Micil Distillery Case Study: How We Quadrupled Online Sales with E-Commerce Website

Award-Winning Irish Whiskey Meets Award-Winning Web Design. Irish eComm Awards 2023 Finalist

From Traditional Craft to Digital Excellence: How Micil Distillery Quadrupled Online Sales

The Challenge: A Premium Brand Deserving a Premium Digital Experience

Micil Distillery had already established itself as a standout in Ireland’s craft spirits renaissance. With their distinctive brand identity and award-winning range of traditional Irish whiskeys, they were winning hearts and palates across Ireland. However, their digital presence wasn’t reflecting the quality and craftsmanship that went into every bottle.

Key Challenges:

When Bord Bia approached us to help transform Micil Distillery’s digital presence, several critical challenges emerged:

  • Brand Disconnect: The existing website didn’t match the premium quality and distinctive character of their award-winning products
  • Content Management Struggles: The team found it difficult to update product information, manage inventory, and share their story effectively
  • Limited Market Reach: Without proper eCommerce functionality, they were missing opportunities in both domestic and international markets
  • Poor User Experience: The checkout process was cumbersome, leading to abandoned carts and lost sales
  • Missed Business Opportunities: No system to capture leads from potential investors, distributors, or visitors interested in distillery tours

We had several web design companies pitch for the project, and Marcos and his team were the standout candidate from the outset.

The Solution: Bringing Irish Craft Spirits Excellence Online

Working in collaboration with threebrand (visual brand strategy and design agency), we developed a comprehensive digital strategy that would honor Micil’s heritage while positioning them for growth in the competitive spirits market.

1. Platform Selection & Development

  • Custom WordPress development for optimal content management
  • WooCommerce for robust eCommerce functionality
  • Seamless integration with existing business processes
  • Scalable architecture for future growth

2. Brand-Aligned Design

  • Visual storytelling that captures the distillery’s heritage
  • Product photography that showcases craftsmanship
  • Interactive elements that engage visitors
  • Mobile-responsive design for global accessibility

3. Enhanced User Experience

  • Intuitive product discovery
  • Simplified checkout process
  • Multiple payment options
  • International shipping capabilities

4. Business Development Tools

  • Distillery tour booking system
  • Cask ownership program integration
  • Investor inquiry capture
  • Distribution partner lead generation
  • Email marketing integration with Mailchimp

The Results: A Digital Transformation That Exceeded Expectations

The new website launch delivered remarkable results that transformed Micil Distillery’s business:

  • 400% increase in online sales – literally quadrupling overnight
  • Enhanced conversion rates through improved user experience
  • Expanded reach to international markets
  • Increased average order value
  • Simplified content management for the team
  • Automated inventory tracking
  • Streamlined order processing
  • Better customer data collection
  • New revenue streams through tour bookings
  • Investor inquiries through the cask ownership program
  • Distribution partnership opportunities
  • Enhanced brand credibility and professionalism

The Partnership Approach

This project exemplified successful inter-agency collaboration:

Inch and Mile: Technical development and eCommerce expertise

threebrand: Visual brand strategy and design

Bord Bia: Project facilitation and market insights

Micil Distillery: Industry expertise and brand vision

There was a real demonstration of collaboration on this inter-agency project in order to realise the client's objectives and bring the Micil brand to life online.

The Impact: Beyond the Numbers

The transformation extended far beyond sales metrics:

  • Professional digital presence matching their premium brand
  • Streamlined operations and content management
  • New revenue streams and business opportunities
  • Enhanced credibility with investors and partners

For Their Customers

  • Seamless online shopping experience
  • Better product discovery and education
  • Easy access to distillery experiences
  • Reliable international shipping

For the Industry

  • Benchmark for craft spirits’ digital presence

  • Successful model for heritage brand modernisation

  • Proof of concept for digital transformation ROI

     

Looking Forward

The new website has positioned Micil Distillery for continued growth. Thier platform is ready for new product launches and stable for high volumes of traffic. A scalable infrastructure allows the continuation of their international expansion while leveraging data insights for informed business decisions. This has laid a strong foundation for digital marketing initiatives now and into the future.

They are consummate professionals who made a complicated process very easy for us, and Marcos was an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. They went above and beyond for us, and the result is an incredible website that has literally quadrupled our online sales overnight, and given our company an online brand home that we can be proud of. I can't speak highly enough of Marcos and Inch and Mile, and would strongly recommend them to anyone looking for a premium website!

Ready to Transform Your Digital Presence?

Whether you’re a craft business looking to scale or an established brand needing digital modernisation, we can help you achieve remarkable results. Let’s discuss how we can quadruple your online success.