Alex Loudon – Ireland’s Rainwater Whiskey Maker

In October this year, Ireland had 34 operating Irish whiskey distilleries. As we settle in to November, we now find ourselves with 36 distilleries on the island of Ireland producing Irish whiskey.

The newest distillery, Glendree Distillery, is located in Glendree in East Clare, on a winding mountain road on a slope of the Slieve Aughty Mountains, at the family farm of founders Paul and Alex Loudon.

This father-son duo began production in 2019 on a mission to produce independent craft spirits using carefully selected grains and yeast and remarkably, 100% harvested rainwater.

As the first distillery to legally produce spirits in East Clare in more than 350 years, the Loudons are blazing a new and modern path in the industry. With a one-of-a-kind still and a passion for sustainability, they may well be setting a new benchmark for future whiskey makers.

I was fascinated by their approach and goals so I sat down with one half of the distilling team, Alex Loudon, to learn more about this unique distillery.