Whiskey is one of the oldest spirits in Europe and, contrary to popular belief, whiskey had its unlikely start in Kilkenny. The first known record of whiskey distillation was recorded in Kilkenny, by a member of the clergy of Ossory- some 170 years before the first distilling recipe for whiskey in Scotland in 1494.
The History of Whiskey
In 1324, the first mention of ‘Aqua Vitae’ was recorded in Kilkenny by Richard de Ledrede, Bishop of Ossory. Aqua Vitae became known in Ireland as Uisce Beatha or ‘The Water of Life’ and is now more widely known as whiskey.
The distilling recipe was recorded in the Red Book of Ossory. Aqua Vitae was initially used for medicinal purposes around the time that the Black Plague was ravaging Europe, whereas whiskey as we know it now, is distilled for casual drinking purposes and enjoyed on the rocks or diluted.
Despite numerous wars and rulers, the Red Book of Ossory has been kept in such good condition so that the people of Kilkenny and further afield can enjoy the writings of the book.
The Red Book had been preserved and stored in the Representative Church Body Library in Dublin. They have loaned the book to Saint Canice’s Cathedral for public display until August 2025.
The Red Book was written in Latin, Old English and French. It was initially intended solely for the eyes of the well-educated church members but is now on display for the first time in history in its home city of Kilkenny, where it was written 700 years ago.
The Kilkenny Whiskey Guild
Whiskey still remains a very popular drink in Kilkenny, inspiring the creation of the Kilkenny Whiskey Guild. The Whiskey Guild is a collection of 11 institutions in the Medieval City, who are dedicated to the customer experience. They each stock over 60 whiskey brands and their educated staff members can advise patrons on tasting flights, food pairings and mixology.
List of Kilkenny Whiskey Guild establishments:
- Langton’s
- Left Bank
- The Dylan Whiskey Bar
- Matt the Miller’s
- Kyteler’s Inn
- Lanigan’s
- Paris Texas
- The Wine Centre
- Brewery Corner
- Christy’s Bar
- Ristorante Rinuccini
The whiskey guild holds regular events with each event taking place at each of the different Guild houses and there’s always something new to taste in the Irish whiskey scene.
Visit a local distillery
Visit a working distillery in Kilkenny and learn about their sustainable practices, protecting the lands for future generations whilst providing top quality spirits.
Ballykeefe Distillery is owned and operated by the Ging family and its patriarch, Morgan Ging, spent 25 years painstakingly researching distilling and spirits to diversify his farm. Ballykeefe Distillery produces a number of different spirits from whiskey to poitín.
Come see the birthplace of whiskey, learn more about the smooth spirit and maybe sip a sample or two.
The Red Book of Ossory is on display in St. Canice’s Cathedral until August 2025.
