A ‘field to glass’ family operation, every grain of barley in Ballykeefe Whiskey is sown, grown, harvested, milled and distilled on their own family farm. Positioned in the area where the birth of Irish whiskey was first recorded in 1324, Ballykeefe Distillery is a multiple award winner for quality and sustainability.
Ballykeefe Distillery is owned and managed by Morgan and Anne Ging and their family who trace their unbroken farming lineage as far back as written records exist. Morgan’s fascination with the shared history of Irish farming and Irish whiskey, led him to dream of one day diversifying his farming enterprise with the addition of a distillery.
For centuries there were thousands of small family farm distilleries dotted across Ireland, a tradition that was lost for well over 200 years. Ballykeefe Distillery was the first to revive that historical legacy of Irish whiskey being produced on a working family farm, driven by family values and a commitment to exceptional quality.
Sustainability and protecting the environment are central to the business plan at Ballykeefe Distillery, with no expense spared to achieve the highest quality standards in every aspect of the distilling operation and visitor experience. There is zero off farm waste with all by products of distilling, the pot ale and spent grains, fed to the beef cattle on the family farm ensuring a fully sustainable, low carbon footprint in every aspect of the operation.
Super premium is the quality standard at Ballykeefe Distillery. As an authentic artisan handcrafted operation, it is a hearts only distiller’s cut. This means all heads and tails are discarded, and the emphasis is on quality rather than quantity. The Ballykeefe spirit range is produced in small batches in bespoke handcrafted Italian copper stills which have been built by the renowned Barison family. The Ballykeefe spirit range includes Ballykeefe Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Ballykeefe Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Ballykeefe Irish Gin, Ballykeefe Irish Vodka and Ballykeefe Irish Poitín.
A tour of Ballykeefe Distillery is a must for anyone with an interest in Kilkenny’s historical association with Irish whiskey. A guided tour enables visitors to explore the distillery and discover the ancient art of Irish whiskey making and the craftmanship that goes into each of the casks. Visitors will experience first hand the sound, smell and feel of a fully operational distillery, with a behind the scenes tour exploring each stage of the brewing and distilling process. Visitors will sample the spirits in the repurposed horse stable which now serves as the tasting room, with its high ceilings, exposed brick and reclaimed wood tables and bar, fresh with knowledge of the history and the craftsmanship devoted to their making.
Tours are available on a request basis, visit their website for further details.
