Three original gins from Killowen in Northern Ireland

Killowen Distillery in Northern Ireland has released two new pot still distilled gins, 'Rhubarb Heather Hibiscus and Blackberry, Rosemary & Orange.

In addition to these, the small batch distillery which is based at Rostrevor, near Newry in county Down, has also produced 'Gloria', a cask aged, poitin based coffee liqueur. 

The small distillery is located in the iconic Mourne Mountains and uses mountain stream water. Run by master distiller Brendan Carty, Killowen has developed a global reputation for experimentation in spirits especially Irish whiskey blends on the basis of limited editions.

Brendan Carty explains: “Most of the new releases have already sold out and we have recently scrambled to get them back in stock with our usual outlets in response to demand. The spirits are being distributed all Anzac Wholesale in Northern Ireland, and by Celtic Whiskey Shop in the Republic of Ireland.

“In addition, Irish Malts provides a global delivery service. Other online retailers to are Anzac Wholesale, Celtic Whiskey Shop, irish-whiskeys.de and the Whiskey Exchange,” he adds.

Mr Carty, a qualified architect designed and built his own whiskey and gin distillery in a picturesque and remote location overlooking Carlingford Lough in 2017.

Killowen features two copper pot stills which are flame-fed. Grain for distilling is also smoked slowly in a chamber lined with sustainably sourced turf.

Mr Carty shaped the two pot stills from an ancient design. The distillation, in addition, uses worm tub condensation, the only distillery in Ireland to use this historic technique. A worm tub is a traditional way of turning vapour into liquid for “a complex whiskey with a distinctive character and a richer flavour”.