In our exclusive interview with Brendan Carty, the founder and master distiller of Killowen, he shares the passion and craftsmanship behind this year's Killowen Christmas Whiskey. Brendan reveals the traditional flame-fed distillation process, unique cask selection, and the inspiration behind its festive flavour profile. Get a glimpse into what makes Killowen’s small-batch releases so exceptional, and learn about their dedication to authenticity, quality, and transparency. It’s a must-read for any whiskey enthusiast!

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Where is the whiskey produced?

Brendan Carty: The distillery is located high up in the Mourne Mountains, sweeping down to Carlingford Lough on the slopes of Knock Shee (Mountain of the Ferries) in Killowen, Co. Down.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Can you provide some background on the distillery and its history?

Brendan Carty: Smallest distillery in Ireland with a loyal cult following worldwide. We focus on very high quality, small batches. We look at the past when Irish whiskey was the whiskey of choice around the world, before the boom of Scotch Single Malt and work with those traditional methods, that have been lost until recently. Our recipes AKA mash bills for instance are one example.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What is the distillation process used for this whiskey?

Brendan Carty: We use double distillation using flame-fed stills. Killowen have selected two handmade artisan stills named Christoir (1000 litre) and Broc (800 litre). Both pot stills are ‘flame-fed’ and our condensers are worm tub. We believe the ancient still shape, size, flame heat and worm tub condensation help create a traditional spirit with a contemporary twist.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Is the whiskey aged in barrels? If so, what type of barrels are used?

Brendan Carty: Casking was 4 years 2 months in ex Bourbon, 3 months ex Apricot-Brandy, 3 months ex PX Sherry.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What is the ageing duration and conditions?

Brendan Carty: In total this is only 3 years and 6 months but Killowen’s approach of extra long production in very small batches, we are making spirit that is ready for bottling straight of the still, therefore when it is of age it tastes far more complex than others of the same vintage. That’s the Killowen secret.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How would you describe the flavour profile of this whiskey?

Brendan Carty: The aim of this product is to taste like Christmas, so to achieve this, we selected specific casks to replicate this flavour profile. PX Sherry conjures up notes of Christmas pudding, as well as apricot brandy – reminiscent of dried Christmas fruits. Single Pot Sill itself is often said to have notes of Christmas spice like cinnamon and vanilla etc. In all this is a very successful Christmas mix that is very balanced.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What sets your whiskey apart from others in terms of taste and quality?

Brendan Carty: Killowen focuses on extra long fermentations and distillations, which we believe sets us apart from others. Rather than 3 days we use 2-4 week long fermentations creates a much fruitier flavour profile, our extra long distillations 2 no. 24 hour runs rather than 5 hours; eliminates sulphites creating a bottle ready distillate. Flame-fed distillations creates a milliard reaction where caramelisation occurs on the base of the still. Clearly efficiency is not our priority…flavour is.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How do you ensure the quality and consistency of your whiskey across different batches and releases?

Brendan Carty: Consistency is not our aim or ally – but quality is! The two are not the same. Our distillers do all distillation cuts by nose and taste and these all vary according to external environmental conditions impacting our fermentations.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Can you share details about the packaging design and bottle presentation?

Brendan Carty: Bárantuil’ translates as ‘Authenticity’ or ‘true to origin’. I essence the packaging empowers the consumer with this information in an accessible manner. Rather than Ornate images the beauty lies in the layering of information which empowers the consumer.

Killowen is very careful tot to enter the douchebag packaging category that often presents mass produced over priced whiskey in unnecessarily ornate boxes. Killowen whiskey and the Barántúil in particular is comfortable in it’s skin and does not need to over compensate.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Has this whiskey received any awards or recognitions?

Brendan Carty: Every Killowen release to date has sold out and most Barántúil releases disappear within minutes or a day. This can only be due to recognition by real whiskey drinkers. This year seen the distillery win, Ireland’s Best Distiller & Apprentice Distiller at the Irish Whiskey Industry Awards while last year saw a Barántúil win gold at the Irish Whiskey Awards. The world Whiskey Awards also say the Killowen Production Team win the best in Ireland. The Single Malt Rum & Raisin has won Double Gold in the USA Two years in a row both 2022 & 2023.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How do you recommend consumers enjoy this whiskey? Neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails?

Brendan Carty: Enjoy this any way you want but preferably neat or with a tiny drop of water.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Are there any specific food pairings that complement the whiskey?

Brendan Carty: Dark Chocolate or Great Cheese

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How do you engage with whiskey enthusiasts and consumers?

Brendan Carty: We are proud to have a cult-like following, known as ‘The Killowen Kult’, who are typically very active online, so we are delighted to offer this online Irish Whiskey Collection exclusive product to them.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Are there any specific trends or changes in consumer preferences that you've noticed in the whiskey industry recently?

Brendan Carty: Real whiskey drinkers want to be empowered with transparency and integrity bottlings. This is the core ethos for every Killowen Barántúil. Every bottle is non-chilled filtered, no added colour and cask strength.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Does the distillery have any community or sustainability initiatives?

Brendan Carty: The distillery itself is made from upcycled materials and operates a circular economy. We also use solar panels as our main electricity supply.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Are there efforts to source ingredients locally or implement eco-friendly practices?

Brendan Carty: Our oats are sourced down the lane from the distillery, the barley is sourced from the other side of Carlingford Lough in the Dundalk area and the rye comes from Co. Meath. If any small elements are sourced from further afield, this is mentioned on the packaging with full disclosure.

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Can you provide any insights into future releases or innovations in your whiskey lineup?

Brendan Carty: This is the first of the new 700ml of barántúil, so the future starts here and now!

Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Are there any upcoming releases or limited editions within your brand that you are particularly excited about?

Brendan Carty: We are delighted to simultaneously launch another new release – SM Rum & Raisin, which will be available in Dublin and Cork Airport Duty Free.