Northern Ireland-based alcohol manufacturer Matt D’Arcy Whiskey Company has launched two new whiskey expressions.

The launch of new expressions includes a 17-year-old single malt and a ten-year-old blend, is also said to have revived whiskey production in the South Ulster region.

Matt D’Arcy Whiskey Company CEO Andrew Cowan said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring to market such a special old single malt along with our innovative blend to revive the whiskey-making tradition in the Newry area.

“It has been a long time in the making, but now we mark the start of production of Matt D’Arcy’s whiskey range and our plan is to bring forward subsequent new batches later in the year.

“The whiskies we are producing are aimed at the premium and super premium markets and will appeal to international whiskey collectors and enthusiasts or those looking for a very special whiskey to enjoy at home.”

Matt D’Arcy explained that its 17-year-old single malt expression has been aged for 12 months in a rum cask.

With 46% alcohol by volume (ABV), the 17-year-old expression is said to offer aromas of vanilla sweetness, honey, peppers and spices.

It offers mild spiciness with subtle notes of honey, vanilla, apple sweetness, almonds, cinnamon and plum. The limited edition will be gift packed in a 70cl bottle and retails at €375.

On the other hand, the ten-year-old grain whiskey blend is said to have been blended with 17-year old single malt finished in port casks.

With 46% alcohol by volume (ABV), the ten-year-old variant is said to offer aromas of citrus and fruity layers of conserve sweetness and spice.

The expression offers a sweet dried fruit spiciness with notes of barley sugar, malt and a touch of oak. It is available for €109.

The release of two limited-edition whiskies follows the announcement of a £7.3m (€8m) investment in the original site of the Matt D’Arcy Whiskey Company.

The investment will see creation of an onsite distillery, restaurant, Victorian bar and international visitor centre.

Matt D’Arcy Whiskey Company owner Michael McKeown said “It is a great triumph after so much hard work to be able to release these first batches of Matt D’Arcy whiskey.

“The discovery of the water source used in the original Matt D’Arcy Whiskey more than 200 years ago was a huge moment for us, and to see the whiskey now going to market has made this a really rewarding journey.”