Ballykeefe Distillery

Nestled in the heart of the countryside near Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval capital city, you can find history alive and well at Ballykeefe Distillery.

The first recorded account of distilling in Ireland came from this region — earning it the title “birthplace of Irish whiskey.”

The Ging family is paying homage to that rich tradition by reviving the historical practice of producing spirits onsite at Ballykeefe Distillery’s sustainable, working family farm.

From seed to sip, Ballykeefe Distillery’s gin, vodka, poitín and whiskey are entirely grown and distilled on premise. The by-products of the brewing process are used to sustain the farm’s livestock, resulting in zero waste.

Each offering is triple distilled in their Irish designed, Italian made copper stills. Their water comes from a deep well under the Ballykeefe farm itself.

The Ballykeefe visitor experience is already operational and focuses on the rural history of Irish whiskey. It features a lecture from Master Distiller Jamie Baggott before concluding with a tasting in their purpose built visitor centre located in the old stables on the farm just 10 meters from the live animals the family keeps.

Ballykeefe recently released their own first whiskeys, produced grain-to-glass on site.