Drumshanbo Distillery (The Shed Distillery)

History of Drumshanbo Distillery

Drumshanbo Distillery, officially known as The Shed Distillery, was established in 2014 in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, Ireland. The distillery was founded by PJ Rigney, an entrepreneur with a deep passion for craft spirits and a vision to create innovative and unique beverages. Rigney’s dream was to revive the rich heritage of distilling in Connacht, an area that had not seen an operational distillery in over a century.

Founder and Vision

PJ Rigney, the mastermind behind Drumshanbo Distillery, brought a wealth of experience and creativity to the project. Prior to founding The Shed Distillery, Rigney had an extensive career in the drinks industry, working with international brands and gaining invaluable knowledge. His vision for Drumshanbo was to blend traditional distillation techniques with modern innovation, resulting in a range of high-quality, distinctive spirits.

Types of Whiskey Offered

Drumshanbo Distillery is renowned for its Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. This whiskey is crafted using a combination of malted and unmalted barley, with the addition of oats, which gives it a unique creamy texture and flavor profile. The whiskey is aged in a variety of casks, including ex-bourbon, sherry, and virgin oak, which imparts rich and complex flavors.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

In addition to whiskey, Drumshanbo Distillery is famous for its Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. This gin is named after the gunpowder tea that is one of its key botanicals. The gin is crafted using a mix of traditional and exotic botanicals, resulting in a fresh, citrus-forward spirit with a distinctive flavor.

Awards Won by Drumshanbo Distillery

1. International Spirit Brand of the Year (2022): Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin was honored at the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards, beating other top international brands like Moët and Jägermeister. The distillery also won “Distillery of the Year” at the same awards​.
2. Flaviar Best Gin ‘Oscar’ (2019): Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin won this award, creating significant international excitement and solidifying its reputation as a leading premium gin brand​.
3. San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2023): Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin took Gold, and The Shed Distillery was named “International Distillery of the Year”​​.

Drumshanbo Distillery Tour Information and Experience

The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, offers an immersive tour experience into the world of craft distilling, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation.

Tour Highlights

The Curious Journey Distillery Tour

This fully-guided tour provides an in-depth look into the distillation process, from botanical selection to bottling. Visitors learn about the history and unique production methods of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, and other spirits.

Tasting Session

Guests enjoy expert tastings of Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, guided by knowledgeable ambassadors. The tour concludes with a refreshing gin and tonic at the Honey Badger Bar.

Visitor Center and Gift Shop

The visitor center features a well-stocked gift shop offering exclusive spirits, local crafts, and souvenirs. The welcoming environment allows guests to learn more about the distillery’s products and history.

Honey Badger Bar

Located within a botanical glasshouse, the Honey Badger Bar specializes in drinks crafted from Shed Distillery brands, including signature serves and bespoke beverages.

Jackalope Café

The Jackalope Café serves hearty Irish cuisine and a variety of beverages in a bright, spacious setting. Visitors can relax and enjoy meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

Additional Information

Booking and Hours

The Shed Distillery is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Tours can be booked online in advance, ensuring availability. Private and group tours are also available upon request.

Location and Accessibility

The distillery is located in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, easily accessible by car with ample parking. It is approximately a two-hour drive from Dublin.

Flask & Barrel Review of Drumshanbo Distillery

As a whiskey collector who’s toured many distilleries, my visit to Drumshanbo Distillery was an absolute treat. This place is nestled in the charming town of Drumshanbo, and right from the start, you can feel the passion and craftsmanship.

The tour was engaging and informative. I loved learning about their unique distillation process. Our guide was super knowledgeable and made the history come alive. The highlight was definitely the tasting session. 

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and their Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey are top-notch. The gin had this incredible mix of botanicals, while the whiskey was smooth with a nice, creamy finish.

The visitor center and gift shop were also impressive. I picked up a couple of exclusive bottles to add to my collection. The on-site café was a great spot to relax with a hearty Irish meal after the tour.

Overall, I’d rate my experience a solid 4.7 out of 5. The only reason it’s not a full 5 is that I wished for a bit more time during the tasting to savor the spirits. But hey, that’s just a minor thing in an otherwise fantastic visit. If you’re ever in County Leitrim, this distillery is a must-visit!

What To Do Nearby Drumshanbo Distillery

Acres Lake and Floating Boardwalk (0.5 miles): Acres Lake features a picturesque marina, tennis courts, an outdoor heated swimming pool, and a playground. The highlight is the 600-meter floating boardwalk that forms part of a 6.5 km walking and cycling trail from Drumshanbo to Battlebridge Lock. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride while enjoying the scenic views of the lake.

Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre (0.5 miles): Located near Acres Lake, this visitor center offers insights into the history and folklore of the Sliabh an Iarainn mountain range. It’s a great place to learn about the local heritage and enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape.

Allen Centre (1 mile): Situated at Lough Allen, the Allen Centre provides a variety of water sports activities such as sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and canoeing. It’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to engage in exciting water-based adventures.

Moorlands Equestrian Centre (2 miles): This family-run riding school offers lessons, treks, and cross-country ride-outs in a scenic setting between Sliabh an Iarainn and the Arigna mountains. It’s a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of the area on horseback.

Lough Allen (1 mile): Known as an angler’s paradise, Lough Allen offers excellent fishing opportunities with a variety of fish species, including pike, trout, perch, and tench. It’s a popular spot for both amateur and seasoned anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Drumshanbo Distillery?

Jinny’s Tea Room: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Acres Lake Amenity, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 71 964 1150.

The Oarsman: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Bridge St, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 71 962 1733.

Vittos Restaurant & Bar: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Main St, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 71 962 7000.

What hotels are near Drumshanbo Distillery?

Kilronan Castle: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address isCastletenison Demesne, Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, F52 R867, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353719618000.

Bush Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Main Street, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, about 8 miles from the distillery. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 71 967 1000.

Leitrim Marina Hotel: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Leitrim Village, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, about 7 miles from the distillery. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 71 962 3644.