Blackwater Distillery's new whisky inspired by Clashmore's history

Blackwater Distillery has released a whisky, which was first made two hundred years ago at the long-closed Clashmore Distillery in West Waterford.

Working with local historian Liam Dunne and whisky archivist Charley Roche, Blackwater Distillery’s Head Distiller John Wilcox has remade the kind of whisky made at Clashmore and enjoyed in West Waterford two centuries ago.

The resulting whisky is matured exclusively in sherry wood and the high oak content is typical of whiskies from this period and also reflects the kind of grains grown in West Waterford at this time, primarily used to feed horses.

Prior to the establishment of Blackwater Distillery, Clashmore was the last distillery in Waterford and it was closed by the 1840s. The distillery chimney still straddles the river Greagagh, which runs through the heart of the village.

The first bottle of this limited release of only 420 bottles was presented by Caroline Senior of Blackwater Distillery to Glynnis Casey, Clashmore Tidy Towns; Richard Casey, Jazz Fitzgerald and Richard Torney, Clashmore & Kinsalebeg Community Council.

"It’s very exciting to see history come to life like this," said Richard Casey, Clashmore & Kinsalebeg Community Council, adding that "it’s great publicity for the village." 

Richard Torney agreed, "I love Irish whisky," he said, "so that’s the best bit!" 

On behalf of Blackwater Distillery, Caroline Senior said, "two hundred years after it first opened, it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate Clashmore distillery." 

As a thank you to the community of Clashmore, Bottle No. 1 has been donated to the Clashmore and Kinsalebeg Community Council for fundraising purposes. 

This will be raffled at the Christmas Market on Sunday, December 8, in Clashmore and all funds raised will go to the West Waterford Rapid Response Vehicle Appeal.