History

Powerscourt Distillery is located on Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. The distillery was established as part of a vision to revive whiskey production in Wicklow and bring a unique character from Powerscourt to the market. Since 2018 the distillery has transformed the old Mill House on the estate into a modern distillery and whiskey experience, where Fercullen Irish Whiskey was propelled forward under the leadership of Master Distiller Noel Sweeney and later Master Distiller & Blender Paul Corbett. Fercullen was presented as Powerscourt Distillery's flagship brand – a collection of malt, grain and blended whiskeys – including the first whiskey to be 100% distilled at Powerscourt. The facility was designed and built by Forsyths in Scotland and includes production of both malt and pot still whiskey using triple- and double-distillation. The distillery's location at Powerscourt Estate gives access to water from a nearby source and locally grown barley.

In 2018 the distillery also opened Cask Estate, a premium cask ownership program where members can own and select among considerably older and exclusively finished cask releases as part of the Powerscourt and Fercullen heritage. Fercullen releases have received international recognition, including IWSC Gold Outstanding for a triple-distilled single malt and awards in the World Whiskies Awards. In 2025 Fercullen 15 Year Old Single Grain was crowned World’s Best Grain at the World Whiskies Awards, and John Cashman was inducted into Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame. Forbes has also covered Powerscourt Distillery's achievements.

Important update in 2025: Mark Degnan of Interpath Advisory (Ireland) has been appointed Receiver over Powerscourt Distillery Limited as of 26 June 2025. The distillery remains open to visitors and all online purchases of Fercullen and related products are shipped as usual. For questions regarding the business or outstanding claims contact PD L@interpath.com.

Production

Powerscourt Distillery is powered by a combination of state‑of‑the‑art technology and locally available resources. Barley and water are sourced locally, and the distillery produces both Malt and Pot Still whiskey with the option for double- and triple-distillation. The facility is described as a living factory where visitors can walk through the production and see the large copper stills. The distillery produces around 280,000 liters of pure alcohol annually, split between Malt and Pot Still whiskey, and has capacity to produce over 3 million bottles per year at full operation.

The distillery's sustainability efforts are evident in the use of energy from 100% renewable biogas for operation (Calor collaboration), a Building Management System to control energy and water consumption, and the recycling of wastewater in biogas production. Water is drawn from the Estate's aquifer, and all barley and malt suppliers are Origin Green members with IGAS certification. By-products (Draff and Pot Ale) are used as animal feed, and the company holds FEMAS certification for the safety of feed materials. The distillery emphasizes local sourcing of barley and water from the Powerscourt area, and collaborates with Wicklow Naturally to promote regional agriculture and food production.

The distillery also has a number of partnerships and offerings, including Cask Estate – a program that provides access to significantly older single malt cask releases (21–24 years) with finishes in various cask types (Madeira, Moscatel, Ruby Port, PX, Oloroso, Mezcal, Amarone, etc.). In addition, they work with high-quality finishes in special cask collections such as Amarone-finished single malt releases and unique, small-batch bottles that excite collectors.

Products / Whisky Series

Powerscourt Distillery produces Fercullen Whiskey, which includes Malt, Grain and Blended Irish Whiskeys. Key characteristics include: - Fercullen Falls – Small Batch, Blended Irish Whiskey (50/50 malt and grain; 43% ABV). - Fercullen Single Malt Irish Whiskey (100% malt; 46% ABV; non-chill filtered; bourbon-barrel aging). - Fercullen 15 Year Old Single Grain Irish Whiskey (Madeira-finish; 41.5% ABV). - Fercullen 21 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey (2023/2022 Release; 46% ABV; sherry/bourbon-influence). - Fercullen Single Malt Cask Strength (56.6% ABV; triple-distilled). - Fercullen Cask Select (Wicklow Wolf collaboration; ex-bourbon & finish in barley wine/stout cask; 48.5% ABV). - Fercullen Estate Series 3 – The Gates Single Malt (Amarone cask influence). - Fercullen 16 Year Old Marsala Finish (54.8% ABV; limited rediscovered Marsala-finish; around 130 litres from an original production). The program also provides access to premium cask releases through Cask Estate as well as other limited editions that highlight the distillery's terroir and innovation.

Visits / Experiences

Visitors can experience a distillery and warehouse tour plus tastings of Fercullen Irish Whiskeys. Tour options include: - Powerscourt Distillery Tour & Tasting (€25.00 per person) – guided tour of the distillery and warehouse levels with a tasting of three Fercullen whiskeys. - Powerscourt Distillery Tour & Whiskey Food Pairing (€45.00 per person) – a 1.5-hour guided tour followed by a food and whiskey pairing. - In the winter period (October–March) self-guided tours are offered in the Whiskey Lounge, and walk-in tours may be available subject to capacity. The visitor centre hours are Mon–Sun 10:30–17:00; for private or group arrangements contact tours@powerscourtdistillery.com.

Philosophy / Society and Sustainability

Powerscourt Distillery actively works with CSR and sustainability through Origin Green Ireland and the Irish Whiskey Association. The building uses local materials and preserved historic details, while employing advanced energy optimization and biogas for operations. Transport, water use and waste are managed with clear targets and systems, and there is a focus on local farming and raw materials through Origin Green. By-products are reused in the feed chain (Draff and Pot Ale) through licensed recipients, and FEMAS certification supports safety in feed materials. The distillery has a social footprint through employing locals, internships in collaboration with University College Dublin (UCD) and the National Learning Network, and supports Wicklow Naturally as well as Santina Kennedy, who coordinates Wicklow-area food and whiskey pairings and cultural events. Additionally, John Cashman and Paul Corbett are highlighted for their contributions to Irish whiskey and the distillery's ongoing growth.

Extra notes

There is ongoing media coverage of the distillery’s activities, including Forbes and World Whiskies Awards, where Fercullen releases and the distillery's approach to craft and sustainability are highlighted. There is also coverage of the “recovery” and revival of Wicklow as a whiskey region, documented through awards and coverage in international media.