NPD

Walsh tells DI: “The next phase for the Irish whiskey sector will see the category broaden and deepen with significant additional capacity from new and expanding distilleries (from 2018 onwards), as well as greater innovation through the areas of small-batch, terroir-based expressions and cask management programmes.

“At Walsh we have sourced a great variety of barrels and butts from both our own and our partner’s international contacts to create every taste and hue possible for whiskey drinkers to experience.

“These include bourbon barrels from Kentucky; rum barrels from Saint Lucia (Caribbean); marsala wine casks from Illva Saronno’s own Florio Marsala winery in Sicily and sherry butts from Jerez,” says Walsh.

Brendan Buckley, global innovation and prestige whiskeys director at Irish Distillers, says: “From an Irish Distillers point of view, recent trends have shown the premiumisation and diversification of the category as evidenced in the continued revival of single pot still Irish whiskey – a style unique to Ireland and which has been pioneered by Irish Distillers.

“We are also seeing a maturing of the whiskey palate with a growing appreciation of spicier styles of Irish whiskey, such as those found within the Powers range. At the same time, many of the other niche Irish whiskey producers are producing whiskeys at the higher end of the market, which is also helping to diversify and premiumise the category,” says Buckley.

Daniel Lundberg, brand director for Irish Distillers’ flagship Jameson, says: “Jameson recently restructured its entire family of Irish whiskeys, which marked the most significant move in our brand’s recent history.

“This is an exceptionally exciting development that positions Jameson at the forefront of innovation and advance within the Irish whiskey category.

“The new family, comprised of The Whiskey Makers Series, the range of heritage whiskeys and The Deconstructed Series is underpinned by the brand’s people and craft, heritage, taste and fearlessness. In short, the qualities for which Jameson is celebrated throughout the world,” extols Lundberg.