麻豆社

Mark Thompson teams up with historian Dr Fionnan O鈥機onnor to discover the fascinating story of what was once the greatest whiskey industry in the world.

Irish whiskey is now enjoying a 21st-century renaissance, with the fastest-growing spirit sales in the world. Once a global player, whose industrial success was almost forgotten, it is a drink with a chequered past.

Ulster and Northern Ireland are at the heart of this story - from the Kingdom of Dalriada and the poitin masters of Donegal, to Northern Ireland鈥檚 21st-century pioneers currently resurrecting the brands and blends once counted among the most famous whiskeys in the world.

Though Belfast鈥檚 industrial golden age is more often associated with shipbuilding and linen production, Mark and Fionnan reveal just how significant a role whiskey had in the growth of Belfast.

The film uncovers forgotten links between Ulster鈥檚 whiskey makers and those of Scotland, revealing just how much Scotland鈥檚 whisky story owes to the north of Ireland, and looking back to a time when Irish whiskey exports outsold Scotch by three to one.

Graphic designer Mark鈥檚 fascination with branding and advertising opens a door on our industrial past, as he discovers just how much the story of whiskey connects with the history and heritage of the Ulster-Scots.

From a tiny craft distiller in the Mournes to the historic home of old Bushmills, Mark and Fionnan explore a broken history, meeting with the enthusiasts who are rediscovering forgotten recipes and recreating some of the great spirits from Irish whiskey鈥檚 golden age.