Titanic Distillers casks Belfast's first new-make-spirit since Prohibition.

In a landmark event, marking the resurgence of whiskey craftsmanship in Belfast, we casked our first new-make-spirit produced at Thompson Dock, on Thursday 21st December 2023.

This news follows our earlier milestone in 2023 when we announced the first whiskey production in Belfast in almost 90 years, reviving a rich heritage that had once faded into history.

Having been granted our Distillers License to produce spirits earlier this year, the shiny new copper stills are now up and pouring at the distillery, under the watchful eye of our Head Distiller, Damien Rafferty;

“Getting production underway has been an incredible feeling and a huge milestone, not just for us but for the city of Belfast; and to now see our new-make-spirit being poured into casks for ageing, marks another big step for both Titanic Distillers and indeed the future of whiskey distillation.”

The new-make-spirit, a raw, unaged whiskey, is the foundation of what will mature into our signature Single Malt. Produced in the heart of Belfast's iconic Titanic Quarter, the liquid is a tribute to the city's enduring spirit.

Damien has been producing new-make spirit in Thompson Dock since August 2023, so it was quite the moment for us all to finally fill our first cask and begin the maturation period.

Made from ingredients that have been carefully selected to produce the best possible flavour, and now filled into casks, the new-make-spirit will age for a minimum of three years before it can legally be called Irish Whiskey.

Commenting further, Damien said: “the new-make-spirit is complex and bursting with flavour. The barley and yeast selection combined with the brewing process and a long fermentation has resulted in an excellent tasting new-make. It’s now down to the carefully selected casks and time of course, which will bring out those characteristics, colours, and flavours of maturation to round off the whiskey."

Our Director, Peter Lavery reflected on what was a momentous occasion, just before the new year, for us all at Titanic Distillers. 

The Belfast boy with a dream, that's now a reality, with his spirit in a cask;

“It’s been an incremental journey to get us to this point, and it really does feel like Christmas has come early being able to see our liquid filled in casks.” said Peter.

“Whiskey has played an important part in the history of our city but there hasn’t been a working distillery here since the 1930s, so, as a Belfast boy, it really means a lot to me to revive this great distilling tradition.

This is more than just distilling a new spirit; it's about resurrecting a forgotten craft and reigniting Belfast's flame in the global whiskey scene. We're not just making history; we're reviving it."

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Photography: Connor Beattie & d3rk matter