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Overview
Rebel City Distillery represents the re-vitalisation of Cork’s City’s industrial past. Located on the Henry Ford & Sons factory site near Cork’s thriving Marina Industrial Park, Rebel City Distillery has created a range of expertly created distilled spirits that is a perfect combination of top-quality skill and multi-cultural inspiration coming together.Meet The Maker
The distillery was founded by Robert Barrett and his wife Bhagya, alongside Robert’s father Brendan. Robert and Bhagya are a distilling match made in heaven, both bringing their considerable talents to the table. Bio-Chemist Robert turned his attention to distilling and spirits having obtained a Masters from a distinguished Scottish University. Throughout his career, he has honed his skills working in distilleries in Ireland and Canada.
Meanwhile, Bhagya with a stellar career in Project Management along with a deep-rooted sense of her Indian culture has shaped the essence that is Rebel City Distillery and the quality spirits they produce.
The distillery comes full circle with the influence of Robert’s father Brendan with his background in engineering and construction, who has guided and mentored Robert and Bhagya in the development of the distillery.
And what a distillery it is. The site has been given new life in what was previously a booming industrial site. Rebel City Distillery use the site as inspiration in the development of their range of distilled spirits, being influenced by the sense of innovation that is infused in the walls of the site. The distillery retains key features including original doors which blend seamlessly with the modern upgrades and the beautiful Indian artwork that graces the distillery.
Rebel City Distillery currently consists of several specially curated spirits, these include Irish Gin and Irish Absinthe. Both spirits have been expertly crafted and are a perfect balance of the science and skill within distilling and the essence of botanicals that shape the flavour profile of these spirits.
Their Maharani Irish Gin is leading the way in the distillery’s range of crafted spirits. With one sip you’ll get a true sense of Indian and Irish cultures combined. Distilled in Cork and infused with botanicals from Kerala, South India, Maharani Irish Gin is a feast for the senses.
The name Maharani is derived from Indian culture representing a strong independent and empowered woman. Inspiration which is seen in the distillery’s co-owner Bhagya along with the botanicals sourced to create the gin. These botanicals come from Bhagya’s home region. A women’s farming co-op produces cassia and nutmeg mace for the Maharani gin, furthermore representing women’s empowerment.
When you taste the Maharani gin the aroma of the spices infused comes through very clearly. It’s a harmonious combination of the flavours of India with the tradition of Irish distilling.
Another spirit produced by Rebel City Distillery is their Irish Absinthe. Produced as part of their small batch series, their Absinthe is an award winning spirit that has captivated connoisseurs of this specially curated beverage.
Flexing his skill and passion for distilling, Robert has carefully crafted this Absinthe and subtly infused botanicals giving it a robust taste and exciting flavour profile.
The Rebel City Distillery range truly is a perfect example of innovation, culture and craftmanship wrapped up in an enticing package.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this Cork City enterprise!
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Other Facilities
Rebel City Distillery has an exciting visitor experience that invites you to hear the story of how the distillery came to be while also getting a tour and sampling the Rebel City Distillery range of products.
A key feature of the Rebel City Distillery’s offering is the exciting visitor experience operating within the distillery. Many options are open to visitors which include distillery tours, tastings, cocktail making classes and much more. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon while visiting Cork City.
We had the pleasure of getting a tour of the distillery when we visited. When you arrive you get a sense of this quirky, fun and vibrant space that has a fantastic bar at its centre. When getting a tour, you’ll be given a warm welcome along with a gin and tonic to ease you into the experience. The distillery is a real combination of Irish and Indian culture, which has created something unique and very special.
Distiller and Co-owner Robert will talk you through the process of distilling the range of spirits they produce while also giving you more insight into the history of the building and its role in Cork’s industrial past.
Co-owner Bhagya, will open your eyes to the wonders of botanicals and how they are ethically sourced from her home region in India. Moreover, you learn how botanicals influence the flavour profiles of their range of distilled spirits.
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Sustainability
Sustainability plays an important role in the day to day operations at Rebel City Distillery.
The team is dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint and levels of waste within the business. The site in which the distillery is located is in itself an example of their sustainable practices. Before the founding of the distillery, the site was disused for years having previously been the home of the Henry Ford & Sons factory in Cork City. Robert, Bhagya and Brendan re-vitalised the site while retaining the standout elements that reflect Cork’s industrial past.
Moreover, in the production of their spirits, Rebel City Distillery utilise energy efficient distilling methods that reduce waste and energy usage.
Along with this, you’ll find that all paper, plastic and glass waste undergo rigorous recycling practices.
Other sustainable practices include, responsible sourcing, using recycled materials in their product packaging and also partnering with a fellow Cork business in producing compost from waste. Rebel City Distillery also contribute to charities that they care for.
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