You don't have to visit the smashing new Clonakilty Distillery if you want to have a bite to eat at The Whale's Tail, as It's a welcoming glass-walled restaurant approached from the road through a spacious plaza-style outside eating area.
But a tour would be a good place to start - especially as large windows give arriving visitors a tantalising glimpse of the huge copper stills gleaming on an upper floor... And, as well as giving you the lowdown on the distillery itself, the visitor centre tour is a great introduction to the town’s drinks heritage and much else besides.
Whiskey is the main product and, while the distillers wait for it to mature, their Minke gin (named after the whale, which is a symbol of the distillery), is already selling well. Underlining the West Cork theme, it's flavoured with two local botanicals Sea Pink and Rock Samphire - a taste of the seaside.
The Scully family, who own the distillery, have farmed in the area for centuries and, although they started off with whiskey that was sourced elsewhere (now sold out), they are growing their own Heritage Barley in order to produce a truly local spirit so this will be one to watch in the coming years.
Having done the tour, the naming of The Whale’s Tail bistro makes a lot more sense and the cheery motif makes for a very recognisable brand.
The bright and spacious restaurant is an attractive venue in its own right, with a nice mix of industrial chic (exposed ducting etc) and old world charm (the chandeliers) and popular with locals as well as a welcome refuge for weary tourists.
It's a friendly spot too, where the promise is 'local and seasonal' and they do it simply and well. All beef, chicken and fish are sourced locally and trusted suppliers such as Union Hall, Toonsbridge and Ardsallagh are name-checked on the menu.
While the choice is well balanced, they're strong on salads and the Cork Summer Crab Salad, for example, makes a lovely lunch with mixed leaves, pickled cucumber, croutons and tomatoes.
As well as the spirits that are produced on-site, they also serve local beer - and you might find an interesting non-alcoholic gin here: the Seedlip Garden Gin which makes a lovely refreshing aperitif with Fevertree Elderflower Tonic.
All round the distillery, visitor centre and bistro make a very welcome addition to this charming town.
