Nestled in the rolling landscapes of Ireland, Cooley Distillery and Kilbeggan Distillery represent more than just whiskey makers - they're custodians of tradition, pioneers of revival, and champions of bold flavour. Though young in comparison to many storied Irish distilleries, Cooley has become synonymous with innovation, while Kilbeggan holds a legacy that stretches back to 1757, the year licensing began under Matthew MacManus.
Cooley was established in 1987 by John Teeling, who transformed a former industrial alcohol plant into one of Ireland's most adventurous distilleries. From its earliest days, Cooley stood out by adopting double distillation in contrast to the more common triple distillation in Irish whiskey and by reviving heritage labels like Kilbeggan, Locke's and Tyrconnell.
Meanwhile, Kilbeggan Distillery itself, after decades of silence, was reborn in 2007, with its equipment restored and distilling once again taking place on site, making it the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland still producing.
What makes Cooley & Kilbeggan special is not just heritage but authentic craftsmanship. Cooley brings together both pot stills and column stills, producing both malt and grain whiskies, matured in ex-Bourbon casks as a standard, with special finishes in sherry, port or other wine casks for some limited releases.
Kilbeggan's reconnection with its traditional roots, including revival of its original stills and restoration of its old kilns and mash houses, underscores a commitment to preserving style, flavour and Irish identity.
For lovers of whiskey seeking character, history, and complexity, Cooley & Kilbeggan offer bottles that deliver all three. From peated single malts to dry, honeyed blends, from classic grain expressions to small batch specialty finishes, they provide a spectrum of flavour that pays tribute to the past while pushing Irish whiskey forward.
