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Financial Times — World — Irish Whiskey — Alcohol — Whiskey — Distillery

Irish whiskey makers see chance to catch up with tweedy Scotch cousins

Irish whiskey has seen record sales and is hoping to overtake Scotch whisky sales in the US by 2030. Irish whiskey has the edge in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Zambia. US and Europe are the anchor markets, with Nigeria emerging as a high-growth market.

1 min read
  • Jameson had a record 2021-22, with overall sales up 11% and the US up 8%.
  • US is the biggest market for Irish whiskey and Irish producers have a better shot than ever before to overtake Scotch whisky sales there by volume by 2030.
  • 6.1mn 9-litre cases of Irish whiskey were sold in US last year, up 1,150% in 20 years.
  • Irish whiskey's triple distillation makes for a mellow drink that lends itself to cocktails as well as sipping.
  • Premium and super premium Irish whiskey in US have grown 1,050% and 2,769% in volume terms respectively since 2003.
Irish whiskey makers see chance to catch up with tweedy Scotch cousins
The US is the biggest market for the ‘emerald spirit’ and new distillers are hoping to attract a younger set of customers
Financial TimesJude Webber

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