Whisky by Time News Round Up – June 2023
30/06/2023
It’s always a pleasure to share more about the fantastic distilleries we work with. So in this News Round Up we’re especially pleased to include a recent Irish Times feature on James Doherty at Sliabh Liag Distillers in Donegal.
James ( a great Whisky by Time partner and Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association) gives his insights into the ‘remarkable’ growth of premium Irish whiskey, and tells us more about Ireland’s ambitions to be home to the world’s most sustainable distilleries. It’s a great read.
The Irish whiskey industry certainly appears to be growing from strength to strength. Top emerging markets as recently identified by the Irish Whiskey Association include; China, Hong Kong, Israel, Austria, Nigeria, New Zealand, Turkey, South Korea, India, Kenya, Mexico.
In other news, whisky/whiskey continues to generate positive headlines with some interesting investors from Bob Dylan to leading Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt. We also congratulate our recent competition winner and pay tribute to a giant in the drinks field.
To keep up to date on all our latest news why not join our social community by following us on our LinkedIn or Instagram You never know you might even be our next competition winner.
Spirit of enterprise in Ireland’s burgeoning whiskey industry
In this Irish Times feature James Doherty, chair of the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) talks us through the growth of Irish Whiskey exports.
“Ireland is simultaneously the oldest and youngest distilling nation in the world,” says Doherty. “It’s a great industry but it’s relatively young. Thirty years ago, there were only three distilleries on the island of Ireland, now there are over 40 dotted around the island. In 2022, the industry achieved export sales of over €1 billion for the first time.”
Sustainability is the name of the game for Irish whiskey
In their new sustainability roadmap, ‘ Sustainability Together”, the Irish Whiskey Association reported that 78% of its members have changed their suppliers to secure a more sustainable or resilient supply chain. Reflecting the industry’s vision for Ireland to be home to the most sustainable distilleries in the world.
The roadmap has three clear aims to;
- Reduce environment and carbon impact
- Strengthen Irish Whiskey’s place in the regenerative and circular economy
- Deliver a positive impact for people and place
Bob Dylan’s Heavens Door Whiskey partners with UK distributor
Earlier in June, trade publication The Drinks Business reported that Paragon Brands has been named as the UK distributor of musician Bob Dylan’s Heavens Door Whiskey range.
Described as the perfect blend of art and craft, Bob Dylan’s award-winning collection of handcrafted American whiskeys, include Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey and The Double Barrel Whiskey.
It also comes as a brand new, 160 acre distillery based in Kentucky USA, is due to open in September 2023, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Dylan’s seminal song that inspired the brand, ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ – originally released July 1973.
Chris Jones, Managing Director at Paragon Brands, said: “Our philosophy at has always been to work with premium, rare, and unusual brands that offer UK consumers a point of difference in a crowded marketplace.”
From rock n roll to movie stars – Whisky attracts high profile investors
In India, Business Outreach reported on Bollywood Star Sanjay’s Dutt and his investment into a new alcobev start-up which aims to introduce and sell a diverse range of liquor brands in India. The start up’s initial offering is the exquisite blended Scotch whisky brand, Glenwalk.
India recently surpassed France as the UK’s largest Scotch whisky market in terms of volume, with imports experiencing a remarkable 60% surge in 2022. Data further reveals that India imported a staggering 219 million bottles of Scotch whisky last year, outpacing France’s 205 million.
Tribute to Sir Ivan Menezes
It is with great sadness that we learnt about the sudden passing of Sir Ivan Menezes earlier in June. Sir Ivan who was CEO of Diageo and Chair of the Scottish Whisky Association was hugely respected by all who knew him and described as one of the most successful business leaders of his generation.
His contribution to the premium drinks and Scottish Whisky sector was phenomenal. Read more on the Scottish Whisky’s Association Tribute
Whisky Winner
Congratulations to Anna Pollard who won a beautiful bottle of Macallan in our recent Instagram Competition. Well done Anna and congratulations to her Dad Barry, who was gifted this rather special bottle for Father Day’s. We hope you enjoy it.
