Derry's industrial history will be brought to life with an exciting new venture in the heart of the city.
The story of Watts Whiskey distillery may not be a story as prominent as other aspects of Derry industry such as the shirt factory, however, this new project is set to change all of that.
Derry became a global hub for the exportation of whiskey due to the Watts distilleries, establishing themselves in the city from 1762 for 160 years. With two distilleries, one in Abbey Street and another in the Waterside area of the city, the Watts distilleries played a key role in making Derry a hotspot for the whiskey industry.
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In fact, by 1887 Abbey Street was the largest distillery in Ireland and covered a massive eight acres. Its reach included Abbey Street, Fahan Street, Bogside and adjoining streets.
Enjoying huge success, in 1902-03 the Watt family decided to merge with two Belfast distilleries, the small Avoniel, owned by William Higgins and the Irish Distillery Ltd, Connswater, to form the United Distilleries Company Limited.
Conflict between the United Distilleries Company and Scottish giants DCL, as well as complicated deals led to the slow decline of the Derry distilleries and company head, Andrew Watt closed the business in 1925. The decline and closure of the distilleries caused this industry to be banished to history.
However, a brand-new emporium will bring the history of Watts back with a bang.
The development stretching across Foyle Street and Shipquay Place will include a unique and immersive visitor experience, with classes in whiskey tasting and cocktail making.
Alongside being a tourism hub, the emporium will also see the return of a distillery to the city for the first time in 100 years, creating between 100-150 jobs.
The revitalisation of Derry's whiskey history is set to transform empty buildings in the heart of the city, providing an exciting tourism spot as well as the return of a forgotten industry.
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