Sip, sip, hooray!
The festive season is a key sales period for alcohol, with demand peaking for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and gifting. ShelfLife reports
Print21 November 2025
The Christmas season is a golden opportunity for alcohol brands to shine. Shoppers spend more time browsing, creating valuable moments to grab their attention.
According to the grocery data published on 13 January 2024 by Worldpanel by Numerator (formerly Kantar), over the four weeks to 29 December 2024 alcohol took centre stage in last year’s festive shopping carts, with shoppers spending an additional €79 million on alcohol versus the previous month.
Commenting on the findings Emer Healy, business development director, Worldpanel by Numerator: “Champagne and sparkling wine, beer and cider, and wine were popular among shoppers who spent an additional €60.8 million compared to the previous month [November].
“Others enjoyed themselves in moderation, with 9% of Irish households purchasing no and low alcohol drinks in December, spending an additional €2 million on these products.”
It’s important for brands to note that those that leverage festive packaging, seasonal promotions, and thoughtful marketing can stand out during the holidays. Consumers are often drawn to a mix of familiar favourites and new options, making this a strong sales period for the alcohol category.
Retailers should start stocking up on Christmas drinks now, as demand will surge not only for Christmas Day but also for New Year’s Eve celebrations and gifting. Popular festive beverages are key seasonal sellers—ensuring shelves are well-stocked means maximizing sales and meeting customer expectations throughout the entire festive season.
Craft Cocktails have Christmas covered with new Espresso Martini flavour and limited edition festive favourites
Craft Cocktails Espresso Martini
Craft Cocktails festive selection
Craft Cocktails have launched a brand-new flavour to elevate your at-home tippling in time for the silly season. The new Espresso Martini, the cocktail that turned the after-dinner drink into a party starter, joins Craft Cocktails’ award-winning range of colourful bottled cocktails, made in Ireland using premium sprits, 100% natural ingredients and some serious bartender know-how.
Dark and delicious, the Espresso Martini mixes premium vodka with rich coffee liqueur and smooth coffee for a silky, bittersweet cocktail, ready to drink – just chill, shake, and pour over ice. With the return of their limited-edition trio of festive favourites, alongside its much-loved personalisation service, Craft Cocktails have you covered for Christmas, bringing some seasonal flair to your cocktail cabinet.
The Irish cocktail company’s limited-edition ‘All Wrapped Up’ Christmas line up includes the Mistletoe Margarita, Festive Old Fashioned and Gingerbread Punch, with retro wrapping paper inspired labels. The Mistletoe Margarita infuses Don Julio 100% Agave Tequila with pine needles, mixed with fresh green apple, agave and lime. The Festive Old Fashioned is a slow winter sipper for after the kids have gone to bed, made with Bulleit Bourbon and flavours of fig, caramel, orange spiced bitters and a dash of PX Sherry. The Gingerbread Punch is a warming winter mix of Ketel One vodka, sloe gin and ruby port, with cranberry, gingerbread spices, and clementine.
Craft Cocktails’ popular personalisation service also allows customers to get creative this Christmas by adding their own message to a bottle. Simply select a favourite flavour from the core range and leave a merry missive to that someone special. Available exclusively online, with delivery nationwide, it’s a great Secret Santa gift or Christmas card with a difference.
Craft Cocktails are available in a selection of sizes, the small 200ml size serves two, priced at €12.50 it makes an ideal stocking filler. A special 500ml size is available in retail stores only, serving five and priced at €25, it’s perfect to bring to the party. The large 700ml size serves seven and is priced at €35, great for under the tree or sharing in front of the fire.
The new Espresso Martini launches on 1 November and brings the core range to 13 flavours, including bestsellers like the Pornstar Martini, Cosmo, Spicy Margarita and Whiskey Sour. Craft Cocktails are stocked in Dunnes Stores and over 50 retailers, hotels, and venues nationwide. The trio of festive favourites are back from 10 November and are available at select retailers and online for a limited time only.
Craft Cocktails are also available online from www.craftcocktails.ie with delivery nationwide. Order by 15 December for Christmas delivery or collect from Craft Cocktails Dublin 7 cocktail factory until 22 December.
Follow @irishcraftcocktails on Instagram to be the first to know about news, launches and events.
200 years of Old Comber Whiskey
Old Comber Irish Whiskey
Old Comber Whiskey is celebrating its bicentenary with the revival of its famous Single Pot Still Whiskey.
Crafted from field to glass at The Echlinville Distillery and distilled solely from barley grown on the distillery farm, Old Comber is Ireland’s only completely single estate pot still whiskey.
From growing and harvesting the barley; to malting, mashing and fermenting the grains; to distilling the new-make spirit, and casking, maturing and bottling the whiskey, Old Comber is produced from field-to-glass at Echlinville – Ireland’s first farm distillery.
One of the original Irish whiskey giants, Old Comber Whiskey was founded in 1825 at the Comber Distilleries in County Down, which were located just ten miles from the brand’s modern-day home at Echlinville.
Comber Distilleries fell silent in 1953 and Old Comber joined the list of Ireland’s ‘lost’ whiskeys. In testament to their continued commitment to put Co. Down back on the world whiskey map, Echlinville revived Old Comber after a 70-year absence.
Matured in American Bourbon casks, finished the Old Comber way in premium Port and Sherry Casks and bottled at 46% abv, Old Comber Single Pot Still Whiskey is back, with the same bold flavour that made it a legend.
A taste of history crafted for the future, Old Comber Single Pot Still is available from The Echlinville Distillery and all good whiskey retailers RRP £57.50 (€65.13).
Feeney’s launches Dubai Chocolate Irish Cream
Feeney’s Dubai Chocolate Style Irish Cream Liqueur
Feeney’s, purveyors of luxury Irish Cream Liqueur, is launching an exciting new flavour, Feeney’s Dubai Chocolate Style Irish Cream Liqueur. Dubai Chocolate has been a viral sensation since December 2023 when an influencer debuted eating a bar on TikTok. Sales of the decadent confectionery have continued to grow apace, inspiring new products and boosting the popularity of the pistachio and kataifi pastry flavour combination around the world.
Now it can announce the arrival of the very first Dubai Chocolate Style Irish Cream Liqueur, an extravagant fusion of Irish and Dubai heritage, combining velvety smooth Irish Cream Liqueur with rich flavours of pistachio and kataifi pastry. Feeney’s Dubai Chocolate is crafted from local Irish cream blended with barrel-aged Irish single malt, with a nutty, chocolatey twist offering a luxuriously smooth texture and taste.
Dubai Chocolate Style Irish Cream debuted exclusively at Dublin Airport in September, where Feeney’s is the number two brand in travel retail by volume and value, and is now also available from Dublin Liberties Distillery, via thedld.com, with further retailer listings in Ireland, Germany, Hungary and the US.
Feeney’s Dubai Chocolate Style Irish Cream Liqueur is likely to appeal to those who appreciate gourmet and artisanal products and are drawn to premium, limited-edition trends, it’s also an ideal gift purchase. An all-year-round drink, it can be enjoyed best on the rocks, or in an indulgent warming hot chocolate.
Feeney’s is a luxurious Irish Cream, crafted by First Ireland Spirits in Abbeyleix by blending real dairy cream with rich chocolate and barrel-aged Single Malt Irish Whiskey. From the cows that graze on fresh green grass in the heart of Ireland, we take our dairy from neighbouring farms ensuring a fresh, creamy taste. First Ireland Spirits is owned by Quintessential Brands Group.
Quintessential Brands Group was established in 2011 with the acquisition of G&J Distillers, the UK’s foremost gin distillery, which evolved from Thomas Dakin’s original 1761 operation. Since then, the business has grown organically and now owns four manufacturing hubs and produces 100 million bottles of spirits per year. Its award-winning portfolio of world-class spirit brands is powered by strong entrepreneurial vision and passion for innovation, backed by centuries of handcrafted distilling expertise.
Its premium brands include an unrivalled quality gin selection produced by G&J Distillers, modern Irish whiskeys created in Dublin at the Dublin Liberties Distillery, Irish creams crafted by First Ireland Spirits in Abbeyleix and fine French fruit liqueurs, cognacs, brandies and vodka made by L&L France.
Available now, RRP €24 from thedld.com
Time to “Paint the Town Red”: The Mad Marquess hits Ireland after smashing US and UK launches
The Mad Marquess
Get ready for a game-changer. The Mad Marquess Blended Irish Whiskey is officially launching nationwide in Ireland, riding a wave of consumer frenzy from successful debuts in Florida and the United Kingdom. This energetic, charismatic Irish whiskey brand aims to become the life and soul of the party. The trade has been waiting for, squarely aimed at the social, fun-loving 25 -40-year-old market.
The legend behind the bottle is Henry de la Poer Beresford, the 3rd Marquess of Waterford. Forget boring history: this guy literally invented the phrase for a great night out. Back in 1837, the Marquess and his crew had such an outrageously good time in Melton Mowbray that they ended up grabbing some red paint and painting whatever they could find – giving us the ultimate party slogan: “Paint the Town Red.”
Profitable pours: Distilled at Great Northern
The Mad Marquess offers a serious commercial edge for Irish bars and retailers. Distilled for approachability at the Great Northern Distillery, it’s built for high-volume sales. The RRP is a sharp €29.99, positioning it perfectly as a high-value everyday pour that drives profit.
The flavour profile is designed for fun: an excited nose of pineapple and coconut leads to a sweet, smooth palate of vanilla and caramel. It’s mixable, it’s great in shots, and it’s the perfect alternative to the established players. ‘Paint the town Red’ is a powerful bar call, and with a range of ‘Mad’ cocktail,s the consumer will be engaged with the theme of having an outrageously good time.
Early local success includes strong placement in Centra stores across Waterford and Kilkenny, the Celtic Whiskey Shop, and multiple independent locations, with full national distribution now underway. Find all current partners on our website.
Richard De La Poer Beresford, CEO and founder of The Mad Marquess Blended Irish Whiskey, puts it simply: “We’re not here for quiet sipping. We’re here to redefine the night. The international demand proves that consumers want an authentic Irish whiskey with uninhibited energy. We’re giving the Irish trade a product that is bold, profitable, and guaranteed to be the life of the party.”
Find out more
Website: www.madmarquess.com
All Enquiries: May Stokes, Marketing Manager may@themadmarquess.com
Mescan Brewery returns with Beoir na Nollag
Named after Mescan the monk, who was St. Patrick’s friend and personal brewer, the brewery is located in the foothills of Croagh Patrick in County Mayo. It was conceived and built by two friends and veterinary colleagues, one Irish, one Belgian, looking for a change in lifestyle from their careers as veterinarians. They spent three years perfecting their original recipes, inspired by the beers of Belgium, before selling their first beers in 2014. The brewery is now owned and operated by husband and wife team, Cillian Ó Móráin and Naomi Clarkin.
At Mescan, they pour dedication into every batch; drawing spring water from deep beneath the mountain and using only simple, natural ingredients for pure natural flavour in every sip. Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to the long maturation process guarantee a taste experience worth savouring and sharing with friends and family, around a table filled with good food and conversation.
Beoir na Nollag
Its releasing a Christmas beer this year!
Mescan’s Beoir na Nollag has been released several times in the past as a seasonal Christmas beer but it has not managed to brew one for the last four years and it is excited to be able to offer it again. It is available at the brewery and nationwide via ABCD.
This year’s version was fermented with a blend of Belgian Abbey yeasts and matured for 12 months in fine Irish Whiskey casks. It’s a Dark Strong Ale, deep amber in colour, full-bodied, with a creamy mouthfeel and glorious overtones of spirit and oak. It balances rich maltiness with complex fruity flavours and aromas and a long and satisfying finish of whiskey and vanilla. Enjoy with a selection of Irish cheeses, mince pies, Christmas cake, or just sip and savour with your feet up by the fire
Social media tags
https://www.mescanbrewery.com
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https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mescan-Brewery/228600377304798
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Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0 %
Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is one of the leading Super Premium non-alcoholic beers in Ireland and caters to the growing consumer demand for premium, great tasting non-alcoholic options when they are choosing to moderate. Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% aims to serve occasions and social moments where beer lovers are seeking a superior tasting alcohol-free beer with 0.0% alcohol.
Within a growing non-alcoholic beer category, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is the #3 Alcohol Free Lager brand in the Off Premise, outperforming the category in the latest 52 weeks.** Peroni Nastro Azzurro has a strong presence in the Super Premium Beer Category with 90% of customers aware of the brand – it is also seen as the most Stylish and High Quality beer brand in Ireland amongst beer consumers*.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is brewed using new technology which allows the same signature recipe as Peroni Nastro Azzurro to be used, and only after the characteristic aroma and taste profile of Peroni Nastro Azzurro is fully developed, is the alcohol gently removed to deliver the crisp and refreshing Italian taste.
Christmas is a time when consumers and shoppers trade up to high quality brands they love, even more than usual, and Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is the perfect option to cater for this demand, both at home and in the pub. So, make sure to stock up to meet consumers demand for super-premium non-alcoholic options this festive season with Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%!
*Source: Red C Brand Tracker, October 2024 **Source: Collated EPOS Data to 03.11.2024
Fercullen redefines modern Irish whiskey
Fercullen Irish Whiskey
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.
Kopparberg brings bold festive flavour
Festive Party Essentials
Kopparberg range
As the festive season sparkles into view, Kopparberg invites you to celebrate with flavour, flair, and a touch of unexpected delight. Whether you’re toasting with friends or winding down by the fire, Kopparberg’s fruit-forward ciders bring a burst of joy to every moment. From classic Strawberry & Lime to Mixed Fruit, each sip is a reminder that festive traditions can be as good and vibrant as you make them. This season, choose Kopparberg — and let flavour lead the way.
Your festive favourites, all in one place
This holiday season, Festive Essentials brings together the best in refreshment — Asahi, Peroni, Four Loko, Kopparberg, and White Claw — in one curated collection designed to elevate every celebration. From the crisp sophistication of Peroni and Asahi to the bold energy of Four Loko, the fruity charm of Kopparberg, and the clean sparkle of White Claw, there’s something for every taste and every moment.
Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply enjoying, Festive Essentials is your go-to for drinks that deliver style, substance, and seasonal spirit.
Roaming Road Spirits unites two whiskey traditions
Bourbon Whiskey
Roaming Roads Spirits range
(L-R) Mike Gilmore, founder, Roaming Road Spirits, and US ambassador at his residence
Launched in the United States in 2023, Roaming Road Spirits was founded on a simple but ambitious vision: to search the world for singular casks and share them with those who appreciate authenticity. Early imports of aged rum, Cognac, Armagnac, and Irish whiskey set the stage for a portfolio defined by rarity and individuality.
The introduction of Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys from Kentucky and Indiana brought a natural next step — and a bold idea. Rather than keep these American whiskeys bound to U.S. rickhouses, Roaming Road transports them to Ireland, where seasoned Irish whiskey casks provide a finishing chapter. This process does more than layer new flavours; it unites two great whiskey traditions. American intensity — rich with grain and oak — is tempered by Irish elegance, producing a style that belongs to both worlds.
With the establishment of Roaming Road Spirits International Ltd. in Dublin, Ireland is now more than a destination — it is central to the brand’s identity. Strategic partnerships with Irish industry figures are ensuring the expansion is not just commercial, but cultural, strengthening the ties between two nations with storied whiskey legacies.
Roaming Road Spirits offers more than just rare barrels and limited releases. It is building a bridge between two countries with proud whiskey legacies, proving that when American character meets Irish influence, the result is a spirit greater than the sum of its parts.
At Roaming Road, its belief has always been simple but profound: the finest spirits tell a story, embody character, and bear the mark of time. Spearheaded by founder Mike Gilmore, they are thrilled to share the next chapter in our story with you, Roaming Road Spirits International Ltd.
“I’m honored to announce the launch of a new international company, dedicated exclusively to bringing our expertly curated single cask spirits, headquartered in Dublin Ireland, to a worldwide audience. While our base in the U.S. remains steadfast, we are now expanding into new horizons, sharing our passion for exceptional Bourbon, Rye, and aged Rums with spirit enthusiasts around the globe.
“From Kentucky and Indiana to the Celtic Coast of Ireland, our Bourbon and Rye whiskeys are being “kissed” by single malt Irish Whiskey casks for a touch of Irish Soul. These casks, procured over years of exploration, represent my roots in Bourbon and my unending quest for the remarkable. Every sip is layered with character, tradition, and an innovative new Irish influence that you won’t find anywhere else. These offerings will be available in Ireland, Scotland, and the wider UK, with plans for expansion into other countries as well.
“This milestone embodies everything Roaming Road stands for. Our spirits remain single cask, hand-selected, and built upon relationships and trust with producers from around the world. It’s a celebration of exploration, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
“To our community of like-minded explorers, I invite you to join us on this exciting new adventure. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates, announcements, and where you can purchase them as we bring these exceptional spirits to your part of the world.
“Thank you for being part of this Roaming Road, where every step is a discovery and every pour is an experience.”
Available in:
- Corkscrew Wine & Spirits Merchants- Dublin
- James J. Fox Cigar & Whiskey Bonders- Dublin
- Amai by Viktor Restaurant- Dublin
- https://wineonline.ie Wine & Spirits Specialists- Online Sales
- Paladar Cocktail Bar- Cork
- Shannon International Airport- Duty Free Shop- County Clare
Mike Gilmore founder/curator of Roaming Road Spirits
Mike Gilmore founder/curator of Roaming Road Spirits
Q1. Roaming Road Spirits is making its mark with Ireland’s first Cask-Strength, Single-Cask Bourbons and Rye Whiskey finished in Irish Whiskey Casks in Ireland — how would you describe the experience for an everyday consumer discovering this for the first time?
Mike Gilmore: For me, it’s about discovery. These are not mass-produced bourbons — every cask carries its own character, its own soul. The experience is one of intensity and honesty: cask strength means nothing is diluted, nothing is hidden. When someone takes that first sip, I want them to feel the journey — from the rolling rickhouses of Kentucky and Indiana to the Irish coast where the cask breathes in a touch of Irish air and influence.
Q2. The name “Roaming Road” suggests a journey — how do you want consumers to feel when they pick up a bottle or order a glass?
Mike Gilmore: The name came from a simple truth: life, like whiskey, is a journey. For me, Roaming Road is about discovery — across borders, across traditions, across experiences. I want consumers to feel part of that journey when they hold the bottle, almost like they’ve stepped onto the road themselves. It’s not just bourbon in a glass, it’s a story that connects heritage with discovery, carrying American strength and Irish soul in every sip.
Q3. Single-cask releases are inherently limited — how does that sense of rarity enhance the consumer experience?
Mike Gilmore: Rarity is not a marketing trick for me, it’s the heart of Roaming Road. When a cask is gone, it’s gone, and it can’t be duplicated — and that creates a moment in time. Consumers get to share in something truly unrepeatable, and that sense of “I was there, I tasted that” is what makes our bourbons special.
Q4. Looking five years ahead, how do you hope Roaming Road Spirits will be perceived in Ireland’s drinks landscape?
Mike Gilmore: I hope people will say Roaming Road brought something fresh to Ireland — respect for tradition, but also the courage to innovate. If we’re seen as the brand that bridged two whiskey worlds and gave consumers something both rare and authentic, then I’ll know I’ve done my job.
Santa Rita Estates uncorks festive opportunities across NoLo and premium wine ranges
Malbado
Floresta Carmenère
The NoLo category continues to gain pace globally as consumers seek moderation without sacrificing quality or flavour. Santa Rita’s 120 brand is perfectly positioned to meet this demand, offering both innovation and trust. The 120 Zero 0.4 Sauvignon Blanc delivers vibrant citrus and tropical notes with a crisp, refreshing finish ideal as a festive aperitif. Its red counterpart, the 120 Zero 0.4 Cabernet Sauvignon, combines ripe berry fruit, gentle tannins, and smooth balance, showing that authenticity need not depend on alcohol. Together, these wines give retailers and the on-trade a timely opportunity to engage the expanding NoLo audience over the key Christmas trading period.
Beyond NoLo, the broader Santa Rita 120 portfolio remains a strong performer. The best selling 120 Sauvignon Blanc offers a bright, easy-drinking white for festive gatherings, while the 120 Cabernet Sauvignon is soft and fruit-forward, pairing beautifully with Christmas roasts. For those seeking more depth, the 120 Deep Red, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère, provides rich dark fruit, spice, and complexity.
For customers looking to push the boat out on Christmas Day, the Santa Rita Floresta range offers exceptional quality and finesse. The Floresta Chardonnay from the Limarí Valley, a cool-climate region shaped by Pacific breezes, pairs beautifully with light fish starters. Meanwhile, the Floresta Carménère from Apalta in the Colchagua Valley complements the roast with its hallmark minerality, spice, and balance. Produced sustainably under Santa Rita’s Sustainable Wine of Chile certification, the Floresta line showcases the best of Chilean terroir through minimal intervention and single-varietal expression.
From across the Andes, Doña Paula Estate Malbec Argentine Edition brings plush dark fruit and spice, while the Malbado Malbec 2023—winner of the New World Red under €20 Star Award at the Irish Wine Show—offers silky structure, elegance, and a compelling story of resilience.
Together, these wines reflect Santa Rita Estates’ dedication to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional quality across every category, from NoLo to fine wine, ensuring retailers have standout choices for every festive table this season.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Crafted with care at the world’s most award-winning distillery, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a celebration of craftsmanship, character, and time. Made from the finest corn, rye, and malted barley, the spirit is aged in new oak barrels within century-old warehouses that line the banks of the Kentucky River. Each barrel is patiently matured and hand-selected to deliver Buffalo Trace’s signature balance of rich caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.
Rooted in over 200 years of whiskey-making tradition, the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky has survived floods, fires, and Prohibition — emerging as a symbol of resilience and dedication to quality. Today, the distillery continues to honour that legacy with an unwavering commitment to excellence, producing some of the most acclaimed bourbons in the world.
Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Buffalo Trace embodies the rugged spirit of American whiskey-making — bold, authentic, and timeless.
Paddy Irish Whiskey
Paddy Irish Whiskey
Fresh look. 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.
Its 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 new pack design honours our 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, the new Paddy 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 #7 best selling Irish whiskey brand – Drinks International Brand Report 2025
The Busker Irish Whiskey
The Busker Small Batch Whiskeys are double matured by using a limited number of casks accurately selected by the team in Royal Oak Distillery, Co. Carlow. These exclusive releases are the best expression of what the Royal Oak Distillery has to offer within the Premium category.
The first in this collection was released in late 2023, is the multi award-winning Single Pot Still Small Batch. Double aged in Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks, and non-chill filtered to preserve the taste and aromas. Tasting Notes include fruit notes, raisins, sultanas, prunes and figs, warming spice ginger & cinnamon. Long, smooth and mellow finish. On the nose, the Single Pot Still gives leathery, profoundly rich, complex, robust, fresh pipe tobacco, aromatic, rounded and perfectly balanced aromas. Best enjoyed neat, or on the rocks.
The Small Batch Single Pot Still has won Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, Silver at the World Whiskey Awards 2024, and 93 points in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2023.
The Busker Single Pot Still was awarded the GOLD medal at the Blás na hEireann Irish Food Awards 2024, along with “Best in County” for producers in Carlow.
The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth will be the key to activate and increase the visibility of the brand with its disruptive packaging and outstanding quality. Every drop of our liquid is produced at Royal Oak Distillery, giving us the 100% control on the quality. We have one of the highest percentage of Malt and Pot Still in our Blend, making it a superior quality product vs competitors. Our non-traditional and disruptive look & feel is perceived premium and impactful towards younger consumers.
With Japan being the #1 market for the Busker, primarily enjoyed neat or as a highball, over 200,000 cases being sold each year, The Busker are introducing even more innovations for the brand, with Japanese exclusives, and soon we will see more small batch releases in Ireland.
The Busker Irish Whiskey is proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Two Shores superior Irish rum: A rum reimagined in Ireland
Discover Irish Rum – Two Shores
Two Shores
Ireland’s reputation for exceptional spirits is world renowned, but it is time for something new to emerge from these shores. Introducing Two Shores Superior Irish Rum, a bold expression of Irish craft inviting drinkers to discover Irish rum for the very first time. Rum is one of the fastest growing spirits categories in the world, yet Ireland has had few locally finished options to date.
Why rum? Driven by a sense of exploration, founder Jason Kidd and his team wanted a spirit that was both new and inherently Irish. Jason first encountered rum during his travels in South America, inspired by its energy, creativity, and possibilities. In 2022, they sampled rums worldwide until discovering their “lucky 14” from Panama. “I knew the second I tasted it that this was the one,” Jason recalls, ready to craft rum reimagined in Ireland. Early premium launches earned widespread acclaim and made Two Shores the most awarded Irish rum brand. That expertise has been applied to a more accessible, versatile expression.
Distilled from 100% pure sugarcane in Panama and finished in Irish casks, Two Shores Superior Irish Rum is where cane meets grain. Naturally sweet and balanced, it is a spirit as it should be — no additives, no colouring, no shortcuts. Just time, wood, and the spirit itself. Thoughtfully crafted and adaptable in cocktails, it lets bars and consumers explore a new category with confidence. Perfect for classic serves like a rum and cola, Two Shores also shines in inventive creations, including the “Double Irish” with Two Shores and cult favourite Cidona, a refreshing pineapple soda drink, or the “Atlantic Storm,” an Irish take on a Dark and Stormy.
Two Shores combines craft with purpose. Partnering with Plastic Bank, it helps prevent ocean plastic and support coastal communities. Collaboration with Clonakilty Distillery brings Irish expertise to the product, while mixologists from Cork’s Paladar Bar, The Ivy, and the Market Bar have contributed their creativity, showing how Two Shores elevates modern serves.
With Two Shores, bars and consumers can experience a rum that showcases Irish craftsmanship, introduces customers to a growing global category, and offers a premium option that’s fun to enjoy and share.
Two Shores Superior Irish Rum is distilled in Panama, finished in Ireland, and ready to be discovered.
A hug in a glass: Why West Cork whiskey is quietly rewriting the rules
West Cork Distillery
There are evenings in this business when the spreadsheets blur, the trend reports pile high, and all you really crave is an Irish coffee that wraps around you like a hug. Comforting. Honest. Made with intention, not ego.
That’s the kind of whiskey West Cork Distillers are putting into the world.
In an industry split between the global giants and the hyper-craft, West Cork occupies a rare, steady middle ground. Its not loud. Its not chasing trends. Its simply arrived at a place where everything comes down to what goes into the bottle — and people across Ireland are starting to notice.
You’ll never hear it claim to be better than anyone else. That’s not its way. But you will hear bartenders softly admit that West Cork whiskey stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best in the category.
The reason? Time. Maturation time.
While most Irish whiskey hits the shelf at the legal minimum of three years, West Cork took a different path. These days, they only bottle whiskey that’s been aged for at least five years — a full two years extra in the barrel. It’s not a flashy announcement or a chest-beating claim. It’s simply what they believe makes a whiskey worth pouring.
And that extra time? It shows.
A natural smoothness that doesn’t need to be talked up — it’s tasted. It’s the slow, unhurried character that gives an Irish coffee its soul.
Because when you take a whiskey that’s been allowed to rest, breathe, deepen… and fold it into a warm Irish coffee on a cold night? You get something elemental. Something that feels like home, even if you’re miles away.
In a market that loves noise, West Cork Distillers are winning with quiet details. With patience. With the belief that if you’ve waited this long to pour a glass, the whiskey should greet you like an old friend.
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