- Kilbeggan Distillery
Kilbeggan Distillery (formerly Brusna Distillery and Locke's Distillery) is situated on the
River Brosna inKilbeggan ,County Westmeath , Ireland.The licence to distil dates to 1759; a copy of which can be seen in the distillery.
History
The distillery was founded in 1757 [http://www.athloneadvertiser.ie/index.php?aid=4077 "Kilbeggan Distillery re-activated after 53 years"] , "Athlone Advertiser", 23 March 2007] and, by 1798, was in the hands of Matthias McManus, whose son was executed in
Mullingar due to the part he played in theUnited Irishmen rebellion of that year.Barnard, Alfred. Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom. Birlinn, 1887.]John Locke took over the distillery in 1843, ] from when it remained in the hands of the Locke family for many years, being inherited by Mary Evelyn and Florence Emily, granddaughters of John Locke, [ [http://www.classicwhiskey.com/distilleries/lockes.htm Locks Distillery Museum ] ] in 1943. In 1947 the distillery was purchased by The Transworld Trust. [ [http://www.oireachtas-debates.gov.ie/D/0108/D.0108.194710290013.html Dáil Éireann - Volume 108 - 29 October, 1947 - Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Locke's Distillery ] ] During the prohibition period in the United States, a poor quality
moonshine named Locke's was produced and, although unconnected with the whiskey produced in Kilbeggan, Locke's reputation suffered as a result. This, together with the economic depression of the 1920s and 1930s, took its toll on Locke's and on19 March 1954 production ceased, with the distillery closing completely in 1957.Present day
Today the distillery is home to a museum and restaurant, and has a 19th century waterwheel that is in working condition.
Whiskey production recommenced in 2007, the year in which the distillery celebrated its 250th anniversary. Although the whiskey now in production at Kilbeggan will not be ready for sale until 2014, the three brands associated with the distillery—Kilbeggan, Locke's Blend and Locke's Malt—have, for many years, been made at the Cooley Distillery in
County Louth from where they are transported to Kilbeggan to be stored in a granite warehouse over 200 years old. ] [ [http://www.cooleywhiskey.com/products/ Cooley Irish Whiskey - Products ] ]The distillery's visitor centre was amongst the nominations in Whisky Magazine's Icons of Whisky visitor attraction category in 2008. [ [http://www.whiskymag.com/awards/icons_of_whisky/ Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky 2008 ] ]
Gallery
References
External links
* [http://www.kilbegganwhiskey.com/ Kilbeggan Whiskey]
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