Kilbeggan Distillery
Kilbeggan Distillery (formerly Brusna Distillery and Locke’s Distillery) was founded in 1757 and is situated on the River Brosna in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, Ireland. It is believed to be the oldest licensed distillery in the world. The Kilbeggan Distillery Experience includes a restaurant, the Locke’s distillery museum and it is a major tourist attraction in Irland.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
