Guildhall celebration for historic whiskey launch
Wild Atlantic Distillery founders, Jim Nash and Brian Ash, who have officially launched their new IslandMen single malt Irish whiskey (Picture Martin McKeown)
IslandMen Irish Whiskeys from Wild Atlantic Distillery was officially launched on Friday, 28 March at the Guildhall in Derry. This made them the first Irish whiskeys to be distilled in the Tyrone/Derry region since the Watt
distillery closed in 1921.
Over 100 special guests attended the celebratory occasion to get a taste of their new single malt whiskey and new blended whiskey. Amongst those who attended were the Derry City and Strabane District Council Deputy Mayor, and representatives from Tourism NI and Invest NI.
Founder and director of Wild Atlantic Distillery, Jim Nash, says there’s a depth of tradition behind their new handcrafted IslandMen Irish Whiskey. “Small scale distilling goes back hundreds of years in this north west region. But the tradition died out and was almost lost. Here at Wild Atlantic Distillery, we are proud to be part of the new wave of independent, traditional, and craft distilleries blossoming in Ireland. Together, we are making Irish Whiskey once again, the world’s most sought-after whiskey.”
The new IslandMen whiskey had its first exclusive release in December 2024, when around 300 bottles were drawn from Cask 001. These coveted bottles were sent to destinations across the world over the last few months. Jim says they were delighted with the demand for this first release. “Interest in stocking the IslandMen Irish whiskey is already high among distributors across Europe, North America and Asia”, says Jim.
His co-founder and brother-in-law, Brian Ash shares details of the next phase of Wild Atlantic Distillery’s development. “It includes a purpose-built distillery and visitor centre, just twenty minutes from our current location. It will be easy to access on the A5 main Derry to Dublin road and will bring high-quality jobs to the region”.
Brian thanked Invest NI for their vital support in the ambitious venture. He also expressed gratitude to Tourism NI who recently honoured Wild Atlantic Distillery with a plaque to mark their role as a founder member of the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail.
Whiskey tourism on the island of Ireland continues to grow in popularity with over 30 distilleries across the island now offering tours, whiskey experiences and visitor events. The Irish Whiskey Association estimates that over 800,000 holidaymakers visited a whiskey distillery visitor experience on the island of Ireland in 2023.
IslandMen Irish Whiskey is now available at stockists across Northern Ireland, alongside Wild Atlantic Gin and Wild Atlantic Vodka. You can find your nearest stockist at www.wildatlanticdistillery.ie/stockists
