Event Description

Locke's Distillery at Kilbeggan in County Westmeath is a magical place. With its spectacular waterwheel and picturesque setting on the river Brusna, its centuries-old edifice has long stood tall in Kilbeggan village.

But like so many other Irish distilleries, its fall into disuse and disrepair was a tragic one, and for more than half a century, it was a mere monument, its stills sadly silent.

Built on the site of an early medieval monastery, the derelict distillery was reputedly haunted, and the volunteer heritage workers who strove to maintain the site during its long slumber often reported seeing strange lights and being disturbed by noises that could not be explained.

But against all odds, the distillery was maintained for decades by a determined group of locals who hoped to see whiskey produced there once again. Chief among them was Brian Quinn, now the distillery manager, and Bernadette Quinn, who now oversees product development.

Cooley bought the site in 1988 and transformed it into a whiskey museum and storage centre in which their casks of whiskey could slumber.

But it was always their intention to bring Locke's back to life again, and only a few years ago, the stills at Locke's roared into use once more. Earlier this year, the first new whiskey from Locke's in more than half a century was bottled.

The amazing tale of Kilbeggan, simultaneously Ireland's oldest and newest distillery, is one of hope for Ireland's once moribund whiskey industry.

The Irish Whiskey Society is delighted to welcome Brian and Bernadette Quinn, who will tell the magical story of how Locke's Distillery came back to life.

And they've promised to bring some special drams along for us to enjoy, which hopefully will include the very special new Distillery Reserve Malt - the first whiskey made on site for 53 years.

Brian Quinn is a noted raconteur and a living repository of profound whiskey knowledge, and the society is honoured to welcome both him and Bernadette.

Whiskeys