The distillery was formally opened in 2019 by its owners, the Scully family, who have farmed the coastal Cork land for eight successive generations.

Head Distiller Paul Corbett, joined Clonakilty after 2 years at Teeling Distillery in Dublin. It’s all about generations of legacy at Clonakilty; Paul’s grandfather  worked for West Cork Distillers a few miles along the coast.

The flagship Clonakilty Distillery expression is the Single Batch Double Oak (sourced whiskey currently).

Also in their whiskey portfolio is The Port Cask, and the Single Grain Bordeaux.

Their dedicated visitors center opened in March of 2019 located less than 15 minutes drive from the Scully family farm and is expected to attract upwards of 35,000 visitors a year as the current whiskey boom continues.

Described as an “art hub” the complex comprises of a visitor experience, a gin school and The Whale’s Tail Bistro.

The whiskey matures/finishes in custom-built warehouses on the Galley Head peninsula overlooking the Irish Sea and absorbing a bit of that fine salty air.

Clonakilty Distillery’s 3 copper pot stills are clearly visible through the floor to ceiling glass walls to all who pass by the distillery, making them quite the landmark.

Clonakilty Distillery also produces Minke Gin, named after the Minke whale that visits the coast, which is derived from locally-produced whey and infused with a coastal botanical called rock samphire.