Cooley Distillery is one of Ireland’s most influential modern whiskey makers, credited with breaking the stranglehold of the big producers in the late 20th century and bringing diversity back to Irish whiskey. Founded in 1987 by entrepreneur John Teeling, Cooley occupies a converted industrial alcohol plant in County Louth and has become known for producing a wide range of styles, from traditional triple-distilled Irish whiskey to double-distilled single malts and even peated expressions.
At the time of its founding, the Irish whiskey industry had just a handful of operating distilleries, and stylistic variety was limited. Teeling’s vision was to challenge this dominance by creating both distinctive in-house brands and supplying quality spirit to independent bottlers worldwide. Cooley quickly made its mark by reviving production techniques and flavour profiles that had been absent from the category for decades.
Water is drawn from the nearby Cooley Mountains, while malted and unmalted barley is sourced to match each intended style. Maturation is typically in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, with sherry, port, and Madeira casks used for finishing certain expressions.
Flavour and Style
Cooley’s whiskeys range from the gentle and easy-drinking to the bold and complex. The unpeated malts tend toward apple, pear, vanilla, and soft spice, while the peated Connemara expressions add layers of smoke, seaweed, and earthiness. Single grain releases are smooth and sweet, with bourbon-driven notes of caramel, coconut, and honey.
Reputation and Achievements
Cooley is widely recognised as the catalyst for the modern Irish whiskey revival, proving that there was room for innovation, diversity, and quality beyond the dominant brands of the 1980s and 1990s. The distillery has won numerous accolades at the World Whiskies Awards, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and International Spirits Challenge.
In 2011, Cooley was acquired by Beam Inc. (now Beam Suntory), which expanded its global reach while keeping its core production ethos intact. Today, Cooley spirit is enjoyed both under its own brands and in independent bottlings, and it remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s resurgent whiskey industry.
Our Cooley Distillery selection includes smoky Connemara malts, refined Tyrconnell releases, smooth Kilbeggan blends, and distinctive single grains. Whether you want to explore Ireland’s rare peated styles, try a bold double-distilled malt, or enjoy a light and approachable blend, Cooley offers a breadth of whiskies that reflect both tradition and innovation, a distillery that reshaped Irish whiskey’s future.
