Lambay Whiskey, a partnership between the Baring Family and world-renowned Cognac producer House of Camus, has officially opened a first of its kind offshore, off-grid island micro-distillery.
This distillery is not just about crafting exceptional whiskey; it is about ensuring a future for Lambay Island, one of Ireland’s most unique natural treasures as Cyril Camus, President of House of Camus explains.
“In a world that too often sacrifices the environment for production, we have chosen a different path. Together with Alex Baring, we have reimagined what a distillery can be. This is not just a commercial operation; its fundamental objective is to contribute to the preservation of the environment and the heritage that surrounds it. Our vision was always to protect this beautiful island and to do it by creating an exceptional whiskey, ensuring both can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Just three miles from Dublin’s coast, Lambay Island is a private wildlife sanctuary and home to a rare ecosystem of grey seals, wallabies, seabirds, and a medieval castle. Owned by the Baring family since 1904, the island has long been a haven for biodiversity and historical preservation.
Since its founding in 2017, the aim of Lambay Whiskey, which is currently sold in 30 markets worldwide, is to contribute to the conservation of the Natura 2000 designated island.
The distillery will only operate in the winter months due to the off-grid nature of the Island. Lambay Whiskey’s Distillery Manager, Seamus Curtin, will oversee the distillery and live on the island for six months each year. He explains how bringing this project to life was not an easy task:
“Transporting a distillery, piece by piece, to a remote island was no small feat, especially with very few boats in Ireland capable of the job and weather delays at every turn. Time was tight as we balanced getting up and running with protecting the historic building that now houses our distillery. Despite the challenges, the team’s commitment never wavered. I am immensely proud the distillery is now up and running and I feel incredibly fortunate that I get to live and work on such a remarkable island, crafting a truly special whiskey.”
Built as a circular, closed-loop system, the distillery reuses resources and minimises waste, setting a new path for sustainable whiskey production.
As the island has no mains power, the distillery will be powered initially by HVO, a clean-burning diesel alternative and is working to eventually transition to full energy independence using solar, wind and wave power. Excess heat generated through production will warm the nearby 15th century castle. Organic Irish grain will be used in the whiskey-making process, with by-products recycled into feed for island animals. This eliminates the need for imports, further reducing the island’s carbon footprint.
For Alex Baring, Custodian of Lambay Island and the Revelstoke Trust, the project reinforces his family’s longstanding guardianship of Lambay:
“Breathing new life into unused buildings and committing to a closed-loop, regenerative system allows us to protect Lambay in a meaningful and enduring way. This is not just a distillery; it is a declaration of intent, for our family, for the island, and for the generations who will follow us.”
The distillery will produce the highest-quality single malt whiskey which, once distilled, will mature in the island’s Sea Cask Room for at least three years.
To share the journey of this unprecedented initiative, Lambay Whiskey will air a behind-the-scenes documentary to subscribers on its YouTube channel at 8:00pm, May 20th. https://www.youtube.com/@lambayirishwhiskey/
To explore the current Lambay Whiskey collection, visit:
�� www.lambaywhiskey.com
Follow the journey:
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/Lambaywhiskey
Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/lambaywhiskey/
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@lambayirishwhiskey/
LinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lambay-irish-whiskey
