Waterford Distillery

History of Waterford Distillery

Waterford Distillery, unlike many steeped-in-tradition Scottish operations, is a recent arrival on the whisky scene. Yet, its innovative approach and focus on terroir-driven single malts have made it a name to watch in the world of Irish whiskey.

From Wine to Whisky: Mark Reynier’s Vision (2014):

The story of Waterford Distillery begins with Mark Reynier, a visionary figure in the whisky industry. Prior to Waterford, Reynier had already made a name for himself through his involvement with Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, where he championed the concept of using local barley to create unique single malts. 

In 2014, he set his sights on Ireland, specifically a former Guinness brewery in Waterford city. This marked the birth of Waterford Distillery.

A Focus on Terroir (2015 – Present):

Waterford Distillery isn’t your typical Irish whiskey producer. While most Irish whiskies are known for their blended nature, Waterford goes against the grain (pun intended) by focusing on single malts that showcase the concept of terroir. Terroir, a French term used in winemaking, refers to the influence of the specific growing environment on the final product. 

Waterford applies this concept to whisky, believing that the unique character of the barley grown in various regions of Ireland imparts distinct flavors to the finished product.

Farm to Flask: The Waterford Way:

To achieve their terroir-driven vision, Waterford works directly with over 70 farms across Ireland. The barley from each farm is meticulously tracked, malted separately, fermented with unique yeast strains, and finally distilled in customized copper stills. 

This meticulous process results in a vast array of “new make” spirits, each reflecting the specific terroir of the barley it originated from. These new make spirits are then matured in a variety of cask types, further adding complexity to the final product.

Waterford Single Malts: A Celebration of Irish Diversity:

Waterford Distillery doesn’t bottle its whiskies by age statements, but rather by “farm releases.” Each release highlights the single malt produced from barley grown on a specific farm, allowing consumers to experience the unique taste profile of that particular terroir. 

This innovative approach has garnered Waterford critical acclaim and a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts seeking a new and exciting way to explore Irish whiskey.

While still young, Waterford Distillery has established itself as a leader in the exploration of terroir-driven Irish whiskey. With its focus on quality, innovation, and celebrating the diversity of Irish barley, Waterford promises to be a name synonymous with exceptional single malts for years to come.

Awards Won by Waterford Distillery

2023 Bartender Spirits Awards:

• Organic Cuvée Gaia: Double Gold, 96 Points, and Ireland Organic Whisky of the Year.
• The Waterford Cuvée Koffi: Gold, 94 Points, Best of Category, and Best in Show​​.

2023 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition:

• The Waterford: Cuvée Koffi: Double Gold Winner..

2023 The Fifty Best:

• The Waterford: Cuvée Koffi: Double Gold Winner.

Whiskey Ring Awards 2022:

• Innovation in Whiskey.
• Best World Whiskey for The Big Five release

Waterford Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Waterford Distillery offers a unique and immersive “Terroir Tour” that provides a deep dive into their innovative approach to whisky production. The tour is designed to showcase the distinct flavors derived from different barley farms, highlighting the terroir-driven philosophy that sets Waterford apart.

Tour Highlights

1. Welcome to The Facilitator: The tour begins at the modern Waterford Distillery, located on the banks of the River Suir. Visitors are introduced to the facility known as The Facilitator, where the process of transforming Irish-grown barley into Waterford Whisky starts.
2. Barley Provenance: Guests will explore the “Map of Provenance,” which details the various Irish farms contributing unique barley flavors. The tour covers the significance of organic, biodynamic, and heritage barley, providing insight into the agricultural roots of their whisky production.
3. Technological Trinity: The distillery features a one-of-a-kind technological setup for transforming malted barley into the purest wort. This section of the tour includes an explanation of cool and long malolactic fermentations and the low-and-slow distillation process, which are crucial for liberating flavors.
4. Tasting Session: The tour concludes with a tasting session where visitors can sample some of Head Distiller Ned’s creations. This offers a practical experience of the distinct and complex flavors that define Waterford Whisky.
5. Historical Context: The site of Waterford Distillery has a rich history, initially established as a brewery in 1792. The tour provides historical insights into the evolution of the site from a brewery to a cutting-edge distillery, emphasizing its longstanding connection to the local community and barley production.

Booking Information

• Tour Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Price: €25 per person.

Flask & Barrel Review of Waterford Distillery

Visiting Waterford Distillery was one of the highlights of my whisky-collecting journey. I’ve been on numerous distillery tours, but Waterford truly stands out with its unique approach and dedication to showcasing terroir.

From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the modern facility, aptly named The Facilitator, located on the scenic banks of the River Suir. The tour kicked off with a warm welcome and a brief history lesson about the site, which used to be a brewery established back in 1792. This historical context added a rich layer to the experience.

What sets Waterford apart is their obsession with the provenance of their barley. The “Map of Provenance” was a fascinating part of the tour. It showed over 100 Irish farms contributing to their whisky’s unique flavors.

The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, explaining the significance of organic, biodynamic, and heritage barley in a way that was easy to understand and deeply engaging.

The technological setup at Waterford is nothing short of impressive. They have a unique configuration that transforms malted barley into the purest wort. Learning about their cool and long malolactic fermentations and the low-and-slow distillation process was a treat for any whisky geek. It’s clear they put a lot of thought into every step to ensure maximum flavor extraction.

The best part? The tasting session at the end. I got to sample some of Head Distiller Ned’s creations, and they did not disappoint. Each sip was a journey through complex and layered flavors, a testament to the meticulous processes we’d just learned about.

Overall, I’d rate my experience at Waterford Distillery a solid 4.7 out of 5. The only minor downside was that the tour could be a bit overwhelming with all the technical details, but for a whisky enthusiast like me, it was pure gold. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in understanding the deeper intricacies of whisky production.

What To Do Nearby Waterford Distillery

The Viking Triangle (1 mile): This cultural and historic center of Waterford offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich Viking history. Explore narrow streets, historic architecture, and visit landmarks like the 13th-century underground wine vault and three world-class museums. It’s a compact area brimming with over 1,000 years of history, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts​​.

Irish Museum of Time (0.7 miles): Located in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle, this museum houses the finest collection of Irish timepieces in the world. Discover the evolution of timekeeping from sundials to sophisticated clocks and watches. The museum features exhibits from various countries and offers interactive displays to engage visitors of all ages​​.

Christ Church Cathedral (0.7 miles): This historic cathedral invites visitors to explore nearly 1,000 years of history. With free entrance and interpretive guides available, it provides a peaceful setting for reflection and learning. The cathedral is a stunning example of Georgian architecture and a significant landmark in Waterford​​.

Garter Lane Arts Centre (1 mile): Situated in two beautiful Georgian buildings, this arts center offers a year-round program of theatre, music, film, literature, and visual arts. It’s a vibrant hub for the arts in Waterford and provides various cultural events and performances, making it an excellent stop for art lovers​​.

Comeragh Drive (10 miles): A scenic drive that offers breathtaking views and stops like Mahon Falls and the “magic road” where cars appear to roll uphill. It’s perfect for a leisurely day trip to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Waterford Distillery?

Bodega: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 54 John Street, Waterford, X91 XW2R, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +353 51 844 177. Bodega! offers a vibrant menu featuring Irish, seafood, and Mediterranean dishes, making it a local favorite for diverse and flavorful dining experiences​​.

The Granary Cafe: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Hanover Street, Waterford, Ireland. For reservations, you can contact them at +353 51 854 428. This cafe is known for its delicious breakfast and lunch options, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere​​.

Emiliano’s Italian Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 21 High Street, Waterford, Ireland. For reservations, you can call +353 51 820 333. Emiliano’s serves authentic Italian cuisine with a wide selection of pasta, pizza, and traditional dishes in a charming setting

What hotels are near Waterford Distillery?

Granville Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Meagher’s Quay, Waterford, Ireland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +353 51 305 555. This historic hotel, located in the heart of Waterford, offers elegant rooms, a renowned restaurant, and friendly service.

Faithlegg Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Faithlegg, Waterford, Ireland. For reservations, you can contact them at +353 51 382 000. This luxurious country house hotel features a golf course, spa, and fine dining, providing a relaxing and upscale experience in a scenic setting.

Waterford Marina Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Canada Street, Waterford, Ireland. For reservations, you can call +353 51 856 600. Situated on the banks of the River Suir, this hotel offers modern rooms, a riverside restaurant, and easy access to local attractions, making it a convenient and comfortable stay.