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Successfully funded
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Donegal's distilling heritage is being reclaimed. Backed by drinks giant Asahi, Sliabh Liag Distillers makes award winning whiskey, gin and vodka, with 65,000 bottles sold in 23 countries since 2017. A full-scale whiskey distillery is now being built to help meet the forecast doubling of Irish whiskey market by 2030.
- Fast growing Irish whiskey segment and super-premiumisation of gin
- Previous investment of €3m from Asahi (owner of Nikka Whisky, Peroni, Asahi)
- Highly experienced global drinks industry management team
- Three brands already launched with distribution partners in 23 markets
Idea
:max_bytes(50000)/https://files-crowdcube-com.s3.amazonaws.com/files/opportunity_section_media/original/202008/ca3820aa5934138b49faae3d669f3413.png "The new Ardara Distillery building design with stills capable of producing 500,000L spirit each year, helping meet the rising global demand for Irish whiskey. The category is expected to double by 2030")
The new Ardara Distillery building design with stills capable of producing 500,000L spirit each year, helping meet the rising global demand for Irish whiskey. The category is expected to double by 2030
:max_bytes(50000)/https://files-crowdcube-com.s3.amazonaws.com/files/opportunity_section_media/original/202008/e3ef7c8ae0e974798686458d76b99f80.png "Located on the banks of the Owenea river, the distillery’s whiskey will be shaped by its environment with soft water, peat and maritime climate all contributing to its final, smoky, distinctly Donegal flavour")
Located on the banks of the Owenea river, the distillery’s whiskey will be shaped by its environment with soft water, peat and maritime climate all contributing to its final, smoky, distinctly Donegal flavour
:max_bytes(50000)/https://files-crowdcube-com.s3.amazonaws.com/files/opportunity_section_media/original/202008/f0c1d9ae83c8cb02c0ccc354afd48ee7.png "The distillery is being built in phases, with works already underway and distilling beginning in summer 2021. Relocation of the current gin distilling facilities, visitor centre and bottling hall will follow")
The distillery is being built in phases, with works already underway and distilling beginning in summer 2021. Relocation of the current gin distilling facilities, visitor centre and bottling hall will follow
:max_bytes(50000)/https://files-crowdcube-com.s3.amazonaws.com/files/opportunity_section_media/original/202008/09afc6b9db8bc2e5ee1f9218265e2c76.png "Named after one of the five seaweeds infused into the spirit, An Dúlamán pioneered the Irish Maritime Gin category. It received highest marks for taste amongst 47 gins at the Bartender Brand Awards 2019")
Named after one of the five seaweeds infused into the spirit, An Dúlamán pioneered the Irish Maritime Gin category. It received highest marks for taste amongst 47 gins at the Bartender Brand Awards 2019
:max_bytes(50000)/https://files-crowdcube-com.s3.amazonaws.com/files/opportunity_section_media/original/202008/ed034eca404faa02403f6f805c5e883a.png "Carefully blended from a variety of whiskeys and bottled at the business’ Carrick Distillery, The Legendary Silkie has a rich character and soft easy-drinking taste profile. Named after local mythical creatures")
Carefully blended from a variety of whiskeys and bottled at the business’ Carrick Distillery, The Legendary Silkie has a rich character and soft easy-drinking taste profile. Named after local mythical creatures
:max_bytes(50000)/https://files-crowdcube-com.s3.amazonaws.com/files/opportunity_section_media/original/202008/6f7b1a2950fcd624b90d7b6f6eebf99e.png "The richer, smokier sister of Silkie is a return to the peated whiskey style from before the industrial revolution. A style to make Donegal whiskey famous, and fill a growing appetite for variety")
The richer, smokier sister of Silkie is a return to the peated whiskey style from before the industrial revolution. A style to make Donegal whiskey famous, and fill a growing appetite for variety
:max_bytes(50000)/https://files-crowdcube-com.s3.amazonaws.com/files/opportunity_section_media/original/202008/20e192e8f79f7d472a31062ea20d7608.png "Infused with rowan berries and gorse blossom, Assaranca Vodka is named after the dancing waters of the delightful waterfall near to Sliabh Liag. In all brands, local terroir and folklore underpin their stories")
Infused with rowan berries and gorse blossom, Assaranca Vodka is named after the dancing waters of the delightful waterfall near to Sliabh Liag. In all brands, local terroir and folklore underpin their stories
:max_bytes(50000)/https://files-crowdcube-com.s3.amazonaws.com/files/opportunity_section_media/original/202008/b2653134633fb0a857357b65a7d26187.png "The new distillery will produce a number of single malt and pot still whiskeys. Ranging from medium to highly peated flavour profiles, these brands aim to spearhead the Company’s reputation for smoky whiskeys")
The new distillery will produce a number of single malt and pot still whiskeys. Ranging from medium to highly peated flavour profiles, these brands aim to spearhead the Company’s reputation for smoky whiskeys
:max_bytes(50000)/https://files-crowdcube-com.s3.amazonaws.com/files/opportunity_section_media/original/202008/current_distillery2_f13320609acef52b82035f735a194cdc.jpg "Referred to as Méabh (pronounced \"may-ve\", meaning 'she who intoxicates') by her Distiller and co-founder Moira Doherty, this copper pot-still produces An Dúlamán and Assaranca spirit at the Carrick Distillery")
Referred to as Méabh (pronounced "may-ve", meaning 'she who intoxicates') by her Distiller and co-founder Moira Doherty, this copper pot-still produces An Dúlamán and Assaranca spirit at the Carrick Distillery
Since 2017, Sliabh Liag Distillers (pronounced “Sleeve League” and meaning 'mountain of flagstones') has taken the first steps to reclaim the distilling heritage of Donegal, Ireland by launching whiskeys, Silkie and Dark Silkie, An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin, An Dúlamán Santa Ana Gin and Assaranca Vodka. Despite Covid-19, YTD case sales are up 75% on last year.
With the Irish whiskey market forecast to double by 2030, Sliabh Liag Distillers has already begun work on their new distillery at Ardara, capable of producing 500,000 litres of spirit per year. The distillery's key differentiator will be in the revival of the smoky flavours associated with Donegal’s output in the 1800s. The aim is to make Donegal as famous for this style of whiskey as Islay is for Scotland’s peated, smoky whisky.
With 23 distribution partners in 23 countries, they have sold more than 65,000 bottles of their products around the world to exceptional feedback, accruing 30 award wins, over 22k social media followers & rave reviews such as one of Ireland’s Finest Craft Distilleries from press. Donegal’s unique environment, culture and folklore are instrumental in the shaping of the company's brands and appeal to a discerning consumer.
With your help, and that of Asahi and other formidable investors, the funding of the Ardara distillery build and the production of whiskey for the next two years will be complete.
