23 May

The Irish Whiskey Market

Irish Whiskey is whiskey born and raised exclusively on the island of Ireland. The word whiskey itself comes from the Irish Gaelic phrase ‘uisge beatha’ which translates as the ‘water of life’. A large range of whiskeys are produced in Ireland today and the market has seen substantial growth recently which looks to continue in the next few years. It is expected to increase by $1.54 billion from 2021 to 2026 and 34% of this growth is set to be in Europe.

Since the market is seeing such fantastic growth, we have done some digging into just why Irish Whiskey is growing so much..

What is Irish Whiskey?

Irish Whiskey is a cereal grain-based spirit, distilled and matured in Ireland. They are typically a little lighter and spicier to taste with fewer smoky flavours than other whiskies as it’s rarer for peat to be used in the process. A mixture of pot stills and column stills are used along with raw materials of barely, corn, wheat, or rye. It is also a common occurrence for the final liquid to be distilled three times rather than two and will spend a minimum of three years ageing in the barrel.

Tariff-Free Trading

The largest market for Irish Whiskey is the United States, with around five million cases being sold in both 2019 and 2020, accounting for 43% of total Irish Whiskey sales. The tariff-free trading agreement in place with the US is likely a large influence on the popularity of Irish Whiskey in the States, and although there have been bumps along the road, its high popularity has led to organisations such as The Irish Whiskey Association in Washington to intensely lobby to avoid the introduction of tariffs. The majority of Irish Whiskeys (99.9%) remain un-tariffed as Americans love for the spirit continues to grow.

The Rise of Whiskey Cocktails

Whilst many consumers may envisage a gentleman sipping whiskey neat in their drawing room, the versatility of this drink expands much further and few can resist the glitz and glamour of a cocktail. Whiskey based cocktails are becoming increasingly popular in cocktail bars across the globe, from a classic old fashioned to a punchy whiskey sour. This opens growth opportunities, especially within the millennial demographic.

Some contemporary cocktails are better suited to Irish Whiskey’s distinct flavours. A personal favourite of ours, with a strong Irish identity is a True Blue:

  • 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey
  • 1/2 ounce Apple Brandy
  • 1/2 ounce Guinness
  • 1/4 ounce Sherry
  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 3/4 ounce white miso cane syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ginger syrup
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  • Garnish: grated nutmeg

Innovative Premium Products

The depth and diversity of the Irish Whiskey market has grown over the past decade as the number of distilleries grew from dozens to hundreds. A rapid expansion of brands has led to the dynamic culture and new product development we are seeing evolve within the market.

Wood and cask-finishing and choice of grain and malt have allowed brands to branch out and diversify into new, innovative flavour offerings, all with unique and complex taste profiles based on the barrels used and providing the global consumer with increasing choice. Meaning there really is something for everyone in Irish Whiskey.

Working within the Island of Ireland

At Verallia, we have specialist knowledge within premium market spaces. Our dedicated team in Ireland, including our very own Mark Glover have especially honed interest within the Irish Whiskey market.

If you are a Whiskey distillery looking to bring your brand to life through the art of glass packaging, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Happy International Whisky Day! 🥃

A day to celebrate the craft of distilling one of the world’s most beloved spirits. Whisky has truly carved a place for itself as a staple in the spirit sector. The base of iconic cocktails, a strong contender when drank alone, this spirit is one of the greats.

With a strong Yorkshire heritage @WhittakersDistillery creates high-quality, artisanal whisky, bottling the abundant landscape found in the region. They’ve created the first ever single malt produced in the Yorkshire Dales.

For their unique, quality spirit, they partnered with us to deliver their high-end glass packaging. A classic shape, beautifully showcasing their unique whisky. The bottle features the emblem, ‘W’ embossed on the neck, as well as ‘Whittaker’ embossed around the base of the bottle.

Celebrating an exquisite spirit, and a Yorkshire icon, cheers to International Whisky Day! 🥃

#Whisky #InternationalWhiskyDay #Yorkshire #WestYorkshire #WhiskyDistillers #GlassBottle
...

6 0

Pioneers in the spirit sector, @BurntFaith is the UK’s first brandy house. Inspired by passion shown in the Cognac region of France, they sought to unlock the real potential of brandy.

Housed in their bespoke bottle, their latest collaboration with the @EastLondonLiquor Company and @TheOrchardProject not only looks great, but is for a great cause.

In the spirit of keeping the legacy alive, Burnt Faith will be donating all the proceeds from this brandy to @TheOrchardProject, dedicated to restoring community orchards.

#Brandy #BurntFaith #Spirit #SpiritSector #PremiumPackaging #GlassPackaging
...

8 1

Making Aberdeenshire history, @EskerSpirits is the first craft distillery in the region.

They are specialists in enhancing classic spirits with fruit flavours, perfect for cocktails and pairing beautifully with mixers. To give their spirits a unique edge, they infuse silver birch sap to deliver a distinctive, silky texture.

Esker Spirits partnered with Verallia for their standout packaging, choosing a supplier who shares their passion for sustainability. Their spirit is showcased in our ‘Patet’ bottle from our ECOVA range, and finished with a frosted spray and white ‘ESKER’ print they have made the bottle their own.

Tall, slender, and sustainable, the Patet is a truly elegant glass bottle. Composed of over 50% cullet and weighing just 500g, the Patet reflects commitment to sustainability.

An excellent choice for an opulent spirit!

#SpiritSector #PremiumPackaging #GlassPackaging #GlassBottle #Glass #Sustainability
...

4 0

‘Passionate about glass. Inspired by you.'

On International Women’s Day, we recognise the innovation, determination, and passion our female employees bring to our team.

Verallia aims to have 35% of women in managerial positions by the end of 2025. We are proud of our commitment to becoming a reference employer for women and have taken action to set objectives for greater gender parity in our organisation.

“Verallia launched their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Charter in late 2024 which details their commitment to DE&I which includes becoming a reference employer for women, offering equal opportunities and fighting against all forms of discrimination all of which are integral to accelerating gender equality. As we move forward in this journey, we seek to share knowledge and learning opportunities at all levels of the organisation in order to ensure that inclusion is considered not just in the workplace, but in society as a whole.”
-Emma Griffiths, Occupational Health & Well-Being Partner, Verallia UK

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025! 🙌

#IWD #InternationalWomen’sDay2025 #InternationalWomen’sDay #Diversity’
...

9 0

March begins by marking International Irish Whiskey Day. A true celebration of Ireland's heritage, abundance of landscapes, and pioneering whiskey.

Founded by Stuart McNamara, International Irish Whiskey Day is celebrated two weeks before St. Patrick's Day, and honours the culture and science behind this unique craft.

Today, Irish whiskey is a beloved spirit, celebrated across the globe. The spirit is enjoyed for its unique, smooth and light taste, giving it pride of place on any bar.

Let’s raise a glass to a true Irish art from! 🥃

#InternationalIrishWhiskeyDay #IrishWhiskey #Spirit #SpiritSector #Ireland #GlassPackaging
...

6 0

@IsleofBarraDistillers are true innovators in the gin sector, bottling up Scottish botanicals. However, tapping into their Scottish heritage, they have released their exclusive Blended Whiskies 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥃

Verallia produced their decadent packaging to reflect their coastal heritage. The bottle’s beautiful textured glass is designed to mirror the Atlantic Ocean.

Composed of over 50% cullet, their bottle weighs 17% less than their previous edition, successfully reducing their carbon impact.

#Whisky #GlassPackaging #Glass #PremiumPackaging #Recycled
...

8 0

Making waves in the No-Lo scene, @WavelengthDrinks is creating a refined taste experience for non-drinkers.

Carefully crafted in Cornwall, Wavelength Drinks dedicate 4-6 weeks to a quality production process, before their liquid is double fermented for 30 days. Their thorough process unlocks a unique flavour, standing out among competitors.

A premium spirit requires premium packaging. Which is why Wavelength Drinks partnered with Verallia for their Amber Digestif bottle. Chosen from our Selective Line, our ‘Hayyan’ bottle stands strong as the ideal vessel. A simplistic shape that showcases this spirit with ease.

Looking for versatile, high-quality packaging? Discover our Selective Line today, in the link in our bio 🔗

#GlassPackaging #GlassBottle #Glass #PremiumPackaging #NoLo
...

2 0

A cut above the rest.

Our Selective Line is a reflection of our years of experience designing stunning bottles for every spirit. This collection offers a sleek, premium appearance to suit any luxury spirit. We have a wide range of elegant shapes, the perfect vessel to showcase your premium product.

@EdenMill chose the ‘Lax’ bottle from our Selective Line to display their spirit: The Guard Bridge. Encasing the whisky, the Lax is a timeless, square-shaped bottle with rounded corners for a seamless feel. Deserving of centre stage on any busy bar shelf, this is a bottle made to stand out.

Whether you’re a No-Lo brand looking to make a bold statement, or a whisky specialist aiming to reflect your heritage through your packaging, our Selective Line has the packaging for you.

Explore the full selection. in the link in our bio 🔗

#PremiumGlassPackaging #PremiumPackaging #Glass #Bottle #GlassBottle
...

5 0

Follow Us

Happy International Whisky Day! 🥃

A day to celebrate the craft of distilling one of the world’s most beloved spirits. Whisky has truly carved a place for itself as a staple in the spirit sector. The base of iconic cocktails, a strong contender when drank alone, this spirit is one of the greats.

With a strong Yorkshire heritage @WhittakersDistillery creates high-quality, artisanal whisky, bottling the abundant landscape found in the region. They’ve created the first ever single malt produced in the Yorkshire Dales.

For their unique, quality spirit, they partnered with us to deliver their high-end glass packaging. A classic shape, beautifully showcasing their unique whisky. The bottle features the emblem, ‘W’ embossed on the neck, as well as ‘Whittaker’ embossed around the base of the bottle.

Celebrating an exquisite spirit, and a Yorkshire icon, cheers to International Whisky Day! 🥃

#Whisky #InternationalWhiskyDay #Yorkshire #WestYorkshire #WhiskyDistillers #GlassBottle
...

6 0

Pioneers in the spirit sector, @BurntFaith is the UK’s first brandy house. Inspired by passion shown in the Cognac region of France, they sought to unlock the real potential of brandy.

Housed in their bespoke bottle, their latest collaboration with the @EastLondonLiquor Company and @TheOrchardProject not only looks great, but is for a great cause.

In the spirit of keeping the legacy alive, Burnt Faith will be donating all the proceeds from this brandy to @TheOrchardProject, dedicated to restoring community orchards.

#Brandy #BurntFaith #Spirit #SpiritSector #PremiumPackaging #GlassPackaging
...

8 1

Making Aberdeenshire history, @EskerSpirits is the first craft distillery in the region.

They are specialists in enhancing classic spirits with fruit flavours, perfect for cocktails and pairing beautifully with mixers. To give their spirits a unique edge, they infuse silver birch sap to deliver a distinctive, silky texture.

Esker Spirits partnered with Verallia for their standout packaging, choosing a supplier who shares their passion for sustainability. Their spirit is showcased in our ‘Patet’ bottle from our ECOVA range, and finished with a frosted spray and white ‘ESKER’ print they have made the bottle their own.

Tall, slender, and sustainable, the Patet is a truly elegant glass bottle. Composed of over 50% cullet and weighing just 500g, the Patet reflects commitment to sustainability.

An excellent choice for an opulent spirit!

#SpiritSector #PremiumPackaging #GlassPackaging #GlassBottle #Glass #Sustainability
...

4 0

‘Passionate about glass. Inspired by you.'

On International Women’s Day, we recognise the innovation, determination, and passion our female employees bring to our team.

Verallia aims to have 35% of women in managerial positions by the end of 2025. We are proud of our commitment to becoming a reference employer for women and have taken action to set objectives for greater gender parity in our organisation.

“Verallia launched their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Charter in late 2024 which details their commitment to DE&I which includes becoming a reference employer for women, offering equal opportunities and fighting against all forms of discrimination all of which are integral to accelerating gender equality. As we move forward in this journey, we seek to share knowledge and learning opportunities at all levels of the organisation in order to ensure that inclusion is considered not just in the workplace, but in society as a whole.”
-Emma Griffiths, Occupational Health & Well-Being Partner, Verallia UK

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025! 🙌

#IWD #InternationalWomen’sDay2025 #InternationalWomen’sDay #Diversity’
...

9 0

March begins by marking International Irish Whiskey Day. A true celebration of Ireland's heritage, abundance of landscapes, and pioneering whiskey.

Founded by Stuart McNamara, International Irish Whiskey Day is celebrated two weeks before St. Patrick's Day, and honours the culture and science behind this unique craft.

Today, Irish whiskey is a beloved spirit, celebrated across the globe. The spirit is enjoyed for its unique, smooth and light taste, giving it pride of place on any bar.

Let’s raise a glass to a true Irish art from! 🥃

#InternationalIrishWhiskeyDay #IrishWhiskey #Spirit #SpiritSector #Ireland #GlassPackaging
...

6 0

@IsleofBarraDistillers are true innovators in the gin sector, bottling up Scottish botanicals. However, tapping into their Scottish heritage, they have released their exclusive Blended Whiskies 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥃

Verallia produced their decadent packaging to reflect their coastal heritage. The bottle’s beautiful textured glass is designed to mirror the Atlantic Ocean.

Composed of over 50% cullet, their bottle weighs 17% less than their previous edition, successfully reducing their carbon impact.

#Whisky #GlassPackaging #Glass #PremiumPackaging #Recycled
...

8 0

Making waves in the No-Lo scene, @WavelengthDrinks is creating a refined taste experience for non-drinkers.

Carefully crafted in Cornwall, Wavelength Drinks dedicate 4-6 weeks to a quality production process, before their liquid is double fermented for 30 days. Their thorough process unlocks a unique flavour, standing out among competitors.

A premium spirit requires premium packaging. Which is why Wavelength Drinks partnered with Verallia for their Amber Digestif bottle. Chosen from our Selective Line, our ‘Hayyan’ bottle stands strong as the ideal vessel. A simplistic shape that showcases this spirit with ease.

Looking for versatile, high-quality packaging? Discover our Selective Line today, in the link in our bio 🔗

#GlassPackaging #GlassBottle #Glass #PremiumPackaging #NoLo
...

2 0

A cut above the rest.

Our Selective Line is a reflection of our years of experience designing stunning bottles for every spirit. This collection offers a sleek, premium appearance to suit any luxury spirit. We have a wide range of elegant shapes, the perfect vessel to showcase your premium product.

@EdenMill chose the ‘Lax’ bottle from our Selective Line to display their spirit: The Guard Bridge. Encasing the whisky, the Lax is a timeless, square-shaped bottle with rounded corners for a seamless feel. Deserving of centre stage on any busy bar shelf, this is a bottle made to stand out.

Whether you’re a No-Lo brand looking to make a bold statement, or a whisky specialist aiming to reflect your heritage through your packaging, our Selective Line has the packaging for you.

Explore the full selection. in the link in our bio 🔗

#PremiumGlassPackaging #PremiumPackaging #Glass #Bottle #GlassBottle
...

5 0

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