Stillgarden Distillery Ceases Trading After Failed Investor Search

Stillgarden Distillery, an independent producer of Italian-style amari liqueurs based in Dublin 8, has stopped trading. The company announced on Thursday morning that it has entered voluntary liquidation. The closure follows a lengthy search this year for new investment to keep the business running.

The distillery stated that it had sought an experienced international managing director to lead the company to the next stage of growth. Products were sold in Ireland and Britain, with the UK market served through supplier Master of Malt. The company said it could not continue without outside support.

Pat O’Brien and Victoria Baird, a married couple, co-founded the business in February 2020 along with partner Damien Heary. The facility is located on Tyrconnell Road in Inchicore. The company produced herbal liqueurs intended for consumption after meals.

Sales increased as the pandemic eased, reaching nearly €400,000 in 2023. However, rising production costs and a tighter market forced the team to restructure in 2024. They narrowed their product range to break even. Baird, the managing director, said the team did everything possible to keep the distillery going.

“We made the business leaner, built a brand that people loved here and in the UK and put everything into finding the right investor to take it to the next level,” Baird said. She added that a small independent distillery needs capital, and the team could not continue funding it themselves.

Financial accounts for the parent company, Disruptive Spirits, from the 2024 fiscal year show the business owed large sums to its directors. More than €550,000 was repayable to Baird, and more than €39,000 was due to O’Brien. The company reported an income loss of €833,000 by the end of 2024.

The distillery received €60,000 in government grants to support its operations during that period. The accounts show the company owed substantial sums of money to its two directors. The announcement marked the end of the company's operations after its failure to secure a deal with potential investors.