Tyrconnell whiskey is currently made by the Cooley Distillery, which is owned by Beam Suntory. However, the brand has a long and interesting history that dates back to the Watt Distillery, which was the original producer of Tyrconnell whiskey.
The Watt Distillery, according to the company, has roots that can be traced back to 1762. This makes it one of the oldest distilleries in Ireland. The distillery was located in the town of Derry, in what is now Northern Ireland. At the time, it was a small family-run operation, producing a range of spirits including whiskey.
The Tyrconnell brand itself was named after a famous racehorse that won the Irish National Produce Stakes in 1876. The horse was owned by Andrew Alexander Watt, who was the head of the distillery at the time. In honor of the horse's victory, Watt decided to name a special whiskey after it. This whiskey was known for its smoothness and quality, and quickly gained a reputation as one of the best Irish whiskeys of its time.
Unfortunately, like many distilleries in Ireland, the Watt Distillery faced a series of challenges in the early 20th century. The Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Prohibition in the United States significantly impacted the whiskey industry, and many distilleries were forced to close their doors. The Watt Distillery was no exception, and it ceased production in the early 1920s.
For several decades, Tyrconnell whiskey remained dormant, with no new batches being produced. However, in the late 1980s, a group of investors, led by John Teeling, saw an opportunity to revive the brand. They established the Cooley Distillery in County Louth, Ireland, with the goal of producing high-quality Irish whiskey, including Tyrconnell.
The Cooley Distillery quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to traditional whiskey-making methods and its dedication to producing unique and flavorful spirits. They focused on using traditional pot stills and aging their whiskeys in a variety of cask types, including bourbon, sherry, and port casks. These techniques allowed them to create a range of complex and distinctive flavors in their whiskey.
In 2011, the Cooley Distillery was acquired by Beam Suntory, a global spirits company that owns a number of well-known brands. This acquisition provided the Cooley Distillery with greater resources and distribution capabilities, allowing them to reach a wider audience with their products, including Tyrconnell whiskey.
Since the acquisition, the Cooley Distillery has continued to produce Tyrconnell whiskey in accordance with its rich history and tradition. They have expanded the range of Tyrconnell expressions available, offering different finishes and aging techniques to cater to a variety of taste preferences. The brand continues to receive acclaim for its quality and craftsmanship, and it has become a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.
The Cooley Distillery is currently responsible for producing Tyrconnell whiskey. However, the brand has a long and storied history that dates back to the Watt Distillery, which was the original producer of Tyrconnell whiskey. The revival of the brand by the Cooley Distillery has allowed it to thrive and continue its legacy of producing exceptional Irish whiskey.