The Spirit of Innovation
The Spirit of Innovation: Curraghmore Whiskey’s Journey
By Richard De la Poer Beresford, Managing Director of Curraghmore Whiskey
Nestled in the heart of Waterford, the Curraghmore Estate stands as a beacon of heritage and a symbol of innovative spirit in the Irish whiskey landscape. As the Managing Director of Curraghmore Whiskey, I am thrilled to share with you our unique journey, inspired by Janine Kennedy’s insightful article in The Farmers Journal, and how we are carving a distinct niche in the resurgence of Irish whiskey.
Embracing a Renaissance
The Irish whiskey industry is in the midst of a dynamic resurgence. As highlighted in The Farmers Journal, “Irish whiskey exports have experienced spectacular growth with sales reaching 15.2 million cases in 2022.” This growth is a testament to the global recognition of the quality and uniqueness of Irish whiskey.
Curraghmore: A Legacy Centuries in the Making
Our story at Curraghmore is deeply rooted in the land and our family history. The estate has been the heart of the De la Poer Beresford family since the 1100s, a lineage that is infused in every aspect of our whiskey-making process. This connection to our heritage is not just about preserving the past; it’s about bringing it to life in every bottle we produce through instilling our single estate philosophy and sustainable full circle farming practices.
Sustainable Practices: The Core of Our Philosophy
At Curraghmore, we believe in the power of sustainable innovation. “As a family, we’re very passionate about Waterford and Curraghmore and are always looking to build sustainable methods of running the estate for generations to come,” as I shared with The Farmers Journal. This philosophy is reflected in every decision we make, from cultivating our crops to distilling our whiskey and preserving our untouched ecosystem around us. Not only the land that we cultivate to harvest our grain but the ancient Irish Oak Forests and our 4km of the river Clodiagh running through the estate are our prívaliged responsibility to preserve and leave to the next generation in a better state than we received it.
From Our Fields to Your Glass
The journey of Curraghmore Whiskey is unique, beginning with the rich, fertile fields of our estate. Our approach to whiskey making marries traditional methods with modern techniques, ensuring that each bottle is a reflection of our estate’s character and the skill of our team. Currently we are distilling at The Great Northern Distillery, however this will change as we develop our distillery on the estate.
A Celebration of Flavour and Craftsmanship
Our inaugural whiskey release is more than just a spirit; it’s a celebration of Curraghmore’s rich agricultural bounty and our dedication to the art of whiskey making. Our first batch as “a blend of whiskey aged in European oak Oloroso sherry, French virgin oak, and ex-bourbon casks.” This intricate aging process imparts a unique flavour profile to our whiskey, crafted by master distiller and blender, Noel Sweeney designed to deliver a unique flavour profile to the irish whiskey consumer.
Looking Forward with Vision and Purpose
Our vision for Curraghmore Whiskey is clear and ambitious. We aim to continue blending our rich heritage with innovative practices, crafting a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come. Our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community is at the heart of everything we do.
A Story of Passion, Heritage, and Innovation
Curraghmore’s story is one of passion, deep-rooted heritage, relentless innovation and sustainability. It’s a narrative we are proud to share and one that I feel resonates with every enthusiast of Irish whiskey.
As we forge ahead, Curraghmore Whiskey remains dedicated to creating exceptional spirits that honour our past while embracing the future. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey, to experience the unique flavours and stories that each bottle of Curraghmore Whiskey holds. For a more comprehensive exploration of our story, I encourage you to read Janine Kennedy’s article in The Farmers Journal, however it is gated content which does require a subscription.
Thank you for reading. Please feel free to get in touch if you would like more information on this article or if there’s anything else I can assist you with.
Read the full article in the Farmers Journal here.
