Cooley Irish Whiskey

The revival of independent Irish whiskey

The Cooley Distillery, situated on the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, represents a landmark in the modern history of Irish distilling. Established in 1987 by Dr John Teeling), it was born out of a desire to break the long-standing monopoly in the industry and became the first new independent Irish distillery in over a century. By converting a former state-owned industrial alcohol plant, Teeling laid the groundwork for a genuine renaissance in the country's spirit production. The distillery played a pivotal role in rescuing and reviving several forgotten historic brands, preserving a vital part of Ireland’s distilling heritage before eventually being acquired and becoming part of Suntory Global Spirits.

Distinctive production methods

The distillery stands apart from many traditional producers through its distinct approach to distillation. While Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled, this facility favours a double-distillation process, a method more commonly associated with Scottish traditions. The site is equipped with both traditional copper pot stills for producing robust single malt whiskies and continuous column stills for grain production. Notably, the distillery was the first in the modern era to reintroduce peated malt to the Irish market, demonstrating the diversity and historical depth possible within the category. The majority of its spirits are matured in ex-bourbon casks to allow the character of the distillate to shine.

A portfolio of historic brands
The distillery is closely associated with several renowned brands that it successfully resurrected from history. Kilbeggan remains a core brand often linked directly to the distillery’s heritage and enduring legacy. Tyrconnell represents a premium single malt offering, while Connemara has gained widespread acclaim as the distillery's signature peated single malt, offering a uniquely smoky profile in the Irish landscape. Although the production site itself does not feature a visitor centre, the history and products of these legendary brands are celebrated and shared at the associated Kilbeggan Distillery Experience.

Frequently asked questions

Do they produce single malt or blended whiskey?

They produce both. The distillery creates distinct single malts under brands like Tyrconnell and Connemara, while also producing high-quality grain whiskey that is used to create smooth, well-rounded blends.

Why is Connemara considered unique?
Connemara is unique because it is one of the very few peated Irish whiskeys available on the market. It combines the traditional smoothness expected from Irish distilling with the rich, smoky character typically associated with Islay Scotches.

Can I visit the distillery?

The main production site on the Cooley Peninsula is not open to the public. However, visitors interested in the brand's heritage can visit the historic Kilbeggan Distillery Experience in County Westmeath, which showcases the history of the brands.