Greencastle woman Laura Bonner was beaming with joy to be surrounded by so many supporters at the Muff Liquor Company brand home launch today.
The award-winning entrepreneur’s 20 year dream became a reality with the opening of a €1m visitor centre, bar and shop for the premium Muff Liquor range inspired by Donegal tradition.
They say it takes a village and Muff village, where the soul of the company resides, now boasts Donegal’s newest tourist attraction.
“It’s been a 20 year dream and to see something come to reality,” said Bonner. “It’s amazing and I hope I am as successful as my dad, who took over his own business 50 years ago today on the 2nd of July.”
Ronan Keating, Russell Crowe, Ryan Tubridy and Muff Liquor company founder and CEO, Laura Bonner, wearing Donegal designer Una Rodden. Photo by Joe Dunne.
Bonner has worked tirelessly for the past six years and recently attracted celebrity investment to bring her brand to the next level.
Today she was joined by Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, Boyzone legend Ronan Keating and presenter Ryan Tubridy to bring some star appeal to the launch. The company’s impressive list of backers also includes popstar Ed Sheeran and comedian Jimmy Carr.
Bonner commented that the ‘Muff Men’ have been a massive support to the recent growth of the brand: “Having them believing in what we believe in really helps. They are great people and I am over the moon, very overwhelmed and extremely proud,” she said.
Russell Crowe, Ronan Keating and Ryan Tubridy with Muff Liquor CEO Laura Bonner at the opening the new brand home in Muff. (North West Newspix)
The Muff Liquor Company recently secured a major win with a US distribution agreement, bringing their award-winning Muff Irish whiskey, vodka, and gin to American shelves. To meet this demand, Bonner confirmed that an initial shipment of 30,000 cases was destined for the US market.
“I’m really excited for what the future holds,” Bonner said on the brand home launch.
“It’s been a passion and dream for many years so to actually see it come to reality is incredible. I said years ago I was going to build it, have employment and take tourism to Donegal so I think we can see today it is happening. I really look forward to welcoming people to the area and tell them about Inishowen and the history of Donegal,” she said.
Russell Crowe amongst the celebrity investors attending the opening of new €1 million Brand Home for The Muff Liquor Company in the village of Muff. Photo by Joe Dunne
Bonner invites everyone to stop by and see what the Muff love is all about: “People can come to our shop and buy some bottles, come into our cafe, go around the visitor centre, and learn about the fascinating history of poitín in Inishowen and then come into our bar for a few cocktails and then go back out and leave happy.”
With a new brand home, an exciting roster of celebrity investors and industry accolades, there’s plenty to raise a glass to.
Watch a look back at the excitement of the day here:
