Located in the idyllic settings of Glendalough, or the Glen of two Lakes, the Glendalough Distillery is the brainchild of a group of friends from Wicklow and Dublin. Deeply passionate about restoring the long-lost tradition of craft distilling in Ireland, they ventured to set up a distillery in one of Ireland's most beautiful and visited valleys. This marked a resounding comeback to the times of the 18th & 19th centuries when Ireland boasted over 200 licensed distilleries producing diverse styles of poitín, whiskey, gin and even absinthe.
The ethos of the Glendalough Distillery is intricately linked to the rich history of the land. The founders drew inspiration from St Kevin, a legendary monk who founded a 6th-century monastic settlement in Glendalough, a place renowned as the birthplace of distilled drinks. Following his footsteps, they established the distillery near their favourite spot in the Wicklow Mountains, blending their craft seamlessly with the stunning natural beauty of their surroundings.
One of the key distinct features of the Glendalough Distillery is their commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. They have a dedicated forager who ventures into the surrounding mountains daily, picking wild plants that go fresh into the distillation process within hours. This practice not only underlines their commitment to sustainability but also ensures the unique flavour profiles derived from the freshness of botanicals used.
Another factor that greatly influences the taste and character of their spirits, especially whiskey, is the type of wood used for maturation. The straightness of the tree, the fineness of the grain, the size of the barrel, and the depth of the char are all meticulously considered when selecting the wood, demonstrating their keen attention to detail in crafting superior quality spirits.
The Glendalough Distillery offers a diverse portfolio of spirits, encapsulating the rich tradition and innovative spirit of Irish distilling. From gin and poitín to whiskey and absinthe, every bottle produced carries a distinct taste, aroma, and character, that echoes the wild, natural beauty of Glendalough.
A testament to their deep respect for history and legacy, every bottle from the Glendalough Distillery carries the image of St Kevin. The story of this man who chose to abandon safety and comfort to create something meaningful in the mountains still continues to inspire their operations. His tales of resilience, unity with nature, and spiritual pursuit embody the spirit of the Glendalough Distillery, creating a sense of Irish history and spirit in every sip. With Glendalough Distillery, you don't just enjoy a spirit, but you imbibe a piece of Ireland's rich history, heritage, and the essence of its stunning natural landscapes.