S6E2: Michael McKillop - Whisky Distiller & Potato Purveyor
In the first of our “Irish Libations” series, we welcome Michael McKillop, who branched out from the 36-year-old Glens of Antrim Potatoes business to launch Glens of Antrim Distillery with its Lir line of Irish Whiskeys, amidst bucolic surroundings in Cushendall, Northern Ireland.
We get a professional’s view of the growing, shipping, and marketing of Ireland’s favorite crop, and how his company is taking on the potato crisp business with its Glens of Antrim and Shindig brands with creative new flavors (Roast Beef & Mustard!) and packaging, including boxes and 10-pound bags!
We learn how he revived the Lumper, the potato variety associated with the crop failure of “Black 47,” and how his Lumpers entered the curriculum of schools across the island in lessons about An Gorta Mor.
Knowing it would be a gamble, Michael rolled the dice in creating his line of whiskey, with Green Crest, Red Crest, and Black Crest versions of his Lir brand, a labor of love, a tribute to his family's heritage, and to the stunning Glens of Antrim region.
He rolled the dice again in planning a new distillery to strengthen the company’s ties with the local community, create job opportunities in the area, and launch a new tourist destination. A handsome structure it will be, and after a long journey the project got the go-ahead just after we recorded this episode.
Michael shares stories of why he hates sheep, his adventures delivering potatoes with his father around Northern Ireland, the business reasons for moving into whiskey, the challenges of launching a distillery, why he’s committing to pot-still whiskey, and the benefits of the founders’ cask trade.
We wrap with a wee, warming, amber dram of Lir Green Crest. Sláinte!
Links
Michael McKillop
Glens of Antrim Distillery
Glens of Antrim Potatoes
Glens of Antrim Crisps
Shindigs Boxed Potato Crips
00:00 - Introduction
02:24 - Michael McKillop's Hats
04:45 - What Makes a Good Potato and Good Whiskey
07:17 - A Three Generation Business
11:34 - Early Days Business Expansion
14:51 - The Troubles and The Glens of Antrim
21:02 - Crisps or Chips
28:01 - Growing Lumpers: A Living Artifact
35:28 - The Challange of Irish Whiskey
41:50 - Tasting Lír Whiskey
45:44 - Pot Still Whiskey
48:16 - Founders Casks
53:14 - Seamus Plug
56:43 - John and Martin Recap
57:56 - Credits
Michael McKillop
Co Founder/Owner. Glens of Antrim Distillery
Michael McKillop is the Co Founder/Owner of the Glens of Antrim Distillery. The Mckillop family business story dates back three generations with the foundation of Glens of Antrim Potatoes. Initially the family began business as potato farmers and expanded operations into packing and delivery. in 2018 the business diversified into the crisp/chip business, launching Glens of Antrim Crisps. Simultaneously chose to enter the whiskey business, launching Lír Whiskey with plans to open a distillery in Cushendall in 2024.
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