[1] Though of little importance in the context of the Irish whiskey industry, the distillery is remarkable for having existing for over a quarter of a century in an area notorious for the production of poitín, an illicit spirit.
This contrasted with the local Poitín, which although of good quality, was generally produced from a mix of barley and molasses and sold within a few weeks of being distilled.
[4][2] In 1834, Leathem gave important first-hand testimony before a Government inquiry on illicit distilling practices.
[3] In his testimony, Leathem was very critical of the excise administration, in particular, on their practice of posting incompetent English officers to Ireland.
[5] With a prominent chimney, it can be seen by passing motorists on the N13 from Derry to Letterkenny, a silent reminder of Burt’s distilling heritage.