First US business for Boatyard Gin in New York State

Boatyard Distillery in Northern Ireland has launched its award-winning double gins in New York State through a deal with established distributor Empire Merchants, a premium wine and spirit’s specialist that has roots going back to the end of Prohibition.

The distillery, based near Enniskillen in county Fermanagh in a transformed boat house overlooking Lough Erne, has also announced the appointment of Michael Smoley as market manager, in New York.

He joins Boatyard having just enjoyed a much-lauded tenure at New York’s, NoMad Hotel. Michael was one of the key leaders behind the NoMad Bars success, with it consistently featuring in the World’s 50 Best Bars lists amongst other accolades.

Late 2020 saw Boatyard appoint previous director of bars of the Savoy, Declan McGurk as commercial director, and this recent appointment bolsters the distillery’s on trade credentials, as they strive for expansion.

Boatyard was founded by Joe McGirr in 2016 in county Fermanagh and focuses on crafting premium spirits that combine quality with provenance and heritage.

Boatyard Double Gin represents its core expression. This 46% ABV Irish distilled gin contains a locally foraged botanical called Sweet Gale, in an otherwise classic recipe. The double in its name refers to a double contact with juniper during distillation resulting in a juniper forward gin, perfect for Martinis.

Declan McGurk says: “Our US launch is a landmark moment for Boatyard, and we are overjoyed to be partnered with Empire Merchants in New York. To then add the appointment of Michael Smoley, demonstrates our intent within the market. As a business we certainly don’t have limitless resources but securing the services of Michael will allow us to ensure that the Boatyard service attitude crosses over the Atlantic.”  

Michael Smoley adds: “I am beyond pleased to start my journey with the Boatyard Distillery. From day one their values have perfectly aligned with mine.  They put their people first, they’re obsessed with quality, and they’re doing it all in a sustainable way ensuring that we are here to stay.

“Launching Boatyard in the US, starting with New York, is a thrilling prospect. New Yorkers constantly see trends come and go. When we find something of genuine quality and truly innovative, we latch on and never let go. My goal is to show New Yorkers, and then the rest of the country, that Boatyard is a brand worth latching on to. The quality, passion, transparency and innovation are there. The stage is set for creating a lasting impact on the industry,” he adds.