Lift your spirits
Irish whiskey has established itself as a global leader in the spirits industry, though the full impact of Trump’s tariff has yet to be seen. Donna Ahern reports
Print23 April 2025
In 2024, Irish whiskey exports reached approximately €1 billion—a 13% increase from 2023—according to Bord Bia. With the category now representing 49% of Ireland’s total drink exports, Irish whiskey continues to establish itself as a global leader in the spirits industry. Much of this momentum is being driven by premium and super-premium offerings, which are fueling growth in both volume and value.
Fresh challenges
With a US 20% tariff now imposed on whiskey imports, the industry faces fresh challenges. In this new landscape, it is more important than ever for whiskey makers to focus on building their presence closer to home. Promoting your brand locally not only helps offset the immediate impact of the tariff, but also strengthens visibility, accessibility, and consumer loyalty in the domestic market.
Championing Irish whiskey
Retailers are actively seeking reliable, high-quality brands with consistent supply chains—and local producers are well positioned to meet that demand. As the industry is clouded by uncertainty it is critical to implement smart strategies that reinforce market position and navigate ongoing tariff pressures.
Now is the time to double down on homegrown support. Encourage retailers to think local, stock local, and champion Irish whiskey right here at home.
The Powerscourt Distillery wins big at World Whiskies Awards
Ireland’s Fercullen 15, from The Powerscourt Distillery, Crowned World’s Best Grain at World Whiskies Awards; Fercullen Falls named Best Irish Blend
Fercullen 15 Year Old Single Grain Whiskey
Powerscourt Distillery has recently announced a major achievement: its Fercullen 15 Single Grain Whiskey has been awarded the title of World’s Best Grain at the World Whiskies Awards Global final in London on 26 March 2025.
This win represents a significant milestone for Powerscourt Distillery. Having secured the title of Ireland’s Best Grain Whiskey in Dublin in February this year, Fercullen 15 progressed to the global stage, competing against the best regional grain whiskies from around the world. To emerge victorious and claim the World’s Best Grain title is a powerful recognition of the exceptional quality and craftsmanship invested in Fercullen.
This prestigious award is more than just an accolade; it is global acknowledgement of the dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence demonstrated by everyone at Powerscourt Distillery. The Fercullen 15 Year Old Single Grain Whiskey, celebrated for its distinctive flavour, remarkable smoothness, and outstanding quality, now stands as the world’s best – a true testament to the distillery’s mastery. This win elevates Fercullen and Powerscourt Distillery to a leading position in the whiskey industry, thus confirming the Wicklow based Distillery amongst the finest in the world.
At the same awards Powerscourt’s small batch blend, Fercullen Falls was announced as Ireland’s best Blended whiskey. It’s perfectly balanced blend of 50% malt and 50% grain was described as ‘Everybody’s Darling’ by the taste team at Whiskey Magazine.
Master Distiller Paul Corbett expressed his pride in the achievement. He stated: “Winning this award is a significant milestone for Fercullen. It reflects our commitment to excellence and our passion for producing world-class whiskey. We are honoured to be recognised on such a prestigious platform and are excited to continue sharing our exceptional whiskey with the world.”
John Cashman, head of brand and recent Whisky Hall of Fame inductee, added: “Grain whiskey is an often-underrated style of Irish whiskey, its softer notes and general sweet tones appeal to a wide audience and lends itself to finishing in exceptional casks like the Madeira we selected for this release. We are thrilled to be named Best in the World”.
The World Whiskies Awards is renowned for its rigorous judging process, which includes blind tastings by a panel of industry experts. This award highlights Fercullen’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in whiskey production and our unwavering commitment to quality.
Fercullen Irish whiskey is distributed through Barry and Fitzwilliam.
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Echlinville Distillery secures listing at Belfast International Airport’s new Duty Free
The Echlinville Distillery is the first Distillery of the Month at Belfast International Airport’s new and improved Duty Free.
The Kircubbin based distillery has secured an impressive listing for its portfolio of award-winning whiskeys, gin and vodka in partnership with FreeWorld Brands.
Passengers travelling through Belfast International Airport can now choose from 11 Echlinville products across its iconic Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, Old Comber Whiskey, Weavers Spirits and Feckin Drinks brands.
The airport is celebrating the opening of its enhanced shopping experience by featuring Echlinville as its first ‘Distillery of the Month’, with tasting and sampling opportunities daily throughout April from the store’s International Tasting Bar.
Stephen Magennis, head of global sales, The Echlinville Distillery, said: “We are delighted to see our range of award-winning whiskeys, gins and vodka on the shelves at Northern Ireland’s principal airport and the second largest gateway to the island of Ireland. Belfast and Northern Ireland are now a destination of choice for visitors from around the world. In 2024, 6.7 million passengers travelling through the airport, this is a great opportunity for us to grow our brands and Echlinville’s ever increasing global following.”
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Glendalough Distillery unveils innovative Pot Still Peated Irish Whiskey
Pot Still Peated Irish Whiskey
Glendalough Distillery introduces its first-ever Pot Still Peated Irish Whiskey, a limited-edition innovation redefining Ireland’s whiskey category. Renowned for pushing traditional boundaries, Glendalough blends classic Pot Still spice and creamy texture with subtle peat smokiness, creating a uniquely bold whiskey matured for over seven years.
This whiskey undergoes initial aging in ex-bourbon American oak barrels before maturing an additional four years in sustainably sourced Virgin Irish Oak from Wicklow, enhancing its profile with notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and warm spices. Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, it captures Irish whiskey’s pure essence.
Distributed exclusively in Ireland by Drinks Genius, Glendalough Pot Still Peated Irish Whiskey is available for a limited period at selected speciality retailers, including Celtic Whiskey Shop, The Corkscrew Wine & Spirit Merchants, and Blackrock Cellar, priced at €70. It can also be purchased directly from Glendalough Distillery’s website.
Following its launch, the whiskey featured at ProWein which took place on 16 – 18 March and the Cork Whiskey Festival 21 -23 March this year.Glendalough’s commitment to excellence continues, recently being named Irish Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition for the third consecutive year, alongside two gold medals at the 2024 Irish Whiskey Awards.
Explore Glendalough’s innovative spirit at www.glendaloughdistillery.com or @glendaloughdistillery.
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Guildhall celebration for historic whiskey launch
Wild Atlantic Distillery founders, Jim Nash and Brian Ash. Pic: Martin McKeown
Wild Atlantic Distillery officially launch IslandMen Irish Whiskey
IslandMen Irish Whiskeys from Wild Atlantic Distillery was officially launched on Friday, 28 March at the Guildhall in Derry. This made them the first Irish whiskeys to be distilled in the Tyrone/Derry region since the Watt distillery closed in 1921.
Over 100 special guests attended the celebratory occasion to get a taste of their new single malt whiskey and new blended whiskey. Amongst those who attended were the Derry City and Strabane District Council Deputy Mayor, and representatives from Tourism NI and Invest NI.
Founder and director of Wild Atlantic Distillery, Jim Nash, says there’s a depth of tradition behind their new handcrafted IslandMen Irish Whiskey. “Small scale distilling goes back hundreds of years in this northwest region. But the tradition died out and was almost lost.”
“Here at Wild Atlantic Distillery, we are proud to be part of the new wave of independent, traditional, and craft distilleries blossoming in Ireland. Together, we are making Irish Whiskey once again, the world’s most sought-after whiskey.”
The new IslandMen whiskey had its first exclusive release in December 2024, when around 300 bottles were drawn from Cask 001. These coveted bottles were sent to destinations across the world over the last few months. Jim says they were delighted with the demand for this first release. “Interest in stocking the IslandMen Irish whiskey is already high among distributors across Europe, North America and Asia”, says Jim.
His co-founder and brother-in-law, Brian Ash shares details of the next phase of Wild Atlantic Distillery’s development. “It includes a purpose-built distillery and visitor centre, just twenty minutes from our current location. It will be easy to access on the A5 main Derry to Dublin Road and will bring high-quality jobs to the region”.
Brian thanked Invest NI for their vital support in the ambitious venture. He also expressed gratitude to Tourism NI who recently honoured Wild Atlantic Distillery with a plaque to mark their role as a founder member of the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail.
Whiskey tourism on the island of Ireland continues to grow in popularity with over 30 distilleries across the island now offering tours, whiskey experiences and visitor events. The Irish Whiskey Association estimates that over 800,000 holidaymakers visited a whiskey distillery visitor experience on the island of Ireland in 2023
IslandMen Irish Whiskey is now available at stockists across Northern Ireland, alongside Wild Atlantic Gin and Wild Atlantic Vodka. You can find your nearest stockist on Wild Atlantic Distillery’s on-site map: www.wildatlanticdistillery.ie/stockists
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The Shed Distillery launches special seven-year-old Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Tawny Port Cask edition
Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
It has taken seven years of slow maturation in premium Tawny Port casks to receive the seal of approval from head distiller Brian Taft. Every drop has been triple-distilled with malted and un-malted Irish Barley, and Irish Barra Oats at The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney.
Brian Taft intricately manages every step of the distillation process, ‘carefully balancing only the highest quality ingredients through milling, fermentation and intricately guiding each distillation with detailed attention to temperature and timing adjustments ensuring first-class whiskey’.
Since 2018, it has rested in Tawny Port casks, carefully selected by Brian and Distillery Founder PJ Rigney and brought over from Northern Portugal.
After maturing for more than seven years, the distinctive character and depth of taste gradually evolved to meet Taft’s unrivalled standards of authenticity and quality. Taft will never rush a whiskey to a deadline and continued to taste from the casks at monthly, sometimes weekly intervals, until it balanced the flavours and aromas from the Pot Still, the wood and the Tawny Port. There is no added flavour or colour, and no chill-filtration
Distilling since 2014, the whiskey ethos at The Shed Distillery, prioritises exceptional quality over quantity and is never rushed to deadline.
The Shed Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has received a remarkable international response since its inaugural release in 2019 being named one of the top 20 whiskeys in the world by Whiskey Advocate. Distributed by Dalcassian Wines & Spirits, for more information you can contact your Dalcassian representative or call its office on 01 293 7977. RRP €80.
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Tullamore D.E.W., the #2 Best-Selling Irish Whiskey Globally reveals new flavour
Tullamore D.E.W. Honey
Introducing Tullamore D.E.W. Honey: An award-winning blend of Irish whiskey and bohemian honey. Crafted through a unique friendship between two communities
At Tullamore D.E.W., it knows a thing or two about great flavour combinations, so it decided to create a drink that adds a little sweetness to all the depth and character it is famous for. Tullamore D.E.W. took its multi-awarded triple blend whiskey and added 100% Natural Bohemian Honey to create a liqueur that’s warm, sweet, smooth and filled with Irish character– introducing Tullamore D.E.W. Honey.
The honey it uses in it liqueur originates from the hives of Bohemia, a region with a rich legacy of high-quality honey production. The honey production is often small-scale as the region has a large number of beekeepers, relative to their hive size, thus enhancing quality. Bee keeping is one of the most important agricultural industries in this honey producing heartland. This forest honey has a richer flavour attributed to the higher proportion of Spruce trees within these forest lands. As a whiskey brand it knows all too well the richness of flavour that lies deep within the structures of wood. After all, wood is the essential force of flavour for much of its whiskey. Happy bees mean delicious honey!
The new Tullamore D.E.W. Honey is all about bringing a little playfulness into everyday life, and what’s more fun than sharing a drink with friends? The most memorable times are enjoyed with great people, even better conversations and maybe a drink or two. Best served either neat or on the rocks, Tullamore D.E.W. Honey brings that all important smooth flavour, making nights out with friends all the better!
In Tullamore it makes whiskey like bees make honey, it is in our DNA. It is all about blending layer after layer of flavour so the whiskey and natural honey combination was a no-brainer. When making Tullamore Honey Liqueur, it blends the three component whiskeys (Single Malt, Single Potstill, & Single Grain) of our award-winning Tullamore D.E.W. to add a depth of flavour to its liquid before infusing it with natural bohemian honey, sugar and other natural flavours. The addition of Single Malt and Single Potstill adds unrivalled quality and richness to this already award-winning liqueur.
Don’t just take its word for it, Tullamore D.E.W. Honey has been most recently awarded a Gold Medal at the Irish Whiskey Awards 2024.
The taste is of silky textured Honey with vanilla undertones; natural sweet notes interlace with gentle spices on the nose. These combine to give a finish of sweet, sweet warmth. Smooth vanilla and sweet honey flavours buzzing together in a bottle.
Speaking about the new product Emma Slevin, brand manager for Tullamore D.E.W. said: ”We are delighted to introduce our newest innovation to the Irish market! Tullamore D.E.W. Honey has all the depth and character of Tullamore D.E.W. Original with an added touch of sweetness. With an ABV of 35% it’s the perfect drink for those who want to try a whiskey but aren’t quite sure where to start.
Warm, sweet, smooth and full of character, we like to think of Tullamore D.E.W. Honey as the cheeky little brother to our much-loved whiskey!”
Tullamore D.E.W. Honey is available from bars nationwide from today (april 1st 2025) and off-trade in retailers such as Tesco in the coming weeks. RRP per bottle is €29.
Please Drink Tullamore D.E.W. responsibly.
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Q&A with Kevin Hurley, visitor experience manager Roe & Co Distillery
(L-R) Aoife O’Donohoe, team leader, Roe & Co Distillery and Kevin Hurley, visitor experience manager, Roe & Co Distillery, and members of the distillery staff team
Q: What is a typical day in your life like?
A: It’s a classic answer, but in all honesty, no two days are exactly alike, and that’s a large part of what I love about the job. Alongside delivering the ‘always on’ tours and bar offerings seven days a week, we also work on various visitor activations depending on the time of year. At Roe & Co, we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to dream big and make those dreams a reality. This means there’s a lot of work involved in ideating, organising, and executing our ideas. We have a wonderful team of accomplished professionals that enable us to execute at a really high standard, so we are constantly raising the bar. I collaborate with many different stakeholders in the business—including marketing, operations, sales, finance, and F&B—which keeps the day-to-day very interesting and engaging.
Q: As the Roe & Co brand presence grows in the Irish retail and hospitality industry, what do consider its greatest recent achievement?
A: Roe & Co’s greatest recent achievement in the industry is undoubtedly the recognition received at the 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards. Winning both “Visitor Attraction of the Year” and “Brand Innovator of the Year” underscores our commitment to creating compelling visitor experiences and reimagining the whiskey-making process, solidifying Roe & Co’s position as a leader in innovation and engagement. We were all over the moon to win two fantastic awards!
Q: What are the brand values associated with Roe & Co?
A: Rooted in Dublin 8, Roe & Co is a modern Irish Whiskey brand defined by a spirit of reimagination. This drives our collaborative approach, pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making to create a versatile and innovative spirit. We’re committed to crafting immersive experiences at our Distillery and championing inclusivity, notably through our female Head Distiller, Lora Hemy, all while redefining Irish whiskey with constant reinvention and fresh perspectives.
Q: What elements of these brand values are most important to the trade
A: For the trade, Roe & Co prioritises collaboration with influential bartenders who are driving cultural conversations and reimagining the bar experience. We seek partnerships with those who innovate through cocktails, champion their community, and challenge the status quo, ultimately building advocacy and amplifying Roe & Co’s presence within the on-trade scene.
Q: What do the next few months look like for the Roe & Co Distillery?
A: The next few months at Roe & Co Distillery are shaping up to be incredibly exciting as we gear up for a bustling tourist and domestic season! We’re planning a vibrant summer of experiences, leveraging our fantastic outdoor space for unique cocktail offerings. Inside the distillery, we’re developing a premium program of immersive and one-of-a-kind events. If you enjoy cocktails and consider yourself a foodie, watch this space! We’ll be blending the best culinary talent in Ireland with innovative whiskey tastings and cocktails.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment since working at the Roe & Co Distillery?
A: It is difficult to select just one highlight, as we have held some wonderful events, collaborated with amazing partners, and welcomed many fantastic visitors from around the world, including some well-known household names. However, if pressed to choose just one, I would say the Dead Rabbit x Roe & Co event we held in the summer of 2023 was an absolute highlight. We hosted over 400 guests, and the distillery had a real festival buzz that evening. The sun was splitting the stones; we had live contemporary Irish music acts performing across multiple spaces and original John Gilroy Guinness artwork on display. Partnering with The Dead Rabbit—recognised as the World’s Best Bar—we stood shoulder to shoulder with them, delivering a world-class Irish whiskey experience to all who attended. The photo that hangs in our office of our team alongside The Dead Rabbit team is one that we cherish.
Read more: Irish Whiskey exports surpass €1bn as industry celebrates International Irish Whiskey Day
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