The home of whiskey

With Irish whiskey exports surpassing €1 billion in value, Irish companies are riding a wave of success at the moment that doesn’t look like it’s about to stop any time soon. Drinks Industry Ireland takes a look at the very lucrative Irish whiskey market

Irish whiskey has entered a golden era. Once a category fighting for survival, it has now surged to become one of the fastest-growing spirits in the world, with exports surpassing €1 billion and global sales topping 15 million cases in 2024, according to the Irish Whiskey Association. That momentum shows no sign of slowing, as Ireland’s distilleries strike a balance between heritage and reinvention.
From long-established icons refining their image for a new generation, to independent producers pushing boundaries with bold cask finishes, eco-conscious distilling, and even portable pouches, Irish whiskey is redefining what it means to be both timeless and contemporary. Premium expressions like Fercullen and Writers’ Tears showcase craftsmanship and elegance, while innovators such as Element and Foxes Bow are rewriting the rules of how whiskey is made, marketed, and enjoyed. At the same time, sustainability pioneers like Clonakilty and Ahascragh are proving that purpose and profit can go hand in hand.
This diverse landscape reflects a simple truth: Irish whiskey is no longer confined to tradition, it’s expanding into new territories, new formats, and new palates worldwide. As the industry grows, so too does its role as a cultural ambassador, carrying a taste of Ireland to every corner of the globe.

A masterclass in elegance

For years, whiskey has been boxed in as a fireside sipper, but Fercullen Irish Whiskey is helping rewrite that narrative – one glass at a time.
Crafted by the skilled team at Powerscourt Distillery, Fercullen 15 is a masterclass in smooth, layered elegance. Its rich vanilla, soft spice, and honeyed grain character shine equally well served neat, on the rocks, or as the base of a winter cocktail. In fact, its creamy finish and refined balance make it a standout in highballs, whiskey sours, or even a bold take on a whiskey spritz.
The rising interest in lighter whiskey expressions and creative serves is no coincidence. Consumers are looking for heritage and quality, but also for flexibility. Fercullen Irish Whiskey offers just that: a heritage rooted in the Wicklow mountains, a commitment to quality, and a forward-thinking approach to how whiskey can be enjoyed.
Fercullen invites you to look beyond the traditional and explore whiskey in a whole new light. Fercullen 15 and the entire Fercullen range of whiskeys are available through Barry and Fitzwilliam or directly from Powerscourt Distillery.

Putting people, planet and purpose first

Clonakilty Distillery is proud to share that it’s now a Certified B Corporation™, joining a global movement of businesses that prioritise purpose as well as profit. Based in County Cork, the distillery earned its certification after a detailed assessment of how it performs socially and environmentally, as well as how open and accountable it is as a business.
This is a big step on Clonakilty’s journey to make a positive impact through its work. It reflects years of thoughtful choices, strong community connections, and a deep respect for the natural land that helps shape its spirits.
Being a Certified B Corp is more than a badge of honour, it demonstrates how Clonakilty has built responsibility into everything it does. During the B Impact Assessment, it showed leadership in employee wellbeing, sustainability, and ethical supply chains. This includes health and wellness initiatives for staff, local outreach through beach cleans and Tidy Towns efforts, and a strong focus on health and safety, backed by new systems and regular training.

On the environmental side, Clonakilty has taken a close look at its full carbon footprint, from how it uses energy on site to the impact of suppliers and deliveries and now has a clear plan in place to cut emissions over time. The team is using smart technologies to track energy and water use, reducing packaging, and exploring bigger solutions like solar panels and constructed wetlands. A wildlife meadow has also been planted on site using native species to support pollinators and restore habitats, bringing more nature back into the heart of the distillery.
The business also checks all its suppliers carefully to make sure they follow good governance and protect the environment.
While B Corp certification is still rare in the spirits industry, Clonakilty is proud to join a growing global community of businesses rethinking what success really means.
“We’re delighted to be officially certified as a B Corp™,” said Michael Scully, founder of Clonakilty Distillery.
“For us, this is recognition of the way we’ve always done things. We’ve worked hard to build a business that takes care of its people, respects the planet and supports our local community. Becoming a B Corp is a proud moment, but it’s also a promise to keep doing better every day.”

For a new generation

Element Irish Whiskey is a new-generation independent whiskey brand redefining how Irish whiskey is made and experienced. Born from a desire to break with convention, Element is built on the principle of open innovation -inviting consumers, bartenders, and whiskey enthusiasts to help shape its future releases. Rather than relying on a closed circle of blenders, Element distributes samples, gathers feedback, and co-creates blends with its community, ensuring each release is inspired by real taste preferences, not just tradition.
The brand’s debut, Fusion Series R/1.0, is a small-batch blend of single malt and single grain spirits matured in ex-bourbon, virgin American oak, Oloroso sherry, and seasoned stout casks. Bottled at 43% ABV, it’s a versatile, approachable whiskey that can be enjoyed neat, in cocktails, or mixed – reflecting Element’s mission to democratise whiskey and make premium quality accessible to all.
Following this, Lore Single Malt R/1.0 continued the journey of innovation. Crafted from ex-bourbon, Madeira, and sweet Moscatel casks, it delivers smooth depth and character. Each bottle is individually hand-numbered, bottled at 43%, and non-chill filtered, showcasing Element’s respect for craft and quality while staying true to its open, consumer-led philosophy.
Today, Element is building a strong presence across Africa and mainland Europe, while also targeting expansion into Asia. Its biggest market is Nigeria, where founder Fionn Cox previously lived while working with Jameson under Pernod Ricard. Element Irish Whiskey is available via their website or from any good independent drinks store.

A timeless whiskey pour

Paddy Irish Whiskey is raising a glass to a bold new look, while keeping the award-winning recipe that has made it one of Ireland’s best-loved whiskeys since 1779.
Our distinct triple blend of grain, malt and pot still Irish whiskey has been enjoyed for generations, at home and around the world. Whether neat, over ice, or mixed into a Paddy Apple Lemonade, the smooth, mellow flavour remains unchanged.
Paddy’s new pack design honours its roots and namesake, Paddy Flaherty, the travelling Cork salesman who carried his love of whiskey to every corner of the county. Blending heritage with modern appeal, the refreshed look is built to stand proud on shelves and back bars worldwide.
As a global leader in Irish whiskey, Paddy’s new look signals a commitment to growth and securing the brand’s future for years to come, on shelves, behind bars and in glasses everywhere.

The clever Fox

Foxes Bow Whiskey, the unapologetically bold challenger brand shaking up Irish whiskey, has launched a first-of-its-kind Irish whiskey pouch, disrupting the conventional bottle-first approach that’s long dominated the category.
A modern take of the traditional hip flask, this slim, shatter-free format fits in your pocket and contains three drink serves, making it ideal for moments where glass isn’t, from backpacks to match day supporter pockets, carry-ons to festival fields. With a new generation of whiskey drinkers looking for convenience without compromise, the pouch offers the perfect blend of function and flavour. The new 100ml flexi pouch format, featuring the same rule-breaking blend found in Foxes Bow’s flagship expression, is aimed squarely at modern drinkers and their preferred occasions: festival season, gifting, the great outdoors, premium RTD upgrades, and drinks at a friend’s house. It’s lighter, lower-waste, and designed with portability and sustainability in mind.
“When we came up with this format, Tony and I had to take off our founders hats, and think as the whiskey drinkers we are. When we did that, we thought about all the places we personally would like to enjoy whiskey, and realised that a lot of the best memories happen in places where you can’t bring glass,” said Alice Carroll, co-founder, Foxes Bow Irish Whiskey. “It’s bold but practical, and very Foxes Bow: great whiskey, zero hassle.”
This launch continues Foxes Bow’s reputation for innovation and cultural relevance. Since its debut, the brand has gained acclaim for its non-traditional maturation, design-led packaging, and energetic tone of voice, all crafted to appeal to a new generation of whiskey drinkers tired of ‘old man’ tropes.
Available nationwide in Carry Out stores from 25 August, and in Aldi since 11 September as part of the Grow with Aldi programme.

It took five years to taste this good

West Cork Whiskey started in 2003 when three lifelong friends set up shop in the back room of a house in Union Hall. They’ve built one of Ireland’s largest distilleries from scratch, now employing 140 locals and staying fiercely independent through thick and thin. Out on the edge of West Cork, just south of the Golden Vale, they use only Irish grain, delivered fresh every day and embrace a bit of maritime aging too. For them, it’s always been about taste. They’re not trying to be flash or fit into a box; they just want to make great whiskey. And if you ask them, they’d never say they’re better than anyone else but they’re right up there with the best.
These days, West Cork only bottles whiskey that’s been aged for at least five years, which is two years longer than the legal minimum in Ireland. It’s not a flashy move, just something they felt made the whiskey better. Most others bottle at three, but they figured that if you’ve waited this long to pour a glass, it should be worth it. That extra time in the barrel gives it more depth, more smoothness, more of what makes West Cork Whiskey what it is. It’s a quiet detail, but it says a lot about how they do things.
That same philosophy has carried through to the brand’s newly rebranded bottle and packaging, designed to reflect the craft, patience, and authenticity behind the liquid. The refreshed look gives West Cork a bolder shelf presence, while staying true to its roots, understated, quality-driven, and distinctly Irish.

Save your tears

 

With over 20 years of craft, the award-winning ranges of Writers’ Tears and The Irishman have cemented their place within Irish whiskey tradition by challenging expectations of what the category can be. Showcasing a dynamic portfolio of Single Malt and Single Pot Still–focused whiskeys, both brands have become staples in bars and drinks cabinets across the world. Celebrating heritage while reinventing for the modern palate, they invite consumers to experience a wealth of flavours, textures, and stories in every glass.
Writers’ Tears begins with Copper Pot, an incredibly unique blend of 60% Single Pot Still and 40% Single Malt. The lively spice of un-malted barley combines with the smooth, warming malt character to create a whiskey that is both distinctive and approachable – a perfect introduction to the world of Single Pot Still. Beyond this foundation, innovative expressions such as the Añejo Tequila Cask Finish and Canadian Ice Wine Cask Finish allow drinkers to explore unexpected flavour dimensions, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for creativity and exploration. The Irishman embodies “Tradition for Today,” respecting time-honoured methods while utilising unique production techniques to champion Irish Single Malt. Its core Single Malt, matured in a combination of American Bourbon casks and European Oak Oloroso Sherry casks, delivers balance and complexity while serving as a gateway for new whiskey fans. For connoisseurs, age-statement releases such as The Irishman 12 Year Old and The Irishman 17 Year Old showcase the pinnacle of the craft, produced in small batches that highlight depth, refinement, and the very best of Irish whiskey.

 

Sustainable blends

Founded in 2018 by Gareth and Michelle McAllister, Ahascragh Distillery is Ireland’s first zero-energy emissions distillery. This family-run operation is located in the heart of County Galway and is known for producing world-class whiskeys and gin.
Since opening as a state-of-the-art facility in 2023, Ahascragh Distillery has established a reputation for award-winning spirits that bring a distinctive edge to restaurant and bar menus, as well as personal spirits collections across Ireland and beyond. The distillery’s own whiskey, due for release within two years, will make history as the first Irish whiskey produced with zero energy emissions. In the meantime, its new-make spirit is available to brands, retailers, pubs, and hotels looking to create their own distinctive brands.
In 2021, the distillery began its whiskey journey with its premium Clan Colla series. While not distilled at the West of Ireland facility, these hand-selected, superior-quality whiskeys are partly matured, finished, blended and bottled on site. The collection includes elegant single grains and rich blends aged 7, 9, 11 and 13 years, alongside limited luxury 19- and 20-year-old releases.
All of the Clan Colla whiskeys have received national and international recognition.
Visitors to the West of Ireland can enjoy these award-winning spirits at the Ahascragh Distillery Visitor Centre, where daily tours showcase the whiskey and gin-making craft and innovation. The village is also home to The Clan Colla, a fine dining restaurant that pairs local cuisine with the distillery’s acclaimed whiskeys and multi-award-winning Xin Gin.
For more on all Ahascragh Distillery’s whiskeys, gin and bulk sales, contact info@ahascraghdistillery.com.

Four-Time Irish Distillery of the Year

Glendalough Distillery has cemented its reputation as one of Ireland’s most dynamic distilleries, securing Irish Distillery of the Year for the fourth consecutive year at the New York International Spirits Competition. This rare achievement underscores consistent quality and craft at the highest level.
Innovation remains central to that success. The recent launch of Glendalough Pot Still Peated Irish Whiskey marks a category first: a traditional pot still style enhanced with a whisper of peat and matured in Virgin Irish Oak from Wicklow. This bold combination delivers layered spice, gentle smoke, and distinctive Irish oak character, earning Gold at The Spirits Business Global Irish Whiskey Masters 2025.
Alongside it, Glendalough Double Barrel Cask Strength offers a powerful evolution of the distillery’s signature single grain. Bottled straight from the cask and finished in Oloroso casks from Montilla, it balances intensity with elegance, adding depth for discerning whiskey drinkers. This expression also claimed Gold at the same competition.

From the hills of Donegal

Ardara Single Malt Irish Whiskey, a heavily peated, triple distilled, all grain-in whiskey that signals a bold revival of Donegal’s lost distilling tradition. Ardara Single Malt Irish Whiskey has already been awarded a Gold medal at the Irish Whiskey Masters 2025 in the Single Malt, super-premium category. A true product of place this whiskey is uncompromising in character. For over a century, regional distinctions in Irish whiskey have been lost, replaced by conformity. Ardara Single Malt Irish Whiskey breaks this trend, reclaiming Donegal’s distinctive character. Made with heavily peated malted barley, peated to 55 ppm, distilled with the grain-in, and matured, sherry forward, in American Bourbon and Virgin oak casks, this Irish whiskey brings to lifestyle unseen for over a century.
The packaging reflects the spirit within – bold and elegant. A 100% recycled bottle with sculpted vertical flutes that echoes the era when these flavours were last enjoyed, while the Solera vats uniquely used by The Ardara Distillery in Ireland prior to maturation are represented on the bottles’ distinct zamac cap. Metallic blue and copper accents on the label reference the native dragonfly, chosen as Adara’s emblem – the international symbol of transformation, resilience and rebirth, much like the Ardara Single Malt Irish Whiskey itself. Rooted in tradition, yet confident and contemporary in execution, Ardara Single Malt Irish whiskey is a rich smoky declaration and a Donegal homecoming.

Trailblazing spirit

History, music, founders, flavour – Slane is known for many trailblazing firsts and trailblazing Irish whiskey is one of them.
Blended and matured in virgin oak casks, seasoned whiskey casks and Oloroso sherry casks, you can taste the complexity of Slane Irish Whiskey in every sip.
From the triple casked ageing for a flavour that’s complex yet smooth, to the notes of vanilla, hints of spices and alluring aroma’s; Slane Irish Whiskey bends the rules to create a beautiful blend.
Steeped in music history, Slane has welcomed rock royalty from all over the world for decades and now in turn is sharing its award-winning blend of Irish whiskey back to the world for generations to come.
A blend that stands out whether on the rocks or mixed in, Slane Irish Whiskey’s complex flavour makes it the perfect partner to compliment your cocktail. Hot or cold. Sweet or spicy. Classic or current. However you like your cocktails, Slane has the whiskey for it.

 

Cutting out cask fraud

Irish Whiskey is amongst first to adopt Digital Deeds. Distilleries such as Ahascragh, Co Galway and The Foundry Vault, a bonded warehouse in Northern Ireland are some of the first to adapt and would encourage others to follow suit

With Irish whiskey exports surpassing €1billion in value and global sales topping 15 million cases in 2024, according to the Irish Whiskey Association’s In Numbers report, the industry is riding a wave of renewed international demand. But as growth accelerates, so too do concerns around cask fraud and the risks tied to outdated paper-based ownership records.
A growing number of Irish distilleries and warehouses have turned to digital tools to protect both their reputation and their customers. Digital Deeds from Proof 8 provide secure, tamper-proof digital records proving ownership, provenance and location for every cask. They replace traditional paper certificates with verified, auditable digital records which stay with a cask for its lifetime.

Greater transparency needed

At The Foundry Vault, a bonded warehouse in Northern Ireland, Warehousekeeper Jacqui Hanna says, “Warehousing and purchasing whiskey can be a very blind process and open to fraud. We needed greater transparency across every element of our operation as well as complete assurance that the data we held on every cask was correct. Spreadsheets just weren’t enough. We now use Proof 8’s Digital Deeds to provide up-to-date and secure digital records for every one of our casks stored here, and we’ve done away completely with paper-based records. This is crucial for audit transparency and ensuring legitimacy in cask transfers and puts our cask owners’ minds at complete ease.”
Jacqui highlights a very real problem facing many Irish distilleries and warehouses. Outdated and manual systems are holding the industry back. Many producers still rely on paper logs, siloed spreadsheets or patched-together legacy tools to manage their operations. While this may have worked in a slow growth market, today it is increasingly unsustainable in a sector now defined by international demand, complex logistics and growing compliance requirements.
To scale and compete globally, more Irish whiskey producers and warehouses are moving to streamlined digital operations, freeing up time and resources to focus on innovation and craft.
Ahascragh Distillery in Galway is one of them. Founder Gareth McAllister, says, “The level of operational precision we’ve gained with Proof 8 gives us complete trust in all our production and cask data, it’s helped us rethink completely how we manage production and maturation by prioritising data. All of that is vital when you’re accountable to customers and compliance officers alike.”
The need for traceability in Irish Whiskey is now urgent and Digital Deeds are fast becoming the new industry standard, helping protect both Irish Whiskey’s reputation and revenue well into the future