Wild Atlantic Gin School: Guide to Creating Your Own Irish Spirits in County Tyrone

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 Tucked away in the rural village of Aghyaran in County Tyrone, Wild Atlantic Distillery stands as a testament to what happens when passion meets tradition. This isn't just another craft distillery riding the spirits trend. It's a family-run operation that made history by becoming the first distillery in a century to revive Irish whiskey production in the Derry/Strabane District.

Brothers-in-law Brian Ash and Jim Nash opened the distillery doors in February 2020, mere weeks before the world shut down. Their timing couldn't have been worse, or perhaps more telling of their resilience. What started as experiments with a 25-liter still in a garden shed in 2018 has evolved into an award-winning destination that draws spirits enthusiasts from across the globe.

The distillery sits just 15 miles from the wild beaches of Northern Ireland's northwestern coast. This proximity isn't coincidental. The Atlantic Ocean plays a starring role in their spirits, providing unique botanicals that set their products apart from conventional offerings.


What Makes Wild Atlantic Distillery Gin School Unique

The Gin School experience at Wild Atlantic Distillery goes far beyond a typical tasting tour. This four-hour immersive session puts participants directly at the helm of spirit creation under expert guidance.

During the session, guests work with master distillers to craft their own personalized gin blend. The process involves understanding botanical selection, distillation techniques, and the delicate art of balancing flavors. It's hands-on education that transforms curious visitors into informed enthusiasts.

What the Gin School Experience Includes:

The setting accommodates small groups ranging from two to ten participants. This intimate size ensures everyone receives personalized attention from the distillers. Whether celebrating special occasions, hosting corporate events, or simply exploring a passion for craft spirits, the format adapts seamlessly.

The distillery maintains a friendly, approachable atmosphere. Brian and Jim aren't distant owners. They're actively involved, sharing stories of their journey from garden shed experiments to international recognition.

The Ocean Botanicals That Define Wild Atlantic Spirits

Wild Atlantic Distillery draws inspiration from the Porcupine Bank, a natural wonder located approximately 120 miles off Ireland's west coast. This underwater plateau, discovered in 1862 by the research vessel M.V. Porcupine, provides the distillery with something truly special.

The botanicals harvested from these Atlantic waters give Wild Atlantic spirits their distinctive character. Organic sugar kelp and dillisk are hand-harvested from the Porcupine Bank waters, introducing mineral complexity and maritime freshness impossible to replicate with conventional ingredients.

Signature Botanical Elements:

These ocean botanicals aren't gimmicks. They represent genuine terroir, connecting each bottle to the rugged Atlantic coastline that defines this region. The result is a flavor profile that tastes unmistakably of place.

The Wild Atlantic Irish Gin won Gold at the 2021 World Gin Awards for Best Northern Irish Contemporary Gin. It was also shortlisted for best in the world, placing this small County Tyrone operation on the international spirits map.

Award-Winning Products Beyond Traditional Gin

While gin put Wild Atlantic Distillery on the map, their product range extends into vodka and whiskey territories with equal success. Each spirit category showcases the same commitment to quality and innovation that defined their flagship gin.

The Wild Strawberry and Elderflower Gin earned Double Gold at the 2024 and 2025 World Gin Awards, claiming the title of Ireland's Best Flavoured Gin for two consecutive years. This achievement speaks to the distillery's ability to balance innovation with execution.

Award Highlights:

The Wild Atlantic Amalfi Lemon Irish Vodka represents another innovation. Using natural extraction processes, real Amalfi lemons infuse the vodka with bright, authentic citrus character. No artificial flavors or hidden ingredients compromise the purity. Just premium vodka and fresh lemon extract.

Their whiskey production marks perhaps their most significant achievement. The IslandMen Irish Whiskey represents the first whiskey distilled in this region in over a century. Using traditional methods with locally sourced ingredients, they're reviving a legacy that ended with the 1921 Watt lockout in Derry.

The whiskey casks laid down in 2021 are slowly maturing in the perfect conditions provided by County Tyrone's climate. The wild, rugged landscape nurtures the ideal environment for aging, imparting character that reflects the land itself.


Inside the 90-Minute Distillery Tour Experience

For visitors not ready to commit to the full Gin School, the distillery offers comprehensive 90-minute tours. These guided experiences provide deep dives into the complete production process from grain to glass.

The tour begins with a gin and tonic reception, setting a relaxed tone immediately. Guests learn about the distillery's founding story, the inspiration drawn from the Atlantic, and the innovations that distinguish their approach.

Walking through the working distillery, visitors witness every stage of production. The tour doesn't hide behind glass walls or keep guests at arm's length. This is an active facility, and tours showcase real operations in progress.

Tour Journey Highlights:

The labeling experience adds a personal touch often missing from standard tours. Guests create their own labels and apply them to full-size bottles, transforming a souvenir into something genuinely personal.

Throughout the tour, Brian and Jim share stories that bring the technical details to life. They discuss the challenges of starting a distillery, the decision to pivot to hand sanitizer production during COVID lockdowns, and their ambitious plans for expanding into international markets.

The distillery maintains full disability accessibility. Everyone can experience these tours regardless of mobility considerations, reflecting the inclusive ethos Brian and Jim bring to their business.

The Cocktail Masterclass for Mixology Enthusiasts

Beyond gin making and distillery tours, Wild Atlantic offers cocktail masterclasses that elevate the experience into mixology territory. These sessions combine spirits education with practical bartending skills.

The cocktail class runs approximately three hours, providing ample time to explore techniques, ingredients, and creative processes. Participants learn to craft multiple cocktails using the distillery's award-winning spirits as foundations.

Cocktail Class Elements:

These classes work particularly well for celebrations. Hen parties, birthday gatherings, corporate team building, and anniversary celebrations all find the cocktail class format engaging and memorable.

The investment sits at approximately £95, positioning it as a premium experience rather than casual entertainment. The value comes through comprehensive instruction, generous tastings, quality refreshments, and the social experience itself.

Groups ranging from intimate pairs to parties of ten can participate. The small group sizes ensure everyone gets hands-on time with the equipment and personal feedback on their creations.

From Garden Shed to International Recognition

The Wild Atlantic story begins in 2018 with a modest 25-liter copper still tucked into a garden shed. Brian Ash, an engineer by trade, and Jim Nash, whose background spans hospitality and working with young people with learning disabilities, started experimenting with gin production.

Their goal from the beginning was Irish whiskey. However, whiskey requires years of aging before the first bottles can reach market. Gin offered a faster path to market and revenue, allowing them to build expertise and funding while their whiskey matured.

By February 2020, they had secured premises in Aghyaran, invested in proper equipment, and opened their doors with an optimistic launch event. Two hundred local residents attended the open day, showing enthusiastic support for the new venture.

Six weeks later, COVID-19 lockdowns forced closure. Rather than simply weathering the storm, Brian and Jim pivoted production to alcohol-based hand sanitizer. They provided sanitizer free to local health centers and hospitals while selling to local businesses. This decision kept the distillery operational and contributed meaningfully to community needs during crisis.

When restrictions eased, they returned to spirits production with renewed determination. The 2021 World Gin Awards gold medal validated their persistence and quality focus. International recognition followed, opening doors to markets they had only dreamed about during those garden shed experiments.

Breaking Into the American Market

Following their award success, Wild Atlantic Distillery participated in a US trade mission organized by Derry City and Strabane District Council. The November 2022 mission connected them with American distributors and retailers across five states in five days.

The whirlwind tour included stops in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Boston, and New York. Jim Nash traveled back in April to meet specifically with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, who expressed interest in carrying their vodkas in 155 luxury stores throughout the state.

American Market Strategy:

The American buyers responded particularly well to the family business aspect. In a market flooded with corporate spirits brands, the authentic story of two brothers-in-law building something from nothing resonated powerfully.

The Pennsylvania deal represents a significant milestone. Successfully entering the American market could transform the distillery's scale and ambitions. It would mark their first major international expansion beyond Ireland and the UK.

This growth necessitates increased production capacity. Crowdcube funding in previous years helped expand operations and launch new products. The next phase involves bringing on full-time production staff to meet growing demand while maintaining the quality standards that earned their reputation.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility at the Core

Wild Atlantic Distillery approaches sustainability not as marketing but as operational philosophy. Their practices reflect genuine commitment to environmental responsibility and community benefit.

The distillery employs a "Pump and Dump" water recycling system. Water used in spirit production gets meticulously filtered and recycled in a closed loop. This approach dramatically reduces water waste, a critical consideration given the water-intensive nature of distillation.

Sustainability Practices:

Their commitment to transparency extends to every product. The Amalfi Lemon Vodka contains exactly two ingredients: fresh Amalfi lemon extract and pure vodka. No artificial flavors, no hidden additives, no compromises.

During COVID, their decision to provide free hand sanitizer to healthcare facilities demonstrated values-driven operations. They absorbed costs to support their community during crisis, building goodwill that transcends typical business relationships.

The distillery's location in rural County Tyrone means their success directly impacts local employment. As they expand, they're creating skilled positions in an area where such opportunities are often limited. This contributes to rural economic development while building a workforce invested in the distillery's success.

Part of the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail

Wild Atlantic Distillery holds founding membership in the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail, an initiative connecting independent distilleries across the region. This collaboration between Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, and participating distilleries creates a cohesive experience for spirits tourism.

The trail concept allows visitors to explore multiple distilleries, collecting stamps in spirit passports as they travel. Each distillery offers unique experiences, products, and perspectives on Irish spirits traditions.

Wild Atlantic's position on the trail places them within easy reach of other notable distilleries. The trail spans operations from the world's oldest licensed distillery to some of the newest innovators, providing comprehensive insight into Irish spirits heritage and contemporary craft.

Spirits Trail Benefits:

For visitors planning spirits-focused trips to Northern Ireland, the trail provides structure and discovery opportunities. Wild Atlantic's location near the Sperrin Mountains and 15 miles from the Wild Atlantic Way makes it an ideal stop for scenic touring combined with spirits education.

The trail also benefits locals. Northern Ireland residents gain convenient access to world-class spirits experiences in their own region, fostering appreciation for local craft production.

The Sperrin Mountains Setting and Visitor Appeal

Location matters profoundly in spirits production. Wild Atlantic Distillery's setting in the Sperrin Mountains region provides more than scenic backdrop. The environment influences the spirits themselves and shapes the visitor experience.

The Sperrin Mountains create a dramatic landscape of rugged beauty. This wild terrain mirrors the character the distillery aims to capture in their spirits. The proximity to untamed coastlines and mountain wilderness isn't accidental positioning. It's fundamental to their brand identity.

Aghyaran itself is a charming rural village that feels authentically Irish rather than tourist-polished. Visitors experience genuine countryside hospitality without manufactured theme park atmospheres.


Location Advantages:

The distillery sits roughly equidistant from several larger towns, making day trips feasible from Belfast, Derry, and other population centers. This accessibility balances rural authenticity with practical visitor convenience.

For international tourists following the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route, the distillery makes a natural inland excursion. The drive through the Sperrin Mountains provides stunning views, and the distillery offers welcome rest and refreshment after scenic touring.

Planning Your Visit to Wild Atlantic Distillery

Booking experiences at Wild Atlantic Distillery requires advance planning. The intimate nature of their tours and classes means spaces fill quickly, particularly during peak tourism seasons.

The Gin School runs on select dates and requires booking weeks in advance. Given the hands-on nature and small group sizes, sessions sell out regularly. Early booking ensures your preferred date and time.

Booking Considerations:

The distillery prohibits smoking anywhere on premises or grounds due to health, safety, and hygiene regulations. This policy ensures comfortable environments for all guests while maintaining safety standards required in production facilities.

Private and corporate bookings are available with advance notice. Companies seeking unique team-building experiences find the Gin School and cocktail classes particularly effective for building camaraderie while learning new skills.

The distillery's website provides current availability and booking functionality. Direct contact ensures any special requirements or questions get addressed before your visit.

What to Expect During Your Gin School Experience

Arriving at Wild Atlantic Distillery for Gin School, expect warm welcomes from Brian, Jim, or their experienced team members. The atmosphere balances professional expertise with genuine friendliness.

The session begins with introductions and an overview of what lies ahead. Understanding the day's structure helps participants relax and prepare for the hands-on elements to come.

Early stages focus on education. The master distillers explain distillation fundamentals, the history of gin, and how different botanicals contribute specific characteristics. This theoretical foundation makes the practical work more meaningful.

Session Flow:

The botanical selection process involves smelling, touching, and discussing dozens of potential ingredients. Participants discover how juniper forms the backbone, how citrus adds brightness, how spices contribute warmth, and how the ocean botanicals introduce unique maritime character.

During distillation, participants work with equipment under expert supervision. The process demystifies what seems like alchemy, revealing the scientific principles and careful technique required for quality spirits.

Lunch provides welcome pause. The artisan breads, cheeses, and charcuterie pair beautifully with gin and tonics, demonstrating how quality spirits enhance food experiences.

Throughout the session, questions are encouraged. The distillers share technical knowledge, war stories from their startup journey, and insights into the spirits industry. This conversational approach makes complex information accessible and engaging.

The Future Vision for Wild Atlantic Distillery

Brian and Jim aren't content with current success. Their vision extends toward significant expansion over the next two to three years, balancing growth ambitions with maintaining the quality and authenticity that built their reputation.

Increased production capacity stands as the immediate priority. Meeting international demand requires scaling up while preserving craft production values. This balance challenges many growing distilleries, but Brian's engineering background and Jim's operational experience position them well for thoughtful expansion.

Growth Priorities:

Employment creation in rural County Tyrone represents a core goal. The distillery wants to provide quality careers in their local area, developing skilled workers while contributing to regional economic vitality.

New product development continues. Having succeeded with traditional gin, flavored gin, vodkas, and now whiskey, they're exploring additional innovations that honor tradition while pushing boundaries.

The whiskey releases starting in 2024 open significant new revenue streams. As their casks mature, they'll offer increasingly aged expressions, building a whiskey portfolio that could eventually rival their gin reputation.

International expansion beyond Pennsylvania includes exploring European markets and additional American states. Each new market requires careful partner selection and distribution planning, ensuring their products reach consumers who appreciate craft quality.

Why Wild Atlantic Distillery Matters for Irish Spirits

Wild Atlantic Distillery represents more than successful business. It embodies the revival of Irish spirits heritage, the potential of rural entrepreneurship, and the power of authentic craft in an increasingly corporate market.

Their achievement in reviving whiskey production after a century-long absence in the Derry/Strabane District reconnects the region with its distilling legacy. That century gap represents lost knowledge, discontinued traditions, and faded heritage. Brian and Jim are actively restoring that connection.

The distillery proves that small operations can compete internationally. Their awards came through quality, not marketing budgets. Their international expansion stems from product excellence, not corporate infrastructure. This success story inspires other craft producers and demonstrates viable paths forward.

Broader Impact:

For visitors, Wild Atlantic offers something increasingly rare: authentic experiences with the actual founders. No corporate layers separate guests from the people who created these spirits. This direct connection makes every visit personal and memorable.

The education component shouldn't be understated. Every tour, every Gin School session, every cocktail class creates informed enthusiasts who better appreciate craft spirits. This ripple effect elevates the entire industry.


Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

Maximizing your Wild Atlantic Distillery experience requires some planning and preparation. These tips help ensure you get full value from your time there.

Transportation deserves first consideration. The rural location means public transport options are limited. Driving provides flexibility but requires designating a driver since tastings are integral to most experiences. Many visitors arrange transportation services or join organized tours.

Visitor Tips:

Combining the distillery visit with broader Sperrin Mountains exploration makes for excellent day trips. The region offers hiking, historical sites, and stunning landscapes worth exploring.

Photography is generally welcomed, though check with staff regarding production areas. Social media sharing helps spread word about this remarkable operation.

The shop offers their full product range. Purchasing directly from the distillery ensures freshness and supports the business directly. Consider buying extras as gifts since these spirits aren't universally available in standard retail.

Don't rush your visit. The experiences are designed to be savored, not rushed. Allow yourself to be fully present, absorbing the knowledge, flavors, and stories being shared.

Comparing Gin School Experiences Across Ireland

While several Irish distilleries now offer gin schools, Wild Atlantic's approach distinguishes itself through intimate group sizes, hands-on distillation access, and the founder involvement.

Many larger distilleries run gin schools as commercial experiences with minimal personal attention. The focus becomes throughput rather than education. Wild Atlantic maintains small groups, ensuring everyone receives meaningful instruction and equipment time.

The ocean botanicals provide unique teaching opportunities. Participants learn about terroir in spirits, understanding how place and ingredients create distinctive character. This depth exceeds basic gin-making mechanics.

Wild Atlantic Advantages:

The pricing reflects the comprehensive experience. While not the cheapest option available, the value comes through quality of instruction, uniqueness of ingredients, and authenticity of the setting.

Some gin schools run in pubs or commercial kitchens with portable equipment. Wild Atlantic's working distillery setting provides authentic context impossible to replicate in generic venues.

For serious spirits enthusiasts seeking genuine education rather than entertainment, Wild Atlantic delivers substance alongside the social experience.

The Role of Traditional Methods in Modern Craft Distilling

Wild Atlantic Distillery demonstrates how traditional techniques remain relevant in contemporary spirits production. Brian and Jim aren't recreating museum pieces. They're applying time-tested methods within modern contexts.

Their copper pot stills honor centuries of distilling tradition. Copper's chemical properties improve spirits quality by removing sulfur compounds and promoting beneficial reactions during distillation. Modern stainless steel might be easier to maintain, but copper produces superior results.

Traditional botanical infusion methods extract flavors naturally rather than using shortcuts like concentrated essences or artificial flavoring. This approach takes longer and requires more skill, but produces spirits with complexity and depth impossible to achieve through industrial methods.

Traditional Techniques Applied:

The whiskey production particularly showcases traditional approaches. They use locally sourced ingredients and age-old distillation techniques, creating spirits that taste authentic because they are authentic.

However, tradition doesn't mean rejecting innovation. Their use of ocean botanicals represents creative thinking within traditional frameworks. The sustainability practices demonstrate how contemporary values integrate with classic methods.

This balance matters. Consumers increasingly seek authentic products with genuine heritage. Wild Atlantic delivers that authenticity while maintaining relevance for modern palates and values.

Understanding the Ocean Botanical Difference

The kelp and dillisk that distinguish Wild Atlantic spirits aren't mere marketing novelties. These ingredients fundamentally alter the flavor profiles and demonstrate innovative botanical thinking.

Sugar kelp provides natural umami depth rarely found in spirits. This savory quality adds complexity and body, creating fuller mouthfeel and more interesting flavor development. The subtle sweetness balances botanical bitterness without sugary obviousness.

Dillisk, also known as dulse, contributes mineral character reminiscent of sea spray and coastal air. This maritime quality makes the spirits taste genuinely of place, connecting each sip to the wild Atlantic coastline.

Botanical Benefits:

The hand-harvesting process ensures sustainability. Rather than commercial stripping that damages ecosystems, Wild Atlantic's approach takes what nature provides without depleting resources.

These botanicals work because they're properly integrated. The distillers understand how to balance their unique characteristics with traditional gin botanicals like juniper, citrus, and spices. The result tastes cohesive rather than gimmicky.

For gin enthusiasts seeking new flavor experiences, the ocean botanical approach delivers genuinely novel sensations while remaining recognizably gin. This innovation within tradition represents ideal craft distilling philosophy.

Final Thoughts on the Wild Atlantic Distillery Experience

Wild Atlantic Distillery offers something increasingly rare in craft spirits: genuine authenticity combined with world-class quality. This isn't manufactured heritage or corporate craft theater. It's the real story of two determined individuals building something extraordinary from modest beginnings.

The experiences they offer transcend simple tours or tastings. Whether attending Gin School, taking the distillery tour, or joining a cocktail class, participants gain meaningful education alongside enjoyable experiences. You leave understanding spirits more deeply than when you arrived.

The products speak for themselves. Multiple international awards validate what your palate confirms: these spirits achieve exceptional quality. The ocean botanicals aren't gimmicks. They're thoughtful innovations that create distinctive character worth discovering.

For anyone planning Northern Ireland visits, Wild Atlantic Distillery deserves priority positioning on your itinerary. The combination of award-winning spirits, hands-on experiences, stunning location, and authentic hospitality creates memorable occasions that transcend typical tourist activities.

Support from visitors enables Brian and Jim to continue their vision. Every tour booked, every bottle purchased, every positive review shared helps this family business grow while maintaining the values and quality that distinguish them.

Book your experience, bring your curiosity, and prepare to discover why this small County Tyrone distillery has captured international attention. The wild Atlantic coastline calls, and the spirits that capture its essence await.