This was one of the most eagerly awaited nights in the history of Irish whiskey. We’ve seen Killowen and Shortcross make their marks, and now it was Echlinville’s turn to carve out its own legacy. Launching an inaugural whiskey is a monumental task, requiring meticulous planning and flawless execution. Echlinville rose to the challenge, bottling their creation and presenting it on a night destined to be unforgettable.

You can imagine my delight when I received an invitation to ‘The Beginning’ launch night. Having rarely attended launches or whiskey social events in Ireland, I was determined not to miss this one. As social media buzzed with teasers about the launch, I felt thrilled knowing my attendance was secured and that it was bound to be a spectacular evening. What made it even better was knowing that many of my social media friends were also invited. This made the event feel very exclusive and presented a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the virtual relationships forged over the past few years.

Like any memorable night, it began at the Duke of York bar in the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast. A couple of pints of Guinness ensured ample hydration for the evening’s proceedings, and a quick whiskey chaser set the tone for the night ahead. Graeme (@whiskeygraeme), Phil (@causewaywhiskey), Rich (@whiskeybeercigarguyni), and Nigel (@misterwhiskeyni) joined me, following the same drinking routine. For those familiar with Echlinville, they know it’s a bit secluded on the picturesque Ards Peninsula. Fortunately, Echlinville provided a bus, allowing around 30 slightly tipsy yet enthusiastic fans to enjoy the sights and sounds on the hour-long journey to the distillery.

The journey to the distillery was anything but quiet. Excitement buzzed through the bus as hip flasks of “questionable” spirits were passed around. Among them was a bottle of the Redacted Naggin, which Ronan Collins (@whiskey4breakfast) had graciously given me as a prize from a competition, and it too made the rounds. There was something fitting about drinking a Naggin on the bus; it just felt right. As we passed Scrabo Tower and sped down the Portaferry Road, a wave of real excitement washed over me. It had been over six years since my last visit to the distillery, and I was eager to see the significant changes made over those years.

As the bus arrived, we made the short walk to the manor house, taking in the fields alongside us, which have played a significant role in shaping Echlinville’s heritage and providence. The house, beautifully situated next to the distillery, was already bustling with guests. Upon arrival, we were offered a choice between Dunville’s 1808 and ginger, or an Echlinville gin and tonic—a refreshing option in the serene and warm evening air made by the cocktail virtuoso, Séamus Óg Birt . As a band played in the background, I soaked in the atmosphere. Among the guests were some prominent figures in the Irish whiskey scene, including Barry Chandler, Francis Leavy, and Paul O’Cahan, the latter two whom I introduced myself to. However, it was my conversation with Echlinville stalwart Jarlath Watson that truly underscored the significance of the evening for me.

Jarlath looked calm, relaxed, and ready for the evening. Dressed in a suit, he mentioned that while he was excited and calm, he was also a bit nervous about the launch—perhaps just saying this because his wife was standing beside him. Ever humble, he thanked me for the support I had given over the years. I responded modestly, saying that they were the ones producing great whiskey and that we, the writers at the Water of Life merely told it like it was: it is hard for us to find fault. Despite any nerves, he appeared poised, as if to convey, “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, where we’ve come from, and this is what we have to show for it.”

After plenty of mingling, along with an incredible gimlet, we were called to gather in the manor house for what promised to be a truly spectacular moment. Visitors familiar with Echlinville would have likely noticed the curious sight of a collection of military tanks, a peculiar hobby of Echlinville owner Shane Braniff. True to Echlinville’s style, as we made our way up the main manor track, an FV432 Armoured Personnel Carrier appeared, manned by three eccentric gentlemen who had brought along a “special package.” Amidst the excitement and engagement with the crowd, a box was unloaded from the APC and carefully transported back into the distillery, leaving the intrigued—though slightly shocked—crowd in its wake.

After being carefully unboxed, the crowd beheld a stunning wooden box adorned with the Echlinville logo and a ‘coat of arms,’ which graphic designer Mark Thompson had tantalisingly teased over the preceding week. Opened by owner Shane Braniff, he graciously thanked and engaged with the crowd, reflecting on the “long road” that had led them to this moment. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his staff, acknowledging their invaluable contributions. Reflecting on the decision to bottle this remarkable spirit and the challenges overcome along the way, Shane’s thoughts drifted to Robert Echlin, whose family had immigrated to Ireland from Fife in the early seventeenth century, pondering what they would make of the distillery today. As his speech culminated, Shane opened the box to reveal two exquisite 500ml bottles—one containing a single malt and the other a single pot still—an extraordinary moment for Irish whiskey enthusiasts in attendance.

The microphone was then passed to Jarlath, much to the delight of the eager and thirsty crowd. Echoing Shane’s sentiments about the arduous journey and the persistent, unusual feeling of being a ‘start-up,’ Jarlath graciously acknowledged Greg McClelland, a pivotal figure in shaping Echlinville’s future and deeply respected by all who knew him. As his speech drew to a close, the staff began distributing samples of the single pot still, each held within a beautiful Echlinville Glencairn glass. While my detailed review will follow later, the moment felt truly monumental. Tasting a whiskey from a distillery I had supported for the past 6-7 years was nothing short of wondrous. As I exchanged nods of approval and relieved looks with others, any lingering nervousness dissipated. However, the brief moment to savour the pot still was soon eclipsed by the offering of a sample of the single malt. Once again, a sense of significance washed over me as I savoured the taste of this truly special whiskey. Feeling happy and content, the evening took an unexpected but incredible turn, when none other than Eric Bell, guitarist of Thin Lizzy performed a rendition of Whiskey in the Jar; an incredible moment to behold.

What felt a little hurried allowed only a fleeting moment to savour the remainder of the evening. As expected, it ended with a mandatory visit to the Echlinville shop. A snapshot atop the APC with Graeme, Phil, Nigel, Rich, Matt, and Ronan, reminiscent of a rock band album cover, provided a fitting conclusion to the evening, full of laughter. Despite the imminent arrival of the bus, there was still time for one last cocktail. Finally, I savoured Séamus’s renowned ‘Banana Bread’ concoction, a drink that felt almost as significant as tasting the whiskey itself. It was a special experience, akin to sipping liquid banana bread from a glass.

Reluctantly setting foot on the bus, I found myself in a reflective mood. Tonight, I witnessed an unforgettable moment for Irish whiskey. It was an evening brimming with laughter, drinks, gratitude, and the company of humble, genuine, and wonderful people. As my wife and I settled into our seats on the bus, the sight of Jarlath joining amidst cheers and applause, eager to be part of the Duke of York ‘afterparty’, was a hilarious sight to behold. His generous offering of a 10-year-old bottle of Dunville’s Palo Cortado cask made the journey home even more eventful and a little fuzzier….

To be continued….