Science in craft brewing and distilling in Northern Irish focus

Craft brewing and distilling will be a focus in Northern Ireland's forthcoming Science Festival. The event, which is held from 15-25 February, highlights the contribution of science in many industries.

Three craft breweries in Derry, Dopey Dick's, Northbound and Walled City, along with Rademon Craft Distillery in Crossgar, county Down, home of the award-winning Shortcross Gin and currently developing a malt Irish whiskey, feature in an extensive programme of events in the NI Science Festival.

The three craft breweries have produced award-winning beers, ales and stouts and are among Northern Ireland's most innovative.

They will feature in a special brewery tour for participants in the successful science festival. At each of these locations, participants will meet brew masters, learn some of the secrets of their craft, and sample their products.

At Rademon Craft Distillery, an exclusive tour and tasting experience will unlock some of the secrets and skills that go into creating Shortcross Gin.

David Boyd-Armstrong, the head distiller, will explain the fascinating process; from how they harvest local botanicals, draw fresh water from the distillery well, distil on a bespoke copper pot still and bottle and label the finished product on site.

The small batch distillery recently opened a purpose-built visitor centre to facilitate such tours.

With over 180 events across more than 50 venues, the NI Science Festival has been designed to offer a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The focus on brewing and distilling will showcase the science involved in both sectors which are growing strongly in Northern Ireland. The region has over 30 craft breweries, four gin producers, four whiskey business and a producer of gin and another providing Jamaican rum. A locally distilled rum is also in the pipeline.

These events present some of the best scientists from Northern Ireland and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.

The event is supported by Queen's University Belfast, the Ulster University, Tourism NI and the region's Department for the economy.