Connacht Distillery in County Mayo has rebranded as Ballina and launched its first two single malt whiskeys. The new name reflects the distillery’s deep connection to its hometown, while the releases mark a milestone in Irish whiskey craftsmanship, blending local heritage with global ambition and celebrating authenticity and place.
In a bold new chapter for Irish whiskey, the renowned Connacht Distillery in County Mayo has officially rebranded itself as Ballina, marking a fresh identity rooted in place, pride, and craft. Alongside the name change, the distillery has unveiled its first two single malt whiskeys, a milestone moment that underscores both heritage and innovation.
Located on the banks of the River Moy, the distillery has long been celebrated for championing traditional Irish whiskey-making with a modern touch. Now, as Ballina, it seeks to deepen its connection to the local community while stepping into a more confident, globally recognizable identity. The name pays tribute to Ballina, the Mayo town that has been its home since inception — a nod to authenticity and provenance that resonates strongly in today’s premium spirits market.
The rebrand signals more than a cosmetic shift. It’s part of a broader evolution that positions Ballina as a next-generation Irish whiskey brand — one that honours tradition while embracing a distinctive, local character. The newly launched single malts embody this philosophy: carefully crafted, matured on the wild Atlantic coast, and finished with precision that reflects the region’s unique climate and spirit.
Industry observers view the release as a defining moment for the western Irish distilling scene. Ireland’s whiskey renaissance has been led largely by distilleries in the east and midlands, but Ballina’s emergence highlights the growing strength of producers beyond traditional strongholds. By combining regional pride with global ambition, Ballina adds fresh energy to the Irish whiskey narrative.
The two single malts — each with its own unique profile — showcase the distillery’s maturation journey since it began production in the mid-2010s. Years of patience, experimentation, and refinement have culminated in expressions that reflect both place and process. From the aroma of coastal air to the depth of its malted barley character, every sip tells a story of time, terroir, and transformation.
For the distillery team, the rebrand to Ballina is about more than marketing. It’s an act of belonging. “This is our town, our community, our heritage,” said a spokesperson. “We wanted our name to reflect where we come from — because every bottle we make begins here, in Ballina.”
The announcement arrives at a time when Irish whiskey continues its impressive global ascent. Exports are climbing steadily, and consumers worldwide are showing growing appetite for authenticity and craft. Ballina’s launch of its first single malts — after years of laying down barrels and building anticipation — comes as a timely reminder that great whiskey rewards patience and place-based storytelling.
The packaging, too, reflects this renewed sense of identity. With minimalist design, earthy tones, and subtle maritime cues, it evokes the natural beauty of County Mayo. It’s a visual bridge between tradition and modernity — echoing the spirit’s balance of craftsmanship and innovation.
By taking the name Ballina, the distillery firmly plants its flag in its hometown soil, celebrating the symbiotic relationship between local culture and global recognition. The move also sets the stage for future releases and collaborations, with Ballina aiming to become a defining name in Ireland’s next wave of whiskey makers.
As the first bottles roll out to shelves and tasting rooms, whiskey lovers will finally get a taste of what’s been quietly maturing in Mayo for years. With its new name and its debut single malts, Ballina isn’t just reintroducing itself — it’s raising a glass to place, patience, and the enduring art of Irish whiskey-making.
