Rebel City Distillery

Cork City is known for its spirit of rebellion. Thus, the only distillery in the city centre cannot be better named. Rebel City Distillery outlines a rich local history and commitment to excellence in spirits production. A tour of the distillery promises an unforgettable adventure to all its visitors.

Engaging experience

The heart of Cork City is a great place for an engaging distilling experience. You can take a tour of the city's only distillery in Marina Commercial Park. You will be able to see the entire process behind creating unique spirits on the tour.

Guides will navigate you through the various stages of creating the spirits and explain some intricate techniques. You will learn how the finest ingredients are selected so the spirit blends and ages carefully. And, of course, no distillery tour is complete without a tasting session. Guests are invited to sample the spirits with unique flavours and aromas. The experience will be informative and engaging if you are a whiskey enthusiast or simply curious about the process. Visitors will enjoy the tour guided by one of the co-founders. Some guests suggest extending the tour duration, which might help the distillery deliver a more in-depth adventure. Creating unique and exclusive products through collaborating with local businesses may enhance the offerings and attract more visitors. Guests will adore the expanded range of spirits for tasting.

Rebel City Distillery is easily accessible by public transportation, as several bus routes pass through Centre Park Road. As for parking options, the Marina Commercial Park has two entrances that are open Monday through Friday until 6 p.m. On weekends, these entrances are closed. Please use the third entrance to access the park for Saturday tours. The distillery welcomes all and guarantees a wheelchair-accessible experience that leaves no one behind.

The distillery tour requires a minimum age to participate. These restrictions ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. Children are welcome on the tour, but if you are visiting with kids, please check the activity details. Please note that pets are not permitted. Remember to take photos of the innovative venture. Make the most of the tour guide’s expertise and ask for tips on the best shots.

Historic space

This fully functioning distillery is nested in the Old Ford electrical transformer building. From 1917 to 1987, the Henry Ford & Sons factory manufactured motor vehicles and was one of Cork’s largest employers. The building has been dormant for a long time. Established in 2020, a craft distillery has sparked Cork’s historic docklands. Rebel City Distillery chose this landmark space as its home, as its ethos is to draw on past innovations to inspire future creations. The building can be cold during winter, as it was built not to retain heat. Warm clothing is advised.

Finding something innovative to bring to the market can be challenging. Still, Rebel City Distillery has managed to freshen up the sector with its Maharani Gin, which blends an Irish-made gin with botanicals sourced in India. Maharani Gin celebrates the founder’s roots, Cork and Kerala, where they come from. To ensure the vibrant taste of the gin, the team chose not to filter out these oils and retain all the aromatics of the botanicals. Maharani holds the leading position in the market: a balanced mix of spices, citrus, and sweetness. Note the fine, dancing ribbons of essential oils when adding ice. The flagship gin is available nationwide in Ireland, Singapore, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, the USA, and France.

With his wife, Bhaghya, and father, Brendan, Robert Barre set up his boutique distillery in 2020, aiming to combine heritage with experimentalism. The Cork-based business draws inspiration from Indian and Irish culture to produce a distinct gin that has already found a keen fanbase. This connection is natural, as they are a husband-and-wife team. Robert’s wife hails from Kerala, India. During her expansive career, she worked in the large cities of Chennai and Madrid before moving west to Ireland. This diverse cultural experience has given Bhaghya a worldly, eclectic perspective to elaborate on the flagship product with a unique personality. The gin is enriched with delicate botanicals ethically sourced from an organic farming co-operative in Kerala, India. Maharani derives from Sanskrit and means "queen." Therefore, it is a tribute to strong women.

Crafted tours

Like a professional distiller skilfully crafts its signature blend, the Rebel City Distillery Tour offers a unique journey into the artistry of distillation. Visitors can explore the secrets behind Cork’s renowned spirits during a one-hour tour. Moreover, guests can explore the fascinating distillation process and sample the acclaimed spirits produced on-site. Rebel City Distillery ensures accessibility for all visitors, as the tour is wheelchair accessible. Thus, everyone can enjoy the tour and learn about the craft of distilling spirits.

Cocktail Master Class (€45) starts every Friday and Saturday at 5:45 pm and upon request. You will be pleased with a warm gin and tonic welcome drink. During the tour led by the co-founder, learn the basics of Mixology and shaking & stirring techniques. These skills will be handy in the second part of the tour when creating two customised cocktails using spirits crafted in the distillery. At the oak bar, you can enjoy the balanced drinks you created. Learn about the history of cocktails in a stunning boutique space.

During the Tipsy Tea tour (€50), enjoy freshly brewed tea with Indian spices, exclusive Maharani Gin, and a selection of pastries and sandwiches from local producers. By joining the Founder-Led tour (€25), embark on an exciting journey through the Distillery under the guidance of the co-founder Bhagya Barrett. Bhagya is always eager to share the story of the distillery's formation. She will reveal a challenging way of development the team has come. A blend of education and inspiration is what this experience is about.

Rebel City Distillery provides an informative and engaging experience for every curious visitor. Located in the heart of Cork City, it is convenient to reach and include in your travel itinerary. You can pick up the bottle from the distillery as a present for a friend.