The Shed Celebrates a Decade of Distilling

New York, NY (June 2, 2025) - The Shed Distillery, known for creating exceptional, award-winning products including Gunpowder Irish Gin, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and Sausage Tree Vodka, proudly marks its 10-year anniversary. To commemorate the milestone of a decade of family distilling, The Shed launched a dedicated 360° campaign for Gunpowder Gin this April. 

For over 30 years, the curious and charismatic Patrick “PJ” Rigney had made his mark on the drinks industry, building and reviving brands for others. Yet, his long-held dream was always to create a distillery of his own, rooted in the heart of his native Ireland. PJ returned to his Irish roots and sought a place rich in history, surrounded by raw nature, where curiosity could flourish and inspiration would infuse every drop. Driven by a shared passion for craft and innovation, PJ Rigney and Head Distiller Brian Taft poured their dedication into every detail. This unwavering commitment gave rise to The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney, becoming the first distillery to open in the Western province of Connacht in over 101 years. PJ, along with his wife and cofounder, Denise Rigney, embarked on a bold journey to create only the finest Irish spirits, guided by his relentless pursuit of excellence. And ever since, it has become a cornerstone of the town, focused on the return to traditional methods using copper pot and column stills, creating the finest of Irish spirits. 

Over the past decade, The Shed Distillery has grown from a bold vision into a globally recognized name. Its gin is now available in over 100 countries, and the distillery itself has welcomed more than 150,000 visitors since opening its doors — a testament to the brand’s international appeal and enduring connection with curious spirits lovers around the world.

“To look back at what we’ve built in ten years is both humbling and exhilarating,” said PJ Rigney. “This anniversary is not just about our journey of curiosity — it’s a toast to every bartender, enthusiast, and partner who believed in us from day one.”

The brand has earned notable awards, including International Spirit Brand of the Year from the 2022 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards, Best Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey at the 2023 Irish Whiskey Awards, 92 Points from Wine Enthusiast in 2023, Georgina Campbell’s Visitor Attraction of the Year in 2024, Best in Show award in the Gin & Genever category at the 2024 TAG Awards, a Double Gold Medal at 2024 New York World Spirits Competition, and a Gold Medal at 2025 San Diego Wine & Spirit Challenge.

The Shed has held Origin Green Certified Status since 2017 and runs on electricity from 100% green sources, as well as sourcing ingredients locally and nationally whenever possible. Many local, Irish ingredients are used as part of the many recipes created at The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney: The nettles for Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka and the meadowsweet for Gunpowder Irish Gin grow wild in the fields around Drumshanbo, while the barley and oats for Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey are sourced from the Midlands and Southeast of Ireland. When foraging, the team takes great care to leave enough of the plants untouched so that they can replenish themselves for the next growing season, and The Shed donates all the spent grain from the whiskey mash to local farmers to feed their cattle. 

The Shed is currently the largest family-owned gin distillery in the world, and the Rigney’s intend to keep it that way for generations to come. The Rigney family and The Shed Distillery team take great pride in being part of the Drumshanbo community. Their deep respect for its people and natural surroundings guides everything they do—from community support to the meticulous craft behind each spirit. That same care and commitment is poured into every bottle they produce.

For more information, please visit the Shed Distillery website. 

The Shed Product Range:

Gunpowder Irish Gin: 

• Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin (SRP: $37.99)
• Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Sardinian Citrus Edition (SRP: $37.99)
• Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Californian Orange Citrus (SRP: $37.99)
• Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Brazilian Pineapple (SRP: $37.99)

Drumshanbo Irish Whiskey: 

• Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (SRP: $61.99)
• Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Tawny Port Cask (SRP: $79.99)
• Drumshanbo Single Malt Irish Whiskey Galánta Edition (SRP: $99.99)

Sausage Tree Vodka:

• Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka (SRP: $29.99)

About The Shed Distillery: 

Founded in 2014 by PJ Rigney, The Shed Distillery is known for creating exceptional, award-winning products including Gunpowder Irish Gin, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and Sausage Tree Vodka. Blending traditional distilling practices with modern innovation, The Shed Distillery emphasizes quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability, using locally sourced ingredients to create distinctive flavors. Under PJ Rigney’s visionary leadership, The Shed Distillery has rapidly expanded its global footprint, earning numerous prestigious awards including International Spirit Brand of the Year from 2022 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards and Best in Show award in the Gin & Genever category of the 2024 TAG Awards, while remaining deeply connected to its Irish roots and community.