Teeling Distillery

The Teeling Distillery, located in the heart of the historic Liberties district in Dublin, represents a return to the roots for a city once renowned for whiskey production. Founded in 2015, it is the first new distillery opened in Dublin in over 125 years, reviving a tradition that dates back to 1782 when Walter Teeling opened a small craft distillery on Marrowbone Lane. This connection to the past is central to the identity of the Teeling Distillery, which aims to combine traditional methods with an innovative and sustainable approach to whiskey production. The return of the Teeling Distillery in 2015 marks a renaissance for the Irish whiskey sector, which had suffered a significant decline in the mid-20th century. In the 1960s and 1970s, the popularity of Irish whiskey had drastically decreased, leading to the closure of Dublin’s last distillery in 1976. However, with the opening of the new Teeling Distillery, the city has seen a revival of its historic whiskey industry. Brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling, descendants of Walter, have played a crucial role in this revival, carrying on the family tradition with a modern and innovative touch.The distillery is strategically located in the Liberties, an area historically associated with whiskey production. This neighborhood, known as the “Golden Triangle” of distillation, hosted a concentration of distilleries that made Dublin famous worldwide for its whiskey. The Teeling Distillery has capitalized on this heritage, offering guided tours that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the whiskey production process, from mashing to maturation, to the final tasting. The three copper stills, the heart of the distillery, are a fascinating sight for anyone interested in understanding the secrets of distillation.A distinctive feature of the Teeling Distillery is its commitment to sustainability. The distillery was awarded “Sustainable Distillery of the Year” in 2022, a recognition that underscores the importance the company places on reducing environmental impact. Among the sustainable initiatives implemented are the installation of a rainwater collection system and the use of an on-site well to reduce water consumption. Additionally, the excess energy produced during the production process is used to heat the visitor center, demonstrating an integrated approach to sustainability.The whiskey produced by the Teeling Distillery is renowned for its innovative character. The distillery uses innovative maturation techniques and atypical grain blends, constantly pushing the boundaries of flavor. An example of this innovation is their use of rum barrels for further aging the whiskey, which gives the beverage a unique aromatic profile, with spicy and vanilla notes. This experimental approach has allowed the Teeling Distillery to accumulate numerous international awards, consolidating its reputation as a leader in the Irish whiskey sector.The story of the Teeling Distillery is also a story of resilience and rebirth. After the closure of Dublin’s historic distilleries, the opening of Teeling represents not only a return to the roots but also a new era of excellence and innovation. The distillery offers a unique experience to visitors, who can not only see the whiskey production process up close but also immerse themselves in the rich history of Dublin and its relationship with this ancient beverage.