While Killowen Distillery may be a relatively small distillery in terms of size in Ireland, there is none likely set in a more idyllic location.
Up the long winding Kilfeaghan Road lies a distillery unique in location and production just outside Rostrevor. Looking out from the distillery iteself, it is clear to see how C.S Lewis was inspired all those years ago to create Narnia from his impressions of South Down.
The guiding spirit behind the Killowen Distillery is local man Brendan Carty. Brendan used to work as an architect, but whiskey has very much been in his veins his whole life. Brendan explained his grandfather used to own two pubs, one being in Belfast and the other being the well-known Maypole Bar in Hollywood.
He said: “From an early age, I grew up with whiskey, as it was in Hollywood, where my grandfather used to bottle his own brand. From the age of nine, my grandfather was teaching me about whiskey production and the likes of pot stills. It was an unusual and useful early education.
“These lessons in whiskey were not something that I forgot and as I recalled them back all those years ago, it was clear to see how much influence they had upon me in shaping my destiny here in the hills of the lower Mournes.”
Even when he moved to Australia, during the recession for better career opportunities, Brendan took time to visit different whiskey distilleries in Oz and even went to the well-renowned Belgrove Whiskey Distillery in Tasmania which he admits had a big influence on his vision for his own Distillery.
Brendan said: “The key ethos when visualising an idea for Killowen Distillery was sustainability. Re-usable and upcycled materials were key to this vision and there are key examples of parts of the distillery that had been locally sourced and renovated.”
“For example, the bar within the distillery had come from an airport and was initially to be demolished, but here it is perfectly at home. Having said that, it is not he most striking feature of the room.
“This accolade goes to the artwork which adorns the walls by local artist Seana Grant. The wall is covered by a mural which both encapsulates the distillery through the inclusion of Pot Stills but also pays homage to the surrounding area by featuring the nearby Cassy Water familiar to all local residents.
“My vision for this distillery was the idea of a location which celebrated the Mournes and which could be reflected in their products. I couldn’t have picked a better location in this semi-maritime location embedded in the mountains. Part of the Killowen whisky experience is tasting the sea in the complex mix of flavours.
“Having found the right location for the distillery, my architectural skills transformed what was once a collapsed shed into what is now a freshly-renovated distillery which celebrates the ancient methods of distillation.
Brendan spoke very passionately about his dream business. He is very knowledgeable about the whiskey industry and of the historical background of the distillery,
In talking about the distillation process, Brendan added: “Killowen Distillery is the only distillery in Ireland to use worm tub distillation, and to me that this was a conscious decision, made in order to honour ancient Irish mash bills and other methods. I think the benefits of this are the preservation of the heavier bolder flavours which creates a distinct well-rounded whiskey.
“Regulations covering the sale of whiskey state that it must be allowed to mature for three years prior to being sold. In the meantime, Killowen stores its whiskey on site, and it will only hit the shelves once it meets the high standards I have set.
“I have two shareholders joining me in this venture… Liam Brogan and Shane McCarthy… both are shareholders and supportive friends.”
Also, working at Killowen Distillery is Conor O’Hare who has four years experience locally of brewing under his belt. Conor is also highly qualified with a certificate in distillation from the IDB ( Institute of Distillation and Brewing). Brendan said he is delighted to be able to have someone local with such good expertise on board his project.
Brendan explained: “If I could summarise the aims behind Killowen’s Distillation, they are to disprove the three myths of the making of Irish whiskey ie. that Irish whiskey has to be smooth, has to be triple distilled and is not peated.
“Instead, Killowen whiskey will be double distilled, complex rather than smooth and will be peated. While there may be grain in the whiskey, it’s clear to see Killowen will definitely be going against the grain in this regard.
“Killowen intends to release three gins. These are native botanical, cask-aged and heather and hibiscus which may not be the market until a later date. It will certainly be a surprise to the market when it does all go on sale. We are all very proud of the uniqueness of our products at Killowen.
“Its native botanical edition will contain ingredients all sourced locally while the cask aged edition will feature angelica root from my father’s farm in Donegal which will then be aged in oak casks to give a more complex flavour.
“Whiskey is not the only spirit produced here in Killowen as I am also working on poitin and a selection of gins due to the hit the market in the near future. Poitín is also on offer in Killowen, and I am hoping to have a hand in helping to change the dented reputation of poitín, which has been tainted over the years. I hope to bring some respect back to its name, an old Irish drink, for it to be viewed as a delicacy in Ireland once again.”
Brendan once again demonstrated his passion and knowledge for his field, as he insisted poitín has to be made from grain in order to express the beautiful taste it is capable of.
With local businesses currently concerned on the impact Brexit, Brendan was not overly concerned. He said: “Bring it on, We’ve faced many challenges over the years, opening this distillery is but one, what’s one more?
“Basically I aim to keep the distillery on a small scale going forward, and keep the business growing but always embedded within the local area. It’s a very pleasurable business to work in and I suppose our motto here is ‘Keep it crazy’ by offering spirits with a twist but which always pay respect to ancient Irish crafts and heritage.
“With Irish Spirits undergoing a revival in recent years according to experts, there is a definitely an opportunity for this local business to succeed. With our unique approach to distillation and our range and offering of products from the Mournes by the Mournes, Killowen Distillery certainly has a bright future ahead we believe”.
