Irish Whiskey production is now under way in Belfast for the first time since prohibition in the 1930s thanks to Titanic Distillers. It has been nearly 90 years, however, the production of Irish whiskey is once again occurring in Belfast, Ireland. The distillery’s shiny new copper pot-stills are now up and pouring new-make spirit, under the watchful eye of Head Distiller Damien Rafferty.
We opened our doors to tourists in April this year to allow visitors to explore the distillery and the site where Titanic last rested on dry ground, but to finally begin production on site is an incredible feeling and a huge milestone, not just for us but for the city of Belfast. A lot of time, hard work and investment has gone into this amazing project to date, but this week marks the culmination of all that – with the distillery and visitor attraction now both fully operational. In many ways though, the job is only beginning as we start producing a whiskey that the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland can be proud of, and one that will represent us well all over the world. Our distillery will produce a single malt premium whiskey made from ingredients that have been carefully selected to produce the best possible flavour using local providers on the island of Ireland.
Head Distiller Damien Rafferty
Director Peter Lavery reflected on what he claims is ‘a momentous occasion’.
It’s been quite a journey over the past five years but we are thrilled to get our license and to start producing our own spirits on site. Whiskey has played an important part in the history of our city but there hasn’t been a working distillery here since the 1930s, so, as a Belfast boy, it really means a lot to me to revive this great distilling tradition – and help bring Belfast back to the forefront of Irish Whiskey production. Once, we led the way globally – not just in shipbuilding but across many areas of industry, manufacturing and innovation, with our Titanic Distillers Premium Irish Whiskey, now produced on this most historic of sites, we hope to do so again.
Director Peter Lavery
Titanic Distillers’ Home is a Historic Property and Building
Located at the Thompson Dock and Pumphouse, which first opened in 1911 to service the White Star Line transatlantic liners Olympic and Titanic. Now, 112 years later, visitors are able to experience the workings of our new state-of-the-art distillery whilst discovering the story of Belfast’s whiskey heritage, the stories of Thompson Dock and those who built the great ship.
Guests will also have a chance to view the distillery’s three new Forsyth’s stills which are situated on a mezzanine floor overlooking the original Gwynne pumping engines situated deep in the building’s pump-well. All of the original pump equipment and associated internal historic features of the building have been retained and are available to view as part of the associated visitor tours, while the exterior includes a new food and beverage area.
Whiskey has played an important part in the history of our city but there hasn’t been a working distillery here since the 1930s, so we are delighted to revive this great distilling tradition – bringing Belfast back to the forefront of Irish Whiskey production, while at the same time telling the story of a historic past when we led the way globally – not just in shipbuilding but across many areas of industry, manufacturing and innovation.
Titanic Distillers Director Peter Lavery
For more information or to book a tour, book at the experiences page on their website.
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