S6E2: Michael McKillop - Whiskey Distiller & Potato Purveyor

Irish Stew Podcast

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

• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Glens of Antrim Distillery

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Glens of Antrim Potatoes

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter

Glens of Antrim Crisps

• Website

Shindigs Boxed Potato Crips

• Website

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Michael McKillop's Hats (00:02:24)

3. What Makes a Good Potato and Good Whiskey (00:04:45)

4. A Three Generation Business (00:07:17)

5. Early Days Business Expansion (00:11:34)

6. The Troubles and The Glens of Antrim (00:14:51)

7. Crisps or Chips (00:21:02)

8. Growing Lumpers: A Living Artifact (00:28:01)

9. The Challange of Irish Whiskey (00:35:28)

10. Tasting Lír Whiskey (00:41:50)

11. Pot Still Whiskey (00:45:44)

12. Founders Casks (00:48:16)

13. Seamus Plug (00:53:14)

14. John and Martin Recap (00:56:43)

15. Credits (00:57:56)