The Vision Behind Mourne Dew Distillery
The Vision Behind Mourne Dew Distillery
In 2017, Mourne Dew Distillery was founded by Donal Farrell, a man whose roots in Rostrevor run deep. With a Mourne ancestry spanning centuries, Donal’s journey to distilling was anything but conventional. Before stepping into the world of spirits, he had a successful career as a barrister and chartered accountant. However, a single court case would change the trajectory of his career.
The case in question involved forensic scientists using cold distillation to extract DNA—an intricate process that required extreme delicacy to preserve the integrity of the molecule. This sparked Donal’s curiosity. Could this technique be adapted to produce exceptionally pure spirits?
The idea became even more compelling when he reflected on his family’s past. Generations before him, both his great-grandfather and grandfather had reputations as skilled poitín and whiskey distillers. The chance to revive a lost family tradition was too enticing to ignore. With a deep respect for his heritage and an eye on innovation, Donal took the leap. He left behind the courtroom and financial statements to immerse himself in the craft of whiskey, gin, and poitín making.
Mourne Dew Distillery was built with a clear vision: to blend time-honoured distillation techniques with modern innovation. While traditional Irish whiskeys remained at the heart of the operation, Donal sought to refine the art of cold distillation. By perfecting this technique, the distillery produces ultra-premium spirits with unparalleled purity and flavour.
Today, Mourne Dew Distillery is a testament to the fusion of history and progress. By combining ancient family recipes with botanicals from both the Mourne Mountains and distant lands, Donal has created something truly unique—a world of curiosity and a flavour of home in every bottle.
