Killowen Distillery, nestled in the Mourne Mountains of County Down and part of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, stands as a testament to the revival of traditional Irish whiskey-making. Established in 2019 by Brendan Carty, an architect turned distiller, the distillery embodies a blend of historical authenticity and modern innovation.
Brendan Carty’s journey into distilling was sparked during his time in Australia, where he was inspired by the sustainable practices of Tasmania’s Belgrove Distillery. Upon returning to Ireland, he transformed a dilapidated shed into Killowen Distillery, emphasising traditional methods and sustainability.
Killowen is renowned for its commitment to age-old distillation practices. The distillery employs two flame-fed copper pot stills, Christoir and Broc, and utilises worm tub condensers—a rarity in Ireland—to produce spirits with robust character. Their process includes hand-mashing in upcycled dairy tanks and open-top fermentation, allowing wild yeasts to impart unique flavours.
Sustainability is central to Killowen’s operations. The distillery is constructed from recycled materials, and bottling occurs in a repurposed shipping container. Their product range includes whiskey, poitín, gin, rum, and liqueurs, all crafted with a focus on quality and local character.
Killowen has cultivated a dedicated following, known as the “Killowen Kult,” which supports the distillery’s experimental endeavours. The distillery’s commitment to excellence has been recognised with awards such as Craft Producer of the Year 2025 Globally at the Icons of Whisky Awards 2025. Killowen Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Signature Finish Rum & Raisin has won three years in a row a Double Gold Best Irish Whiskey at the The Fifty Best; our newest edition a Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Signature Finish Rum & Raisin has won a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and is also a finalist for Best of Class Single Malt Irish Whiskey. A great achievement for a product that is only on the market from January of this year. Gloria Coffee Liqueur won Best Other Irish Spirit at the Irish Whiskey Awards 2024.
In essence, Killowen Distillery represents a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability, contributing a distinctive voice to the Irish whiskey landscape. Tours available, check out our website for more information:
https://www.killowendistillery.com/product-category/tours/
https://www.killowendistillery.com/
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