Killowen Distillery raises a glass to six years of its loyal 'Kult' following
Rostrevor's award-winning distillery celebrates the sixth anniversary of the Killowen Kult, a passionate global community of whiskey enthusiasts that has helped fuel the success of its small-batch spirits and growing international reputation
Rostrevor’s multi-award-winning distillery is celebrating the 6th anniversary of a unique initiative that’s contributing to the international success of the small business founded in 2017 by master distiller and qualified architect Brendan Carty.
Located in the Mournes overlooking picturesque Carlingford Lough, Killowen Distillery has won widespread acclaim for its focus on innovation in a range of spirits, especially single malt and blended Irish whiskeys, and as Ireland’s smallest distillery. It has pioneered whiskeys using a range of grains and traditional distilling technologies.
Helping to support the growth of the enterprise is what Brendan named the Killowen Kult, a group of enthusiasts from Ireland a further afield which is quick to buy-into and sample the distillery’s outstanding innovations, small batch productions.
Reflecting recently on the success of the Killowen Kult, Brendan, who gained experience in whiskey during a stint in Australia, says: “Businesses, often talk about building brands and communities, but the truth is that the most meaningful communities cannot be manufactured. They grow organically, shaped by the people who choose to participate in them.
“The Kult has become a wonderful example of that. A self-organised, self-disciplined, independent community that has developed its own traditions, friendships, adventures, and identity.
“What I now admire most about the Killowen Kult is the spirit that runs through it. Curious, radical in the best sense of the word, adventurous, welcoming, and never content to follow the obvious path.
“To everyone who has contributed to making The Kult what it is today, thank you. Your support of Killowen means a great deal, but even more impressive is the culture you’ve created yourselves. Six years is a remarkable achievement for any community. It’s been a privilege to witness it,” adds Brendan.
Killowen’s Kult is a good example of the enterprise now underpinning the local whiskey industry. Distilleries are implementing initiatives to enhance income.
The initiatives include visitor centres, opening distilleries for a range of community events including weddings and parties. Others have begun selling whiskey casks to investors.