We are the first distillery in Ireland to produce zero energy emissions spirits. Recognising the vital importance of our impact on the world around us, we have replaced fossil fuels and gas - the traditional energy sources for whiskey production – with renewable energy including wind and solar, partnered with high-temperature heat pumps. This is a first for the industry.
We are continuously working to shift the way things are conventionally done while honouring the traditions of our craft. Our sustainability journey started with the restoration of a nineteenth-century mill in the village of Ahascragh. We ambitiously repurposed the historic building to ensure that energy efficiency and renewable opportunities were maximised throughout.
We take pride in the meticulous details that tie the past in with the present, and we are currently working to repurpose the old mill water wheel allowing us to leverage hydro power for the distillery.
Through a novel means of thermal energy storage, combined with optimal heat recovery, our distillery can recycle energy that would normally be wasted. This makes the process more efficient than a conventional design.
The innovative system achieves temperatures above 115° - which is a first in Ireland and the UK. This allows us to achieve a saving of 1690 tonnes of CO2 per year in scope 1 and 2 emissions with a 40% reduction in cost over an expected lifetime of 20 years.We are currently working on reinstalling the original mill water wheel onsite and combining it with modern hydro technology to integrate the hydro-energy scheme.
We are driven by the ambition to change how Irish whiskey and gin are produced by decarbonising the energy process, tightly monitoring our water usage, sourcing local ingredients and using the most sustainable packaging possible.
The water we use is sourced from our own two wells on-site. Our fully automated plant, featuring a clean-in-place system, sets us apart in the industry. This system not only measures water usage but also minimises it through automation
As part of the restoration project, our team has also been working on restoring a number of older buildings adjacent to the old mill. So far we have opened the Old Mill Café and Shop, which continues to be a hub of activity in the area since opening.
As well as this, we have other plans in place for further amenities to be added in the near future, breathing further new life into the rural village. With an overall investment of €10 million, we have to date created 30 direct jobs and are supporting more indirect jobs through local supply chains.
Ireland’s first eco-distillery, Ahascragh Distillery, has been acknowledged for its sustainability efforts by becoming a verified member of Origin Green, the national food and drink sustainability program. This recognition underscores the distillery's dedication to sustainable practices and ethical sourcing
First and foremost Ahascragh Distillery is aiming to maintain zero energy emissions for the distillery. Being the first zero energy emissions distillery in Ireland is something we take immense pride in, we have achieved this through an innovative use of heat pumps and renewable energy helping us be as energy efficient and low impact as possible. We strive to maintain this standard going forward.
We are aiming to eliminate plastic seals from our packaging hoping to scale up our use of biodegradable cellulose substitutes instead to provide a fully compostable alternative to plastic on our packaging. Furthermore we are aiming to transition our shipping cases to FSC certified cardboard and use recycled cardboard for any additional neck tags added to the bottles.
The UAIS Triple Blend bottle is made from the most eco-friendly materials possible; 100% recycled glass and recycled paper for the label with a sustainable wood stopper and a biodegradable vegetable-based seal.
UAIS is a part of Ahascragh Distillers Family Bond series of sourced releases but within a few years the liquid inside these bottles will be produced using a zero-emissions distilling process at Ahascragh Distillery.
We want to support our community by both hosting and sponsoring events that will directly benefit our local community groups. Furthermore we will also be supporting events and causes in aid of women.
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