Makers of Shortcross Gin to triple production after £2.5m redevelopment

Northern Ireland’s Rademon Estate Distillery, which produces Shortcross Gin, has completed a £2.5 million redevelopment of its Co. Down site, which will treble its production capacity to 50,000 litres per annum.

The distillery, which is also set to release its first whiskey later this year, recently completed a 20-month, £2.5m redevelopment which will help it extend its reach into global markets.

It has installed two new copper stills inside a new still house, taking its production capacity to 50,000 litres of alcohol per year.

Founded by husband and wife team Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong in 2012, the distillery is situated within the couple’s family estate just outside Crossgar. The new gin still has a capacity of 1,071 litres with two ten-plate enrichment columns.

The distillery has increased its brewing and distilling capacity by over 500% since the distillery was established, also investing in a new 1,750 litre copper pot still dedicated to whiskey production as well as increasing its fermentation capacity within the still house.

David Boyd-Armstrong, head distiller, said: “The completion of this sizeable investment marks an important milestone for Rademon Estate Distillery, as we upscale our production to meet growing demand for Shortcross Gin. This is also an exciting time as we prepare to test the first batch of our new Single Malt Irish Whiskey, with a view to release later this year, or in early 2019″.

The distillery hopes that by trebling production, it can satisfy demand for Shortcross Gin within the UK, French, Spanish, German, Scandinavian, North American, Middle East and Australian markets.

The £2.5m redevelopment of the distillery completes a total investment of over £4.5m during last three years. The founders of Rademon have also built a new visitor experience centre, complete with bar, gift shop and events space. They hope to hold regular distillery tours and private events following the completion of the work.

Fiona Boyd-Armstrong, managing director, said: “We are proud to take the next steps towards realising our vision for Rademon Estate Distillery. In addition to the increased production capacity, we are thrilled to be able to welcome people to the home of Shortcross, with the opening of our new Visitor Experience Centre.

“We have taken great pride in developing a unique and welcoming space to meet growing consumer demand for the opportunity to learn and experience more about Shortcross Gin and of course, in time, our new Single Malt Irish Whiskey”.

The first 100 casks of Rademon Estate’s Irish malt whiskey were sealed and laid down back in 2015 and are scheduled for release either in 2018 or 2019.