Coleraine — Ireland, Ireland · Spirit type: Malt & Grain · Founded: 1820 · Closed: 1978 · Status: Demolished
Key facts
| Region | Ireland |
|---|---|
| Country | Ireland |
| Spirit type | Malt & Grain |
| Status | Demolished |
| Founded | 1820 |
| Closed | 1978 |
Coleraine — History & notes
Established by Rennie in 1820 through the conversion of a mill, the Coleraine distillery commenced production in 1822 near the River Bann on Newmarket Street in County Londonderry. The site initially gained recognition for its malt whiskey, which Alfred Barnard noted during his visit in the 1880s. The operations evolved significantly in 1954 with the installation of a Coffey still, leading to a focus on grain whiskey during the 1960s, though malt production was simultaneously retained. This dual capability distinguished it from many contemporary Irish facilities that focused strictly on single pot still styles.
Ownership transitioned to Irish Distillers in 1972, marking the beginning of the site's decline. Grain production ceased in 1975 following the opening of the new Midleton complex. The distillery faced final closure in 1978, after which the principal buildings were demolished, leaving only ancillary structures for alternative use. While the Coleraine name appeared on later 40 percent ABV blends, these labels do not confirm the presence of original site-distilled liquid. There is no verified evidence supporting claims that the distillery currently supplies Bushmills, nor that it produces single pot still whiskey historically.
Flavour profile
A reliable sensory profile cannot be reconstructed as historic tasting notes are absent from the research records and the site produced both malt and grain varieties.
Bottlings & collector track record
- Coleraine 1959 34 Year Old: A rare verified bottling of 400 units released in 1993, presented at 57.1 percent alcohol by volume.
- Modern NAS Blends: Later labels bottled at 40 percent alcohol exist, though evidence limits linking their specific content to the original Coleraine site distillate.
Sources
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