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Whisky is a passion to explore. From the history of the spirit to the evolution of the industry, the story of whisky helps fuel that passion. Often, it’s easy to forget that whisky is also a global multibillion dollar industry. The stories of whisky — from news and new releases to in-depth inquires and what goes on behind the label — blend together to help us appreciate the spirit of whisky.
Irish Distillers to Pause Production at Midleton Distillery
Ireland’s largest distillery will pause production starting in April to balance whiskey supplies with demand. The huge Irish Distillers facility at Midleton produces 64 million liters of alcohol annually across its two stillhouses for brands like Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton Very Rare.
Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman said in an email to WhiskyCast that the pause will last until the summer, with the distillery’s annual July maintenance period set to go ahead as scheduled. After that, production will recommence “to support our continued growth.”
The distillery opened in 1975 and is marking its 50th anniversary this year, along with the 250th anniversary of distilling in Midleton. The production shutdown will not affect visitor operations at the complex.
The announcement comes days after Diageo announced plans to idle its newest distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky for the remainder of the fiscal year. The distillery met its annual production goal early, and the shutdown is to avoid overproduction of whiskey.
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