New global distribution deals for McConnell’s whiskey
The company behind a multi-million-pound whiskey distillery in the former Crumlin Road Gaol has unveiled new distribution deals in the UK, Europe and Canada.
It will see the Belfast Distillery Company link up Paragon Brands in the UK; Ligne de Vin in France; Konitsiotis in Greece; and Compagnia Dei Caraibi in Italy.
Speaking about the move, chief executive John Kelly, below, 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.
“We are delighted that we have added UK, France, Greece and Italy plus three Canadian provinces to our growing pool of markets where McConnell’s Irish Whisky is available. We are also particularly pleased that we are growing our industry awards. Two recent wins in particular stand out – a Gold Medal Award at the San Francisco Worlds Spirits Competition 2022 and a Master Medal Award in the extremely competitive Irish Blended Whiskey Category at the recent DBSB Spring Tasting 2022.
“But we are not resting on these early successes in 2022, and we will have more exciting news and advances for McConnell’s and Belfast Distillery Company in the coming months.”
Along with this major expansion in the UK and Europe, Belfast Distillery Company has also managed to increase their reach in North America, with new distribution deals in Canada, where Noble Estates Wines and Spirits will manage supply to the Ontario market, McCarthy Wines & Spirits in Nova Scotia and Stile Brands in Alberta.
McConnell’s has 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.
A £15 million plan to develop part of the historic Crumlin Road Gaol into a whisky distillery was been given the go-ahead last December .
The project is part of a wider £25 million investment by US group Belfast Distillery Company to transform parts of the Victorian prison, which closed its doors in 1996.
