The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney

PJ Rigney brought whiskey distilling back to Ireland's western province of Connacht after more than a century of absence. His vision led to The Shed Distillery in the village of Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, where medieval copper pot stills now produce expressions that blend Irish tradition with global inspiration.

History & Heritage

Patrick J. Rigney, a spirits industry veteran, founded The Shed Distillery with his wife Denise in 2014 on the shores of Lough Allen. The first whiskey was laid down on December 21, 2014, even before construction was complete, with Head Distiller Brian Taft overseeing operations. Rigney chose this wild, un-manicured corner of rural Ireland specifically to revive the distilling heritage of Connacht.

The Whiskey

Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey represents the distillery's core expression, triple distilled by hand in medieval copper pot stills. The mash bill combines malted Irish barley, un-malted Irish barley, and Irish Barra oats, then matures in Kentucky Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. The distillery also produces Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, which fuses oriental botanicals with local Irish ingredients, and Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka. Local sourcing drives production, with nettles and meadowsweet growing wild around the distillery.

Why It Matters

The Shed Distillery earned recognition as International Distiller of the Year at the 2022 Wine Enthusiast awards, while their Single Pot Still claimed best in class at the 2023 Irish Whiskey Awards. Their commitment to sustainability includes Origin Green certification and 100% renewable electricity. For those who appreciate good whiskey, Drumshanbo represents both the revival of regional Irish distilling and the thoughtful integration of global influences into traditional methods.