Craft distilling in Northern Ireland
Overview of the local craft spirit industry, covering the increasingly popular gin sector and what defines a craft spirit.
Northern Ireland has a history in distilling spirits and has traditionally produced Irish whiskey. However, in recent years, there has been a surge in locally produced gins.
What are craft spirits?
Spirits are alcoholic drinks made by distilling fermented grains, fruit or vegetables. Examples include vodka, whiskey, rum and gin. They have a higher alcohol content than beer or wine as the distilling process removes water. This is normally over 30% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Spirits may be flavoured in some way. Whiskey is flavoured by being aged in wooden casks. Botanicals such as juniper add flavour to gin. Distilled drinks with added sugar are known as liqueurs. For example, Irish cream or honey liqueurs.
'Craft spirit' and 'craft distilling' are subjective terms. They usually refer to products made in small batches with a particular focus on quality. A craft gin product may use unique or local botanicals for flavour.
Irish whiskey
The term 'Irish whiskey' is protected. It may only refer to spirits distilled and matured on the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland. Irish whiskey is famous around the world. Distilleries are a major attraction for whiskey enthusiasts and can offer great food tourism opportunities.
Whiskey can be a challenging product for a new distiller. Whiskey must be aged for a minimum of three years (and often longer) in wooden casks before bottling. This means it will be years before the product can be sold to generate revenue.
Gin
Gin has experienced a recent increase in popularity. Gin sales grew by 184% between 2014-2020 on the island of Ireland, with at least 37 distilleries on the island now producing Irish Gin. The Irish Gin Strategy 2022-2026 aims to maintain market share, grow sales and ensure the quality and standards of Irish Gin are protected.
Gin can be produced relatively quickly, making it appealing to start-up distillers. An aspiring whiskey distiller may decide to also produce gin to bring income to the business during the first years.
Irish poit铆n
Poit铆n, also known as poteen, is a strong alcoholic spirit that was traditionally distilled illicitly in small batches. Since it's legalisation in the Republic of Ireland, it has gained popularity as a legitimate product. Like gin, it does not need to be aged. The term 'Irish poit铆n' is protected and may only refer to a spirit distilled on the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland.
Licensing
Distilleries, who have been granted a licence under Article 5(1)(m) of the Licensing (NI) Order 1996, may sell their own products directly from their production premises and in certain circumstances, from other licensed and unlicensed premises, on an off-sales basis. Once a licence for off-sales has been granted, a local producer may also apply for a suitability order and authorisation to allow sales for consumption on the premises in certain circumstances.