Sazerac Company Unveils Hawk's Rock Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland

Sazerac Company Transforms Lough Gill Distillery into Hawk's Rock Distillery

The renowned global spirits organization, Sazerac Company, recently proclaimed the rebranding of its Irish Whiskey distillery from the former Lough Gill Distillery to the newly named Hawk's Rock Distillery. Nestled in the picturesque County Sligo, Ireland, this transformation signifies a rich blend of innovation, respect for local heritage, and a vision for the future of Irish Whiskey production.

Hawk's Rock Distillery, which occupies over 100 acres and includes the historic Hazelwood House, an esteemed landmark, promises to continue its legacy of crafting exceptional Irish whiskeys under the astute guidance of Master Blender Helen Mulholland, who has carved out a groundbreaking path as the first female Master Blender in Irish Whiskey history. This honor highlights not just individual achievement, but also the commitment of Sazerac to elevate the role of women in the spirits industry.

The distillery's name pays homage to a significant feature of the Ox Mountains nearby, which inspired celebrated poet W.B. Yeats' play, "At the Hawk's Well." This connection to literary heritage aligns with Sazerac's aim to honor Sligo's cultural richness while establishing Hawk's Rock as a global beacon for Irish Whiskey enthusiasts. Moreover, this name change encapsulates Sazerac's dedication to balancing traditional methods with modern innovations in whiskey-making.

In a statement, Sazerac's President and CEO, Jake Wenz, articulated the company’s vision: "The renaming of Hawk's Rock Distillery marks a new, yet familiar, frontier for us. Sazerac is known for its balanced approach to honoring tradition while embracing change in constant pursuit of crafting the world's best spirits at our distilleries in America, India, Canada, and France. Our mission holds true for Ireland, and we are excited to reveal how we are blending time-honored traditions with bold innovation to advance the art of Irish whiskey-making."

Since acquiring Lough Gill Distillery in 2022, Sazerac has undertaken substantial enhancements, including a tripling of warehouse space and modernization efforts aimed at increasing production capabilities while upholding quality. With these upgrades, Sazerac strengthens its engagement with the local community and its commitment to producing award-winning liquors that resonate globally. The first of the innovative new Irish whiskey brands is set for launch in June 2025, signifying a pivotal moment for the distillery and its patrons.

While Hawk's Rock Distillery is currently undergoing renovations and is not open to public tours, future plans include the creation of a visitor experience that will enrich guests' understanding of the whiskey-making process and Sligo's storied past.

As one of the world's leading distilled spirits companies, with a legacy spanning over 400 years, Sazerac oversees a portfolio that includes more than 500 exquisite brands, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, and Paddy's Irish Whiskey. The acquisition and rebranding of Hawk's Rock Distillery reflects Sazerac's continuous pursuit of providing premium spirits to a global market while celebrating the unique culture of the regions in which they operate.

For more details, visit www.hawksrockdistillery.com or www.sazerac.com.