Irish Whiskey News & Stories

The U.S. Is Officially the Biggest Consumer of Irish Spirits JULY 7, 2022 WORDS: NICOLETTE BAKER   For Irish distilleries and breweries, American drinkers seem to be a big fan. A recent report shows that a little over half — some 51 percent — of Irish spirit exports are traveling to consumers in the United States, according to Bord Bia, an Irish state agency that manages food and drink. Those United States drink exports were valued at 619 million Euros in 2021, or roughly $630 million USD. Out of those sales, spirits take the cake — a valued 561 million Euros worth of...

The Irish Whiskey Society America is excited to announce the release of its first Irish whiskey bottling.  The Limited Commemorative edition is a premium blend aged 10 years to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the IWSA.   This collaboration with IrishAmerican Trading Company and Achill Distillery from County Mayo was a year long process.  The whiskey itself was ready back in February 2021 but due to Covid related issues, took a year to reach shelves in the USA.  Approvals, customized labels, shipping delays, US Customs, and the three tier USA alcohol system during the pandemic made this go from a...

Things have been happening along the Causeway Coast.  Bushmill's distillery has issued a number of significant news releases over the past couple of months. During 2021, Bushmills brought several limited, super premium offerings to market as part of the Causeway Collection.  This was welcome news as many have been hoping for a brand revival now that Casa Cuervo owns the distillery.   The latest announcement is the pending release of the newest addition to their range of single malt offerings.  A 12 year old single malt will be added to the permanent range along with the 10 year, 16 year, and...

The 2021 Irish Whiskey Awards were held on November 11th at Powerscourt Distillery.  This was the eighth year for the awards which saw them return in person to an Irish distillery.  Previous award shows were held at Jameson, Dingle, and Kilbeggan to name a few.  Voters were comprised from various whiskey clubs in Ireland.  Results were compiled from blind tastings and announced at the Powerscourt Distillery event. The winners of the 2021 Irish Whiskey Awards are as follows: Overall Winner- Irish Whiskey of the Year 2021Best Irish Whiskey of the Year – Celtic Cask 1999 – Tríocha a Cúig – 35...

I read once that whiskey is one of the only products where the industry seemingly goes out of its way to exclude potential customers.  Don't add water.  Don't use ice.  Don't mix with Coke.  That brand is garbage.  Depending on who you are drinking with everyone has probably come across some degree of snobbery while drinking whiskey.  If being honest many of us have may have exhibited some degree ourselves from time to time.  One item that receives critical attention is the controversial use of the term "smooth", particularly when describing Irish Whiskey. The IWSA prides ourself on not taking...