The Ballina Distillery, located on the banks of the River Moy in County Mayo on Ireland’s north-west coast, has announced the launch of its first two Irish single malt whiskeys.

Built on the site of the old Duffy’s Bakery in the small town of Ballina, the distillery originally opened in 2015 and was the first to be established in County Mayo in 150 years. Over the past year, the distillery has undergone a full rebrand and is now ready to introduce its first two expressions.

Ballina Dúbailte Double Wood (43% ABV) has been crafted using the distillery’s signature double-distilled, double-wood whiskey, matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon (55%) and Oloroso Sherry (45%) casks.

The whiskey is said to deliver aromas of honeyed sweetness, green apple, pear and honeydew melon on the nose, followed by notes of vanilla fudge, butterscotch, sherry, raisins, warming spice and a subtle nuttiness on the palate.

Ballina Triarach Triple Wood (43% ABV) is a triple-distilled, triple-wood expression, matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon (50%), Oloroso Sherry (40%) and Ruby Port (10%) casks.

This expression offers notes of stewed plums, poached pears and Christmas spices on the nose, followed by notes of plum, caramel, figs, dates and a hint of nuttiness on the palate.

At Ballina, nothing is rushed. The distillery believes that making truly great whiskey takes time. Each batch is slowly double or triple distilled using 100% Irish malted barley, while fermentation is extended for up to seven days. This process gives the spirit its distinctive body and fruit-forward profile before it is left to mature on-site, capturing the essence of the West of Ireland terroir.

Commenting on the launch, Mike Elliott, General Manager of Ballina Distillery, said: “We’re delighted to reveal that our first two single malts are ready to be enjoyed globally. The small team at the distillery have worked tirelessly over the past year to create a single malt that truly distinguishes itself within the Irish whiskey category in terms of flavour and craftsmanship. We hope that shines through in our liquid.”

Ballina Dúbailte Double Wood and Triarach Triple Wood will be available from 13 November via the distillery website, for the respective RRP’s of €49.90 and €59.90.