Distillery
Kilbeggan
Kilbeggan is a historic Irish brand and distillery with documented roots dating back to 1757. Based in the town of Kilbeggan (County Westmeath), it produces Irish whiskey in various expressions, including the blend 'Kilbeggan Irish Traditional' and the 'Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye'. The brand is today part of the Beam Suntory group.
- Kilbeggan · County Westmeath · Ireland
- Since 1757
- 2 products
The story
A distilling licence at the Kilbeggan site is documented from 1757. The historic facility (also known as Locke's/Brusna) experienced periods of closure and reuse as a warehouse; production resumed on an operational basis after restoration and reopening around 2007–2010. The brand and its production activities became part of the Cooley group and were later incorporated into Beam (now Beam Suntory) following corporate acquisitions between 2011 and 2014.
Production philosophy
Kilbeggan emphasizes historical continuity and local tradition, highlighting typical Irish production and the heritage of the historic site. In recent years the brand has reintroduced traditional expressions and released bottles distilled and matured again on site, combining history with a renewed production focus.
Territory
Town of Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, Ireland (Region: Midlands/Leinster).
Production method
The historic Kilbeggan site houses copper stills (pot still). Some expressions declare double distillation in copper pot stills; other products marketed under the brand may be blends composed of different types of distillate.
Distillation
Double distillation in copper pot stills for expressions distilled on site; the brand also markets blends derived from distillates of different origin.
Ageing
Maturation in casks; some expressions are declared matured in traditional casks (e.g. ex-bourbon, sherry) and there are releases matured on site after the reopening.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Kilbeggan
- Categories
- Irish whiskey
- blended whiskey
- rye whiskey
- single grain / single malt (historical and commercial expressions)
- Raw materials
- malted barley
- rye
- cereals/corn (grain)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- Ex-bourbon barrels
- Oloroso (sherry) casks
- Representative products
- Kilbeggan Irish Traditional (70cl, 100cl)
- Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye
What makes it distinctive
- Site with distilling licence documented since 1757, among the oldest in Ireland.
- Production revival and restoration completed in the first decade of the 2000s; production formally resumed around 2007–2010.
- Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye: first expression from the site declared 100% distilled and matured on site after restoration.
- Part of the Beam Suntory portfolio (through acquisitions related to Cooley/Beam).
- Presence of a visitor centre and offering of experiences linked to the historic site.