Ardara (Sliabh Liag) Distillery
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About Ardara (Sliabh Liag) Distillery
James and Moira met in Zimbabwe and spent time in Africa in the tea and coffee business. After James worked in the beer and whiskey industries, he came home to Donegal to reclaim the area’s true distilling heritage. Far from Dublin, in terms of location and style, what Ardara seeks to produce is much closer to the illicit spirits his grandfather made in the past––and what some in the region still make to this day.
One of the chief characteristics of local poitín and whiskey is its smokiness. This smoke comes from the most prevalent heating source in the area: turf (known to whiskey drinkers as peat). In the days when transportation was limited in these areas, coal could be hard to get, so turf would be used for everything from heating homes to malting grains for spirits. Ardara has gone all in on this historically accurate whiskey-making technique and will bring that smoky character to all of their whiskeys. If you haven’t acquired a taste for smoky whiskey, this may be the best place to learn, as their triple distillation seeks to bring a smooth character to the whiskey. As you walk through the distillery, enjoy the smoky character mixed with the sweet grain aromas.
As seen in "Experiencing Irish Whiskey."
Map to Distillery
Note: This distillery information is provided “as is” and is intended for initial research only. Be aware, offerings change without notice and distilleries periodically shut down or suspend services. Always use the distillery’s websites to get the most detailed and up-to-date information. Your due diligence will ensure the smoothest experience possible.