Boann Distillery
History of Boann Distillery
The Boann Distillery is a young establishment with a deep connection to Irish whiskey’s rich heritage. Founded in late 2019, it marked the return of whiskey production to Drogheda, County Louth, after a 160-year hiatus.
The Cooney Family Legacy
The distillery is a family endeavor, spearheaded by Patrick and Marie Cooney alongside their children. The Cooneys aren’t newcomers to the drinks industry – they boast over 40 years of experience building up the Gleeson Group, a highly successful Irish beverage company. Leveraging this experience, they embarked on a mission to not just create a distillery, but to contribute to the resurgence of Irish whiskey on the global stage.
Inspired by Tradition, Guided by Expertise
The Boann Distillery draws inspiration from the Celtic goddess Boann, credited with creating the nearby River Boyne. Their commitment to quality is further bolstered by the involvement of Scottish master distiller John McDougall, known for his expertise in crafting both Scotch and Irish whiskeys. He played a key role in the distillery’s establishment, along with Ireland’s youngest head distiller at the time, Michael Walsh.
Modern Methods, Classic Techniques
Boann Distillery utilizes state-of-the-art equipment, including three custom-made copper pot stills. These stills, along with water sourced from the Boyne Valley well, ensure a meticulous distillation process that respects traditional methods.
The Whistler Collection: A Symphony of Flavors
The distillery’s core offering is “The Whistler” collection, a family of three Irish whiskeys. Details on the specific expressions aren’t readily available, but they likely encompass a range of ages and cask finishes. Boann also releases limited edition expressions, offering whiskey enthusiasts a chance to explore unique flavor profiles.
A New Chapter in Drogheda’s Story
The Boann Distillery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Irish whiskey. By reviving a centuries-old tradition and employing innovative techniques, the Cooney family has created a distillery poised to make a mark on the world stage.
Awards Won by Boann Distillery
World’s Best New Make Spirit: In 2021, Boann Distillery won this prestigious title at the World Whiskies Awards for their Single Pot Still “New Born” spirit. This was a historic win as they were the first Irish distillery to receive this accolade.
World’s Best Single Grain Whiskey: Boann received World’s Best Single Grain Whiskey award for their Whistler Mosaic Marsala Cask at the World Whiskies Awards in 2022.
Best Brand Innovator 2022: Recognized at the Icons of Whisky Awards, Boann Distillery was honored for their innovative approach, particularly for their work on reviving vintage mashbills from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Best Honey Liqueur: The Whistler Irish Honey from Boann won the title of World’s Best Honey Liqueur in 2021, showcasing their expertise in crafting unique and high-quality spirits.
World’s Best Cream Liqueur: Merrys Irish Cream Liqueur, produced by Boann, was awarded the World’s Best Cream Liqueur in 2019, further establishing their prowess in the liqueur category.
Boann Distillery Tour Information and Experience
Located in Drogheda, Co. Meath, Boann Distillery is a family-owned operation named after the Irish goddess Boann, who is said to have created the River Boyne. The distillery is a modern facility that combines traditional whiskey-making techniques with cutting-edge technology to produce award-winning spirits.
Tour Overview
The Boann Distillery tour is a comprehensive experience that guides visitors through the entire whiskey-making process. From milling the grain to mashing, fermenting, distilling, and aging, guests get an in-depth look at how Boann crafts its premium products.
Key Highlights of the Tour:
- State-of-the-Art Distillery
- Copper Pot Stills: The distillery features three bespoke copper pot stills made in Italy. These stills are equipped with innovative nano-copper technology, which enhances the interaction of the alcohol vapors with the copper, leading to a purer spirit.
- Nano-Crystal Coating: Installed in the lyne arms of the stills, this technology helps in removing impurities and refining the spirit.
- Brewhouse and Taproom
- Boyne Brewhouse: The tour includes a visit to the Boyne Brewhouse, where visitors can learn about the craft beer brewing process and sample a variety of beers.
- Taproom: The brewhouse features a taproom where guests can relax and enjoy the local brews.
- Visitor Centre Amenities
- Restaurant: The on-site restaurant seats 120 people and offers a range of dishes that pair well with the distillery’s spirits.
- Bar: A well-stocked bar provides an opportunity to taste the various whiskeys and gins produced by Boann.
- Gift Shop: Visitors can purchase bottles of whiskey, gin, and other branded merchandise.
- Sustainability Practices
- Water Recycling: The distillery operates a closed-loop water system to recycle water and maximize energy recovery.
- Rainwater Harvesting: This technique is used to minimize the distillery’s environmental footprint and water their gin botanicals.
- By-product Utilization: Spent grains and pot ale, which are rich in protein, are repurposed as animal feed for local farmers.
- Cask Storage and Aging
- Cask Selection: The distillery uses nine different types of casks for aging its whiskey, including Armagnac, PX, NEOC, Moscatel, Sauternes, Chardonnay, Rum, Bordeaux, and Marsala.
- On-Site Maturation: The basement of the distillery is designed to mature around a thousand casks a year, ensuring optimal aging conditions for their spirits.
- Educational Aspects
- Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides, often members of the Cooney family, provide insights into the history of the distillery, the intricacies of whiskey production, and the innovative techniques employed.
- Interactive Displays: The visitor centre includes interactive displays that explain the distillation process and the science behind whiskey making.
- Special Features
- Custom Gin Production: The distillery also produces small batches of premium gin using locally sourced botanicals from the Boyne Valley.
- Private Events: The facility can host private events, making it a unique venue for corporate gatherings, weddings, and other celebrations.
A visit to Boann Distillery is not just a tour but an immersive experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and modern innovation. Whether you are a whiskey aficionado or a casual visitor, the tour offers something for everyone, providing a deeper appreciation for the art of distillation and the rich heritage of Irish whiskey.
Flask & Barrel Review of Boann Distillery
I recently had the pleasure of touring Boann Distillery, and as a whiskey collector who’s been on countless distillery tours, I must say, Boann is a gem. Nestled in the heart of Drogheda, Co. Meath, this family-owned distillery seamlessly blends tradition with cutting-edge technology.
From the moment I stepped into the visitor center, I was greeted with the warmest welcome. The facility is stunning, with its Italian-made copper pot stills gleaming behind floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The design alone is a sight to behold, but what really stands out is the passion and dedication that the Cooney family puts into their craft.
The tour kicked off with a detailed explanation of the whiskey-making process. Our guide, Sally Anne Cooney, was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly engaging. She walked us through each step, from milling and mashing to fermentation and distillation. The distillery uses innovative nano-copper technology in their stills, which enhances the flavor and purity of the spirit.
One of the highlights for me was seeing the Boyne Brewhouse. It’s fascinating to witness the synergy between the brewing and distilling processes. We got to sample some of their craft beers, which were fantastic. The taproom has a cozy, welcoming vibe, perfect for enjoying a pint or two.
Boann’s commitment to sustainability is also impressive. They use a closed-loop water system and rainwater harvesting to minimize their environmental footprint. Plus, all by-products are repurposed as animal feed, which is a great touch.
The tasting session at the end of the tour was the cherry on top. We got to try a range of their whiskeys, including some from their award-winning Whistler series. Each one had its own unique character, and you could really taste the quality and craftsmanship in every sip.
The only downside was that I couldn’t take a bottle of their freshly distilled whiskey home, as it needs to age for a few more years. But that’s just something to look forward to in the future.
Overall, I’d rate my experience at Boann Distillery a solid 4.7 out of 5. The combination of traditional methods and modern technology, along with the Cooney family’s passion, makes this place special. If you’re ever in the Boyne Valley, a visit to Boann Distillery is a must. You won’t be disappointed.
What To Do Nearby Boann Distillery
Sláinte Irish Whiskey Experience (0.7 miles): Located right next to the Boann Distillery, Sláinte offers a comprehensive look at the history of Irish whiskey, complete with interactive exhibits and a tasting experience. Here, you can learn about the distilling process from grain to glass and sample a variety of Irish whiskeys.
St. Peter’s Church (1.2 miles): Steeped in history, St. Peter’s Church is the oldest church in Drogheda, dating back to the 12th century. Explore its medieval architecture, admire the stained glass windows, and climb the tower for panoramic views of the town.
Millmount Museum (1.4 miles): Delve into Drogheda’s rich past at the Millmount Museum. This museum houses archaeological and historical exhibits showcasing the town’s journey from its monastic beginnings to its role as a major port city.
Boyne Valley Drive (scenic route): If you’re looking for a scenic escape, embark on the Boyne Valley Drive. This 30-kilometer route winds its way through the lush countryside, passing by historical sites like Newgrange Tomb and megalithic passage tombs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Boann Distillery?
Leyland Cafe & Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Leyland, Drogheda, Co. Meath, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 41 987 8573.
Gringo’s Mexican Restaurant and Bar: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 27 Laurence St, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 41 987 2966.
Salthouse Brasserie: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 2, Salthouse Lane, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 41 987 7709.
What hotels are near Boann Distillery?
Peggy Moores Pub, Bar Food & Hostel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 41 983 8681.
Scholars Townhouse Hotel: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is King St, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 41 983 5410.
The Old Dispensary Holiday Home: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 86 083 7143.