Irish Whiskey News & Stories

News Irish whiskey GI changes stir the pot 07 August 2026By Rupert Hohwieler Ireland’s whiskey industry weighs in on the public consultation over the category’s geographical indication. The proposed amendments aim to better reflect historical Irish whiskey production while supporting future innovation *This feature was originally published in the August 2026 issue of The Spirits Business magazine. In 2014, a product specification for Irish whiskey was filed with the European Commission. Whether the file correctly represents the category has been an ongoing debate among its producers and trade associations such as the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) and Irish Whiskey Guild (IWG). The idea...

On July 31, 2026, Irish Whiskey Society America honored the legacy of Powers John's Lane Distillery on the 50th anniversary of its closing. The virtual member event celebrated the iconic Irish Whiskey brand and its history. Hosted by IWSA president Allan Dwyer, the event brought Powers Whiskey fans together for a night of stories and tasting.   "July 31st will now be known as Powers Whiskey Day to commemorate the day the doors of the famous Dublin John's Lane Distillery closed for the final time," said Dwyer. "It just made sense to kick off the inaugural Powers Whiskey Day on the...

What makes Irish whiskey Irish? June 28, 2026 4:00 AM Irish Whiskey is a globally recognised product protected under under EU geographic indications (GIs), but is it defined by where it is distilled, or by where the ingredients come from? This was at the heart of questions put to Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore recently. The Wicklow TD asked Minister Heydon about the proportion of grain used in the production of Irish single grain whiskey that is sourced domestically, and the measures in place to support the use of Irish-grown grain...

The 16 Most Important Irish Whiskeys of the 21st Century So Far words: David Thomas Tao Published: March 16, 2026 At the turn of the millennium, there were just three operational distilleries in Ireland: New Midleton and Cooley in the Republic of Ireland, and Bushmills in Northern Ireland. Today, there are around 50, with more planned facilities on the way. And while Jameson’s core offering remains a ubiquitous fixture, Irish whiskey’s growth has been powered by expansion at all rungs on the value ladder. According to DISCUS data, since 2003, the premium and super-premium Irish whiskey categories have grown by 1,053 percent and 2,769...

The Olympics are over and plenty of gold medals were awarded to hard workers fulfilling their dreams. Those participating in the Irish whiskey renaissance over the past 15 years have also been chasing dr(e)ams. As we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day, it is also a good time to reflect on the Irish whiskey industry. The last 15 years have seen highs and lows, but mostly it's been a fun ride. Check out, "After the Gold Rush", a recent article providing a primer for the past, present, and potential of the Irish Whiskey industry. Irish whiskey: after the gold rush 12 February,...