Sliabh Liag Distillery
History of Sliabh Liag Distillery
Sliabh Liag Distillers holds a special place in Irish whiskey history. Founded in 2014 by James and Moira Doherty, it marked the return of legal distilling to County Donegal after a staggering 175-year absence.
The Dohertys, known as “Scatterlings” (people who return to their Donegal roots), were driven by a desire to revive the region’s rich distilling heritage and create a legacy for their community.
Inspired by Tradition and Family
James Doherty’s passion for peated whiskey stemmed from his grandfathers, who enjoyed tipples made with malt peated by Donegal turf. This tradition, coupled with the allure of Donegal’s wild landscape and the legendary distilling past, fueled the couple’s decision to uproot their lives in Hong Kong and embark on this ambitious project.
The Silkie and the Spirit of Authenticity
Sliabh Liag Distillers focuses on authenticity. Their flagship brand, “The Legendary Silkie,” is a peated Irish whiskey named after the mythical Selkie seals of Irish folklore. The distillery uses traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients, aiming to recreate the smoky, rich whiskeys enjoyed before the industrial revolution.
Their dedication to this authentic approach extends beyond whiskey – their “An Dúlamán” gin, launched in 2017, also reflects a commitment to quality and local botanicals.
A Work in Progress
Currently, Sliabh Liag Distillers operates two facilities. Their gin distillery resides in Kilcar, while The Legendary Silkie is produced at a temporary location. However, the future looks bright.
The company is constructing a permanent whiskey distillery in the historic village of Ardara, further solidifying their presence on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way and their commitment to the region.
Sliabh Liag Distillers is a young distillery with a fascinating story. They represent not just a revival of tradition, but also a dedication to creating high-quality, unique spirits inspired by the rich heritage and folklore of County Donegal.
Awards Won by Sliabh Liag Distillery
World Whiskies Awards: The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey won a gold medal and was named the overall winner in the blended whiskey (non age statement) category. The Dark Silkie also secured a silver medal, highlighting the distillery’s excellence in whiskey production.
Bartender Spirits Awards: The Silkie Irish Whiskey range has also been recognized here, earning gold for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship in 2022.
The Independent’s Top Irish Whiskey for 2024: The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey was named the top Irish whiskey by The Independent, praised for its rich character and elegant finish. This recognition underscores the brand’s dedication to quality and innovation in the whiskey industry.
Sliabh Liag Distillery Tour Information and Experience
Sliabh Liag Distillers, located at the Ardara Distillery in Donegal, offers an engaging and informative tour experience. The tours provide visitors with an in-depth look at the distillation process and the rich heritage of whiskey making in the region.
Tour Details:
- Tour Schedule: Available Monday through Saturday at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Each tour lasts approximately one hour.
- Admission Fees: The cost is €15 for a tour without tasting and €25 for a tour that includes tastings of their gin and whiskey. Children aged 8-18 can join for free, but children under 8 are not allowed. The tours are also wheelchair accessible.
- Booking: Advance booking is essential due to limited capacity (maximum 14 people per tour). You can book by contacting the distillery via phone or email.
Tour Experience: During the tour, visitors will learn about the history of Donegal’s distilling heritage and see the modern methods used to produce their award-winning spirits. The guide will provide insights into the unique smoky style of whiskey that Sliabh Liag is reviving, a nod to the region’s illicit distilling past. Guests will also have the opportunity to see the distillation process firsthand and enjoy tastings of their Silkie whiskeys and An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin.
Highlights:
- Knowledgeable Guides: Reviews frequently praise the tour guides for their passion and knowledge. Visitors often mention how engaging and informative the guides are, making the experience memorable.
- Beautiful Setting: The distillery’s location offers stunning views and a beautifully designed facility, enhancing the overall experience.
- Tasting Experience: The tour concludes with a tasting session, allowing visitors to sample various products, including the Silkie whiskey range and An Dúlamán gin.
Flask & Barrel Review of Sliabh Liag Distillery
Visiting the Sliabh Liag Distillery was an unforgettable experience! As a whiskey collector who’s toured numerous distilleries, I have to say, this one stands out. The tour was informative, engaging, and just plain fun.
Our guide, Grainne, was fantastic. She really knew her stuff and shared stories about the history of distilling in Donegal with such passion. You could tell she loved what she was doing. The hour-long tour flew by, and I never felt rushed. Instead, it felt like a deep dive into the world of Irish whiskey, specifically the smoky style that Sliabh Liag is known for.
The distillery itself is in a stunning location with beautiful views, and the building is impressive. Seeing the three copper pot stills framed by the picture window was a highlight. The tastings at the end were a perfect finish. We got to sample their Silkie whiskeys and the An Dúlamán gin. Each had its own unique character, and you could taste the craftsmanship in every sip.
The Silkie whiskey, in particular, was a revelation. As someone who’s tried a lot of different whiskeys, I was really impressed by its smooth, rich flavor with hints of smoke. It’s definitely earned a spot in my collection.
Overall, I’d rate the experience a solid 4.7 out of 5. It’s a must-do for any whiskey lover. If you’re ever in Donegal, make sure to visit the Sliabh Liag Distillery. You won’t be disappointed!
What To Do Nearby Sliabh Liag Distillery
Glengesh Pass (4 miles): A scenic mountain pass offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Perfect for a drive or a hike to appreciate Donegal’s natural beauty.
Assaranca Waterfall (6 miles): A stunning waterfall accessible via a short walk. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy the natural scenery and take some memorable photos.
Maghera Beach and Caves (7 miles): This beautiful beach features extensive caves and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s ideal for exploring and enjoying the coastal scenery.
Stephen Bennett Studio Gallery (2.1 miles): An art gallery showcasing the works of local artist Stephen Bennett. It’s a great stop for art lovers to see original paintings and prints.
Narin Beach (6 miles): A long, sandy beach perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Enjoy a swim, a walk, or just soak in the serene environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Sliabh Liag Distillery?
Nancy’s Bar: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Front Street, Ardara, Co. Donegal, F94 N7D2, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +353 74 954 1187.
Charlie’s West End Cafe: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Main Street, Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ireland. For reservations, you can contact them at +353 74 954 1656.
Mickalene’s Bar & Bistro: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Main Street, Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach them at +353 87 100 4000.
What hotels are near Sliabh Liag Distillery?
Woodhill House: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Woodhill, Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +353 74 954 1116.
Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The Diamond, Ardara, Co. Donegal, F94 H562, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +353 74 954 1103.
Mill Park Hotel – Airy rooms in a genteel hotel offering a restaurant & a cafe/bar, plus an indoor pool & hot tub. The address is The Mullins, Mullans, Donegal, F94 HD99, Ireland. You can call them at +353749722880.