Whiskey production underway in Belfast for first time in 90 years

For the first time in almost 90 years whiskey is again being produced in Belfast.

Drinks company Titanic Distillers has invested almost £8 million to convert the Pumphouse, on the site of the historic Thompson Dock and Pumphouse, the birthplace of the Titanic, into the city’s first working whiskey distillery since the days of prohibition in the 1930s.

Having been granted its license to produce spirits, the shiny new copper stills are now up and pouring. under the watchful eye of Head Distiller Damien Rafferty.

“We opened our doors to tourists in April this year to allow visitors to explore the distillery and the site where Titanic last rested on dry ground,” said Damien, top left, “but to finally begin production on site is an incredible feeling and a huge milestone, not just for us but for the city of Belfast.

“A lot of time, hard work and investment has gone into this amazing project to date, but this week marks the culmination of all that – with the distillery and visitor attraction now both fully operational.

“In many ways though, the job is only beginning as we start producing a whiskey that the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland can be proud of, and one that will represent us well all over the world ,” he added.

Titanic Distillers Director Peter Lavery, above right, added: “It’s been quite a journey over the past five years but we are thrilled to get our license and to start producing our own spirits on site.

”Whiskey has played an important part in the history of our city but there hasn’t been a working distillery here since the 1930s, so, as a Belfast boy, it really means a lot to me to revive this great distilling tradition – and help bring Belfast back to the forefront of Irish Whiskey production.

“Once, we led the way globally – not just in shipbuilding but across many areas of industry, manufacturing and innovation,” he continued. “With our Titanic Distillers Premium Irish Whiskey, now produced on this most historic of sites, we hope to do so again.”

The Thompson Dry Dock first opened in 1911 to service and accommodate the massive White Star transatlantic liners Olympic and Titanic.

All of the original pump equipment and associated internal historic features in the adjacent Pumphouse have been retained and are available to view as part of the associated visitor tours, while the exterior includes a new food and beverage area.