Three miles from Dublin’s coast, it is hard to argue with this sustainable approach to making whiskey.
Lambay Whiskey, a partnership between the Baring Family and world-renowned Cognac producer House of Camus, has uncorked Ireland’s first offshore, off-grid island micro-distillery just three miles from Dublin’s coast.
The groundbreaking facility on Lambay Island, a private wildlife sanctuary and Natura 2000 designated site, represents a new approach to sustainable whiskey production with its closed-loop system designed to protect the island’s rare ecosystem while producing high-quality single malt whiskey.
“In a world that too often sacrifices the environment for production, we have chosen a different path”
Owned by the Baring family since 1904, Lambay Island is home to grey seals, wallabies, seabirds, and a medieval castle. Since its founding in 2017, Lambay Whiskey – now sold in 30 markets worldwide – has aimed to contribute to the island’s conservation.
The distillery will operate only during winter months due to the island’s off-grid nature. Distillery Manager Seamus Curtin will live on the island for six months each year to oversee operations.
I think, therefore I drink
“In a world that too often sacrifices the environment for production, we have chosen a different path,” said Cyril Camus, President of House of Camus.
“Together with Alex Baring, we have reimagined what a distillery can be. This is not just a commercial operation; its fundamental objective is to contribute to the preservation of the environment and the heritage that surrounds it.”
“Transporting a distillery, piece by piece, to a remote island was no small feat,” Curtin explained. “Despite the challenges, the team’s commitment never wavered. I am immensely proud the distillery is now up and running and I feel incredibly fortunate that I get to live and work on such a remarkable island, crafting a truly special whiskey.”
The facility features innovative sustainability measures, operating initially on HVO (a clean-burning diesel alternative) with plans to transition to full energy independence using solar, wind and wave power. Excess heat will warm the nearby 15th century castle, while organic Irish grain will be used in production with by-products recycled into feed for island animals.
Whiskey reimagined
Cyril Camus, President of the French cognac company House of Camus and Alex Baring, Lambay Island’s custodian are pictured with Seamus Curtin, Lambay Whiskey Distillery Manager to mark the launch of the first of its kind offshore, off-grid island whiskey distillery on Lambay Island, off the Dublin coast
Alex Baring, Custodian of Lambay Island and the Revelstoke Trust, emphasised the project’s importance to his family’s legacy.
“Breathing new life into unused buildings and committing to a closed-loop, regenerative system allows us to protect Lambay in a meaningful and enduring way. This is not just a distillery; it is a declaration of intent, for our family, for the island, and for the generations who will follow us.”
The distillery will produce single malt whiskey that will mature in the island’s Sea Cask Room for at least three years before release.
Main image at top: Cyril Camus, President of the French cognac company House of Camus, and Alex Baring, Lambay Island’s custodian
-
Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here
-
For support in challenging times, click here
-
Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. All episodes are here. You can also listen to the Podcast on:
-
Spotify
-
SoundCloud
-
Apple
