularly drawn to their meticulous attention to detail – from their custom-made copper pot still to their careful selection of botanicals for their gin and grains for their whiskey. This perfectionism shines through in every sip.

The Story Behind Boatyard Distillery

Origin and development

Boatyard Distillery was founded in 2016 by Joe McGirr, a man with deep roots in the spirits industry and a vision to create exceptional Irish spirits with integrity and provenance. After years working with William Grant & Sons and gaining valuable experience in the world of premium spirits, McGirr returned to his native Fermanagh to establish a distillery that would celebrate the region’s rich heritage.

The distillery is housed in an old boathouse on the banks of Lough Erne, a fitting location that inspired the company’s name and philosophy. Since its establishment, Boatyard has grown steadily, building a reputation for quality and innovation while maintaining its independent, family-owned status.

The people behind

The distillery is led by founder Joe McGirr, whose family history in Irish distilling stretches back generations. Supported by a small, dedicated team who share his passion for authentic spirits production, the Boatyard crew brings together traditional knowledge with contemporary expertise. Each team member contributes to the distillery’s vision of creating spirits with provenance and character.

This collaboration of skills and shared commitment to excellence ensures that every bottle of Boatyard spirit maintains the highest standards, from grain selection through to final packaging.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Boatyard’s production philosophy centers on organic ingredients and traditional methods. For their gin, they use wheat spirit as a base and infuse it with carefully selected botanicals, including sweet gale (bog myrtle) foraged from the family farm and juniper berries that undergo a unique double-contact infusion process.

Their whiskey production follows Irish traditions, using locally sourced grains and pure Lough Erne water. Distillation takes place in their beautiful custom-made copper pot still, named “Érainn” (the old Irish word for Ireland), which gives their spirits their distinctive character.

A key feature of Boatyard’s approach is their “farm-to-bottle” transparency, where they maintain oversight and control of every aspect of production.

Maturation and aging

Boatyard Whiskey undergoes maturation in carefully selected casks, primarily first-fill bourbon barrels that impart vanilla, caramel, and oak notes to complement the spirit’s natural character. The distillery’s location near Lough Erne creates ideal conditions for maturation, with the lakeside climate influencing how the whiskey interacts with the wood.

The team at Boatyard believes in giving their spirits the time they need to develop fully, prioritizing quality over rapid production. This patient approach allows their whiskey to develop depth and complexity that reflects both their terroir and their craftsmanship.

Selected Products from Boatyard Distillery

Boatyard Double Gin – An introduction to the house style

This flagship gin showcases the distillery’s signature style through its unique “double juniper” process, where juniper berries are used at two separate stages of distillation. The result is a remarkably smooth, juniper-forward gin with notes of citrus, spice, and a subtle sweetness from the sweet gale.

At 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, Boatyard Double Gin retains all its essential oils, creating a spirit with exceptional texture and flavor that makes for an outstanding G&T or martini. This gin perfectly demonstrates the distillery’s commitment to traditional methods and clean, distinctive flavors.

Boatyard Old Tom Gin – A delightful expression for connoisseurs

A more complex and slightly sweeter expression, Boatyard’s Old Tom Gin pays homage to a historical gin style while adding contemporary finesse. Sweetened naturally with organic honey and featuring additional botanicals, this gin offers rich, floral notes balanced with juniper and subtle citrus.

The Old Tom is perfect for cocktail enthusiasts looking to create authentic classic cocktails like the Martinez or Tom Collins. Its complexity and balanced sweetness make it a favorite among gin aficionados seeking something with distinctive character.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Boatyard Distillery welcomes visitors to experience firsthand their beautiful lakeside operation. Tours provide an intimate look at their production process, from mashing and distillation to bottling, all while learning about the distillery’s history and philosophy.

Tastings typically include their core range of spirits, allowing visitors to appreciate the distinctive character of each product. The distillery’s stunning location on Lough Erne adds to the experience, making a visit to Boatyard not just educational but truly memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boatyard Distillery?

Boatyard Distillery is an independent Irish craft distillery established in 2016, producing premium gin and whiskey using traditional methods and organic ingredients. It’s known for its “farm-to-bottle” approach, transparency in production, and commitment to quality and sustainability.

Where is Boatyard Distillery located?

The distillery is located in an old boathouse on the shores of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. This picturesque setting influences both the character of their spirits and their brand identity, with the pure waters of the lough playing a key role in production.

What characterizes Boatyard spirits?

Boatyard spirits are characterized by their transparency of production, use of organic ingredients, traditional distillation methods, and distinctive flavor profiles. Their gins are known for the unique double juniper process, while their whiskey reflects traditional Irish methods with a focus on quality maturation. All Boatyard spirits are bottled at 46% ABV or above and are non-chill filtered to preserve maximum flavor.

Where can I buy spirits from Boatyard Distillery?

You can find selected bottles from Boatyard Distillery at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their finest expressions, ensuring you have access to these exceptional Irish spirits. Their commitment to quality and distinctive character makes them a perfect addition to any discerning spirits collection.