Blacks Brewery & Distillery has announced that it has been granted planning permission for a new, state-of-the-art €8 million complex overlooking Kinsale Harbour.
This major expansion will create 15 new jobs initially, with more to follow, as the development matures.
Comprised of a brewery, distillery, and visitor experience with bar, the new complex will be built on a brownfield site that was previously home to a T-shirt factory.
Prior to T-shirts, TVRs (high-end sports cars) were built there, and before that, it was a boatyard.
Blacks noted that it will open the doors of this new venture in 2023, marking its ten-year anniversary.
Speaking in relation to this planning approval, founder Sam Black commented, “This expansion has been in the works for a number of years, and to finally get the green light to start building our new and improved home is amazing.
“We have been living the dream since 2013, and are so excited to let others experience this passion.”
Rich History
Blacks Brewery & Distillery was founded in 2013 by dynamic husband-and-wife duo Sam and Maudeline Black.
Blacks produces craft beers with passion, personality, and lots of hops, while also ‘pushing the boundaries of flavour’ when crafting its range of award-winning spirits, including Ireland’s first-ever spiced rum.
“Not only will this new facility allow us to bring a wider variety of beers and spirits to our loyal Blacks consumers, but this complex is also a fantastic boost for our local economy here in Kinsale, in terms of employment, but also tourism, which has taken a hit over the last two years, as a result of Covid-19.”
Last year the company also released a world first for Irish whiskey, with an 18-year-old single malt with Irish rum cask finish being added to its already impressive portfolio.
Sustainability
According to the company, as members of Bord Bia’s Origin Green, sustainability is a core value.
Over the last four years, Blacks noted that it has exceeded its sustainability goals for waste reduction, recycling, and the lowering of its power consumption.
An oak tree-planting programme is currently being set up, with new oak trees being planted for every case of whiskey sold, the company added.
© 2022 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more drinks news, click here. Click sign up to subscribe to Checkout.
