Boann Distillery has been awarded the Sustainability and Climate Action Award, sponsored by Enterprise Ireland, at the North East Business Awards, organised by the Drogheda and District Chamber.
The family-owned distillery in Drogheda was recognised for its commitment to sustainability, circular production, and support for local agriculture.
Held last Saturday at the City North Hotel in Meath, the awards celebrated a diverse range of businesses—from emerging entrepreneurs to established regional leaders—reflecting the strength and ambition of the North East business community. Winners were selected through a combination of public vote and independent judging.
Paddy Cooney, who accepted the award alongside distiller Harry Evans, said:
“We are honoured to receive this recognition for our commitment to sustainability and regenerative practices. At Boann, we believe innovation and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, and this award acknowledges the hard work of our entire team. Sustainability lies at the heart of everything we do as we continue to push boundaries in sustainable Irish distillation.”
A comprehensive sustainability strategy
Boann Distillery’s award-winning submission highlighted a deeply integrated sustainability programme, including:
Local and regenerative ingredients
All ingredients used in Boann spirits are natural, local, and 100% Irish. Through a partnership with Loughran’s Family Maltsters, the distillery sources Irish-grown barley, oats, wheat, and rye, prioritising local supply wherever possible.
Zero-waste production
- Spent grain is passed directly to a local farmer for cattle feed.
- Pot ale and spent lees are collected for an anaerobic digester, contributing to renewable energy production.
- Heat generated during distillation is recovered to pre-heat incoming streams and clean vessels, reducing energy demand and improving process efficiency.
Reforestation and biodiversity
Since 2021, Boann has partnered with a regenerative farmer and Reforest Nation to plant 1,000 native oak trees each year, supporting biodiversity, carbon capture and long-term woodland restoration as part of its barrel sustainability programme.
Solar-powered expansion
In early 2024, Boann installed a 225 kVa solar PV system on its new warehouse, supplying over 30% of the building’s electricity needs and further lowering the distillery’s carbon footprint.
Celebrating excellence across the region
Presented in association with premier sponsor Flogas, the North East Business Awards honoured outstanding contributions from companies across multiple sectors.
Drogheda and District Chamber CEO, Hubert Murphy, said:
“These awards are special as they reward excellence and recognise the efforts people put in on a daily basis in their own sector. The town is blessed to have such individuals and firms as part of our growing community.”
Boann Distillery: a globally recognised Irish spirits producer
Boann’s Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys, The Whistler Irish Whiskeys and Liqueurs, Silks Irish Dry Gin, and 1848 Apple Brandy are now distributed in over 60 countries worldwide.
The distillery’s spirits have earned numerous accolades, including:
- World’s Best Single Grain – World Whisky Awards 2022
- Ireland’s Best Gin – Irish Whiskey Awards
- World’s Best New Make Spirit – World Whisky Awards 2021
