NEWS IN BRIEF
Brown-Forman starts construction of $50m Slane Distillery
Irish whiskey is one of the fastest growing spirits categories, says Brown-Forman, with the Slane Distillery being the first distillery it has built outside the US.
Located on the Slane Castle Estate in Co. Meath, the site is in the stables complex adjacent to the castle. The 18th century buildings will be restored and converted for the production operations and a visitor centre.
Slane Irish whiskeys will be launched on the market in early 2017. The products will first use whiskey from other Irish distilleries, and finished to Slane’s specifications, while the first whiskey from the distillery is laid down to mature.
The distillery will have an output of 600,000 cases, and will create around 25 full time jobs. The construction process will support around 80 jobs.
Brown-Forman, which owns brands including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort and Woodford Reserve, bought all shares of Slane Irish Whiskey Company earlier this year. The Conyngham family, which sold the business, are involved in the development of the new distillery.
