The Sazerac Company, known globally for its award-winning spirits like Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Fireball Whisky, has officially renamed its recently acquired Irish distillery to Hawk’s Rock Distillery. Formerly called Lough Gill Distillery, this historic site in County Sligo, Ireland — home to the national landmark Hazelwood House — will continue to produce and age premium Irish whiskey.
The new name, inspired by a famous rock formation in the nearby Ox Mountains that influenced poet W.B. Yeats, reflects Sazerac’s vision of blending innovation with deep respect for Sligo’s heritage. Hawk’s Rock Distillery is set to become a global destination for Irish whiskey lovers and those wanting to explore the culture and traditions of the region.
Jake Wenz, President and CEO of Sazerac, said, “Renaming the distillery is an important step as we honor Irish whiskey traditions while introducing fresh innovation. Just like at our distilleries in America, India, Canada, and France, we’re focused on crafting the world’s finest spirits here in Ireland too.”
Leading the whiskey-making journey at Hawk’s Rock is Helen Mulholland, a trailblazer as the first female Master Blender in Irish whiskey history and a Whisky Hall of Fame inductee. Her team is already working on new, innovative Irish whiskeys, with the first release scheduled for June 2025.
Since buying the distillery in 2022, Sazerac has expanded its production capacity, upgraded the facilities, and tripled its warehouse space — all while staying committed to quality craftsmanship. Though Hawk’s Rock is currently closed to visitors for renovations, Sazerac has received permission to create a visitor experience at the site in the future.
“This rebrand is just the beginning,” Wenz added. “We’re focused on building a legacy of award-winning Irish whiskeys, and Hawk’s Rock Distillery is central to that vision.”
For updates, visit www.hawksrockdistillery.com.
