Family-run Boann Distillery has announced plans to expand its distillery in Drogheda and its cream liqueur and bottling facility in Clonmel after it received finance of €5m from AIB.
Boann said it will complete a visitor centre at its site on the Platin Road in Drogheda next year to include a restaurant, bar, micro-brewery, retail space, meeting rooms, tasting rooms and visitor experience.
Boann Distillery produces Malt and Pot Still Whiskey but is specially set up for the production of Single Irish Pot Still Whiskey. It exports to more than 70 countries worldwide.
The business is run by Patrick and Marie Cooney, along with their family - Sally-Anne, Peter, Patrick and James.
Its specially designed and distinctive nano-copper pot stills and a wide range of casks ensure it produces a whiskey of distinct character and flavour.
Its distillery in Drogheda has a capacity of 800 Litres of Pure Alcohol (LPA) per year which will grow to 1.6 million LPA with this expansion.
It has about 10,000 casks in maturation which ensures a healthy pipeline for the future.
The company also produces "Silks" gin and "1848" apple brandy.
The managing director of Boann Distillery, Patrick Cooney has over 40 years of experience in the drinks industry.
"Our first spirit flowed from our copper pot stills in 2019 and since then our business has grown and expanded significantly with exports to over 70 countries worldwide," he said.
"We market our Malt Whiskeys under 'The Whistler" brand and next year we will launch our first Single Irish Pot Still Whiskey under the 'Boann' brand," he added.
AIB's Head of New Business Team Dublin and East, Joanna McFadden said that Ireland is the home of whiskey and Irish whiskey remains a key driver of growth in the drinks sector, with exports estimated at circa €1 billion in 2022, up 25% on 2019 levels.
"Boann Distillery has had significant growth since it first commenced distilling its pot still whiskey in 2019 and we are delighted to support its expansion ambitions, as it seeks to grow its distillery further and welcome new visitors from home and abroad," she added.
