Slane Distillery, one of the newest additions to the growing Irish whiskey market, is approaching completion of its construction and plans to begin production in July 2017.

Slane Distillery’s construction team broke ground on the $50 million project in September 2015. It’s the first new distillery Brown-Forman has built outside of the United States. Located approximately 30 minutes northwest of Dublin in the midst of Ireland’s Boyne Valley, the distillery is set on the grounds of the Slane Castle.

Slane Irish Whiskey will launch in Ireland this April followed by select markets in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia in mid-2017. The initial expression of Slane Irish Whiskey will use whiskey from other Irish distilleries, which will be finished to Slane’s specifications using a triple-casked process.

Beginning in mid-2017, the whiskey crafted at Slane Distillery will be laid down to mature.

The distillery is constructed around a collection of 18th century horse stables and courtyards, which are being restored and converted into the production area and visitor experience.

“Slane Distillery will combine the hallmarks of Irish whiskey-making tradition with innovation, and we are excited about the future of Slane whiskey,” said Alex Conyngham, who along with his father Henry, is partnering on the project with Brown-Forman.

The distillery’s three hand-beaten copper pot stills were recently installed.

The distillery’s three hand-beaten copper pot stills (pictured atop) and six column stills were crafted by McMillan of Scotland and were recently installed. The traditional timber washbacks will be hand-built this spring by Joseph Brown of Dufftown of Scotland.

The visitor center interior work will commence shortly, including reinstating the 18th century horse stalls and tack room using the now fully restored original features. As the distillery nears its final phase of construction, the production buildings will soon be enclosed and the interior mechanical work on electrical, gas and plumbing will then be completed.

“As Brown-Forman expands its whiskey portfolio, we are confident that Slane will offer a superb Irish whiskey experience and taste,” said John Hayes, chief marketing officer of Brown-Forman Brands, in a press release.