Founded in 1987 by John Teeling in County Louth, in the northeast of Ireland, Cooley Distillery marked the rebirth of independent Irish whiskey production after more than a century of industrial monopoly. Built in a former liqueur facility, it was designed for exceptional versatility: producing single malt, single grain, and blends, both for its own brands and for the independent bottling market. The distillery is equipped with two traditional copper pot stills dedicated to single malts, operating with double distillation – an unusual choice in Ireland, where triple distillation is the norm – giving the spirit more body and aromatic complexity. For single grains, Cooley uses a Coffey column still, ideal for a lighter, more neutral distillate. Raw materials include malted barley (peated or unpeated depending on the expression – up to 20 ppm for Connemara) as well as corn for the grain whiskies. Long fermentation (60–80 hours) in stainless steel washbacks encourages the development of fruity esters, the aromatic backbone of Cooley whiskeys. Maturation takes place mainly in first-fill bourbon barrels from Kentucky, with additional use of Oloroso sherry, port, and other fortified wine casks for special finishes. Cooley is one of the few Irish distilleries to produce both a peated single malt (Connemara) and a 100% corn single grain aged in bourbon (Greenore). Some releases are bottled at cask strength or non-chill filtered, preserving texture and intensity. Since joining Beam Suntory in 2012, Cooley has maintained its distinctive approach: Irish whiskey faithful to tradition yet technically assertive, sought after by curious enthusiasts and seasoned collectors alike.

The Roots, founded by Joren and Pieter, is an independent bottler relatively new to the spirits scene, dedicated to discovering and showcasing the most distinctive and authentic spirits. These enthusiasts strive to reveal hidden treasures of distilleries, by offering unique bottlings with a magical and enchanting appearance. With limited production, The Roots makes no compromises: Quality always takes over quantity!