Whiskey could return to midlands

TULLAMORE Dew Whiskey could be returning home after over half a century, as William Grant & Sons explore the possibility of building a new distillery in the town.

Representatives of William Grant & Sons have met with Offaly County Council officials to explore possible locations for a distillery in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Tullamore Dew is the world’s second-largest and fastest-growing Irish whiskey, currently selling over 650,000 cases (8.35 million 70cl bottles).

Since purchasing the brand in 2010, William Grant & Sons have taken control of the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre at Bury Quay in the town.

Meanwhile, according to local councillor Tommy McKeigue (FG), a decision on the establishment of a Tullamore Dew distillery is likely to be made in the coming months.

“They are anxious that Tullamore be a flagship for them,” said Mr McKeigue. “They are in live negotiations so hopefully they’ll be back distilling.”

When asked about plans for a Co Offaly site yesterday, a spokesman for Tullamore Dew said: “We have great ambitions for Tullamore Dew. We are currently looking at several options for the brand.”

It is understood the company has been assessing possible sites in the Tullamore area for the past number of months.

The origins of Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey can be traced back to 1829, when the Tullamore Distillery was founded in the town.

The original owner was famed distiller Michael Molloy. In 1862, 14-year-old Daniel Williams came to work at the distillery, then owned by Molloy’s nephew Bernard Daly.

Williams was appointed general manager 25 years later and the Tullamore Dew brand was born.

Turbulent global events, including American prohibition and a trade war with England, led to the demise of Tullamore Distillery which finally shut in 1959.

The Tullamore Dew brand was purchased by Powers in 1962 when production resumed in Cork. The brand was sold to the C&C Group in 1994 before William Grant & Sons acquired it in July 2010.