Slane Distillery Closed Down

by Ernie Scheiner

The producer of Jack Daniel's Whiskey, the American Brown-Forman Cooperation, ceases production at Slane Castle Distillery for an undisclosed period.

The Beginning

In 2015 the American Distillers Brown-Forman invested about fifty Million Euro into the Slane Castle Distillery Project to produce Irish Whiskey in Co. Meath. The Irish venture came to a temporary end in May 2026. It was the first distillery which was built by Brown-Forman outside the United States. The American spirits producer stepped in when the project of the late eighth Marquess Henry Cunyngham and his son Alex, Earl of Mount Charles, failed to secure financial funding.

Slane Castle, Co. Meath

NB: Slane Castle in Boyne Valley has been the famous sight of hosting legendary rock concerts with very special guests like U2, Metallica, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, Hot Chilli Peppers, The Foo Fighters etc. Thin Lizzy played as support in 1981.

Slane Castle Whiskey

In cooperation with Cooley Distillery, Co. Louth, the Cunynghams started marketing their Slane Castle Whiskey in 2009. The legendary Master Blender

Noel Sweeney had created the whiskey on their behalf.

Slane Castle Whiskey made by Cooley Distillery

The early Slane team: Allan Anderson (left in 2015 for Great Northern Distillery, since 2017 Carpathian Whisky, Alexandrion Group), Alan Buckley and Alex Cunyngham in 2014

The Production of whiskey at Slane Distillery started in 2018. Three Scottish McMillan copper pot stills, and six column stills distilled single malt, Irish single pot still and grain whiskey. The blended Slane Triple Cask Irish Whiskey has became the flag ship brand.

Alan Buckley leaves Slane Castle Distillery

Alan Buckley, Site Leader - Production, Quality and Wood Management - at Slane Distillery from June 2015 til May 2026. At the beginning in 2013 he had been responsible "...for designing, constructing, and commissioning the Slane Distillery and a visitor centre at a historic site within a Special Area of Conservation, totalling over 1 million LAs." #

In LinkedIn Buckley wrote at the beginning of May 2026:

"Closing a Chapter at Slane Distillery

After 14 incredible years, my journey with Slane Distillery and Brown-Forman is drawing to a close today. Following Brown-Forman's recent decision to pause production at Slane Distillery for the next number of years, my role is unfortunately being made redundant.

Reflecting on the last decade and a half, it has been the professional honour of a lifetime to lead the construction and commissioning of Slane Distillery. Witnessing the 18th-century courtyards of Slane Castle transform into a world-class production facility and brand homeplace has been a unique source of pride.

But more than the buildings and plant, the true highlight was building and leading the team that distilled the very first Irish whiskey spirits produced on-site. Developing and distilling Single Pot Still, Single Malt, Estate Malt, Single Grain whiskeys and being actively involved in New Product Development were truly a dream realised for someone devoted to the craft. Since our very first distillate, we've filled casks with remarkable spirit and I eagerly anticipate tasting each expression when the time comes for their release.

It’s also been a privilege to be part of the Irish Whiskey Association from the start, seeing and helping with the worldwide comeback of our industry.

In summary, when I look back on all the triumphs, tough lessons, accomplishments, hurdles and sometimes late nights, I feel nothing but gratitude. Every challenge has shaped me, every opportunity has taught me something invaluableand every single person I’ve stood beside—through the highs and lows—has left a lasting mark on me both professionally and personally. Thank you for being part of this journey.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I wouldn’t be the leader, distiller, or engineer I am today without the people who stood beside me:

The Slane Team & Brown-Forman Colleagues: To everyone on my team, past and present, to colleagues around the world, thank you for all the wins we shared, the challenges we faced together and the opportunities I’ve had over the years.

My Family: Thank you for your unwavering love and support over the years. Your encouragement has meant everything to me.

Alex Conyngham: Thank you for believing in me and giving me, as a young engineer, the chance to join this incredible industry 14 years ago. Your vision was the foundation of this journey.

Dr Gearoid Cahill: My sincere thanks for your mentorship and support. Your guidance has been instrumental to my professional growth.

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