This weekend, on December 21st, marks a historic moment for the Wild Atlantic Distillery as it prepares to bottle the first Irish whiskey crafted in the Tyrone and Derry region in more than a hundred years.
On December 21, 2024, the winter solstice, the inaugural cask of IslandMen Irish Whiskey, aptly named the “1921 Release” will be opened, marking a momentous occasion for Irish whiskey enthusiasts and the Northwest region. This exclusive release comes three years after the distillation date, chosen to honor the 1921 closure of the historic Watt Distillery.
Wild Atlantic Distillery, based in Aghyaran near the Donegal border, will bottle approximately 350 bottles of its Cask 001 Single Malt Whiskey during this landmark event. Of these, 195 bottles will be made available to the public through a lottery system, with registrations open until December 20th via their website. The remaining bottles are reserved for members of the 1921 Whiskey Club, the distillery’s private whiskey club.
This release is a tribute to the Northwest’s storied whiskey-making past. The Watt Distillery, which closed its doors in 1921, was once at the forefront of Irish whiskey production during its golden age. Wild Atlantic Distillery’s IslandMen continues this legacy, showcasing a deep connection to the region’s rich history.
Co-founder Jim Nash highlighted the significance of this milestone, saying, “Over one hundred years after the last bottle of whiskey was distilled in the Tyrone/Derry region, we will bottle IslandMen for the first time. We are immensely proud to revive the rich tradition of Irish whiskey making in the Northwest. IslandMen pays homage to the past, but we will be certain to raise a glass to the future. It’s a new beginning!”
Securing a Piece of History
Each bottle from IslandMen Cask 001 will be numbered sequentially, adding to its exclusivity. Lottery winners will be notified on December 21st and given the opportunity to purchase their bottle. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany each, providing proof of its uniqueness and connection to Northwest Ireland’s whiskey heritage.
With interest spanning Ireland and beyond, co-founder Brian Ash emphasized the demand for these historic bottles, urging enthusiasts to register before the deadline
The IslandMen release not only celebrates the revival of whiskey production in the region but also cements the Wild Atlantic Distillery’s role in this new era of Irish whiskey.
For more details about Wild Atlantic Distillery or to enter the lottery, visit wildatlanticdistillery.ie.
