THE company behind a multi-million-pound whiskey distillery in the former Crumlin Road Gaol has landed new distribution deals in the UK, Europe and Canada.
The Belfast Distillery Company has confirmed deals with Paragon Brands in the UK; Ligne de Vin in France; Konitsiotis in Greece; and Compagnia Dei Caraibi in Italy.
The growing whiskey venture, which has revived the historic McConnell’s brand, has also expanded its reach in North America, where Noble Estates Wines & Spirits will manage supply to the Ontario market and McCarthy Wines & Spirits will supply Nova Scotia.
A deal with Stile Brands covers the Alberta region.
Chief executive John Kelly said: “Since reviving the McConnell’s Irish Whisky brand in 2020, it has been an incredible journey, and one that we see as having a strong link to the streets of Belfast in 1776, when the brand was born.
“The growth we have seen in new markets right across the globe shows the esteem that premium Irish whiskey is held in among consumers, and that our McConnell's 5-Year-Old Blend can compete with the very best, established brands.”
McConnell’s has also landed a number of industry awards, including a gold medal award at the San Francisco Worlds Spirits Competition 2022 and a master medal award in the Irish Blended Whiskey Category at the recent DBSB Spring Tasting 2022.
“We are not resting on these early successes in 2022,” said Mr Kelly. “And we will have more exciting news and advances for McConnell’s and Belfast Distillery Company in the coming months.”
