Amber Beverage Group (ABG) has announced its intention to become one of the major global producers of Irish whiskey by investing up to €35 million in constructing one of the largest distilleries in the category (subject to planning permission).
Walsh Whiskey Distillery at Dunleckney will become the brand home for ABG’s two super-premium whiskeys, Writers’ Tears and The Irishman, which are exported to over 50 countries worldwide.
Long Term
ABG plans for the distillery to be capable of reaching a production capacity of 4 million LPAs annually.
The distillery’s capacity will facilitate ABG’s plans to lay down significant reserves of maturing whiskey over the long term.
'Growth Ambitions'
“This is ABG’s second major investment in the fast-growing Irish whiskey category following our acquisition of Walsh Whiskey and its super-premium Irish whiskey brands, Writers’ Tears and The Irishman, in 2021," said Jekaterina Stuge, CEO Of Amber Beverage Group.
"In keeping with our growth ambitions as a rapidly growing global spirits company, once commissioned our distillery will enable ABG to become one of the major global producers of Irish whiskey and to leverage the exceptional growth the category is predicted to continue to experience for the foreseeable future."
Historic 18th Century Site
Subject to planning approval, the new Walsh Whiskey Distillery at Dunleckney will be located on an historic 18th century site by the banks of the River Barrow in County Carlow, just over an hour from Ireland’s capital city, Dublin.
ABG intend for the construction of the distillery to commence later in 2024. The construction process is expected to take approximately 18 months with commissioning of the distillery in 2026.
'A Natural Progression'
“Located in the heart of Ireland’s barley growing region, with its own supply of natural water, the 18th century riverside location of Dunleckney has been a special location for producing drink and food since the 1700s," said Bernard Walsh, founder and managing director of Walsh Whiskey.
"Milled corn, beer, and malted grain have all been produced at this site, so whiskey is a natural progression."
