GITNUXREPORT 2026

Irish Whiskey Industry Statistics

Irish whiskey is booming globally with strong production, exports, and job growth.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Irish whiskey contributed €700 million to Irish GDP in 2023.

Statistic 2

Industry supported 12,500 direct and indirect jobs in 2023.

Statistic 3

Whiskey tourism generated €250 million in revenue from 1.2 million visitors in 2023.

Statistic 4

Excise duties from Irish whiskey totaled €450 million to exchequer in 2023.

Statistic 5

Investment in new distilleries exceeded €500 million since 2015, peaking at €120m in 2023.

Statistic 6

Supplier spend by distilleries reached €300 million annually, 70% local in 2023.

Statistic 7

Export multiplier effect created 2.5 additional jobs per direct job in 2023.

Statistic 8

R&D spend by Irish whiskey firms hit €25 million in 2023.

Statistic 9

Carbon footprint reduced 20% industry-wide to 1.2 kg CO2 per liter in 2023.

Statistic 10

Whiskey tourism multiplier: €1 spend generates €3.5 economic activity.

Statistic 11

Rural economies gained €150m from distillery expansions 2023.

Statistic 12

VAT receipts from whiskey: €120m in 2023.

Statistic 13

Skills training programs upskilled 2,000 workers in 2023.

Statistic 14

Packaging sector employed 1,200 due to whiskey boom.

Statistic 15

Cooperage revival created 150 specialist jobs since 2020.

Statistic 16

Agri-food linkages: €180m farmer payments for barley.

Statistic 17

CSR initiatives by distilleries donated €10m to charities 2023.

Statistic 18

25 new whiskey college courses launched in 2023.

Statistic 19

Apprenticeships: 800 new in sector 2023.

Statistic 20

Female employment: 35% of workforce.

Statistic 21

Export finance guarantees: €200m utilized.

Statistic 22

Local sourcing: 92% glass bottles Irish-made.

Statistic 23

Innovation grants: €15m awarded 2023.

Statistic 24

Tourism jobs: 4,000 direct from distilleries.

Statistic 25

Tax incentives under Section 486 saved €50m.

Statistic 26

Supply chain resilience score: 8.7/10.

Statistic 27

In 2023, Irish whiskey exports totaled €1.6 billion, a 24% year-on-year growth.

Statistic 28

USA accounted for 45% of Irish whiskey exports by value in 2023 (€720 million).

Statistic 29

Great Britain imports of Irish whiskey reached 4.2 million cases in 2023.

Statistic 30

Export volume grew to 25.6 million nine-liter cases in 2023.

Statistic 31

Australia saw a 35% increase in Irish whiskey imports, reaching €45 million in 2023.

Statistic 32

Duty-paid exports to Canada hit 1.8 million cases, up 18% in 2023.

Statistic 33

Emerging markets like Brazil imported €12 million worth in 2023, doubling from 2022.

Statistic 34

Air freight for premium Irish whiskeys to Asia accounted for 5% of exports by volume in 2023.

Statistic 35

EU single market exports within EU totaled €450 million for Irish whiskey in 2023.

Statistic 36

Japan imported 450,000 cases of Irish whiskey in 2023, up 22%.

Statistic 37

Exports to South Korea surged 50% to €20 million in 2023.

Statistic 38

UK market volume for Irish whiskey: 3.8 million cases, value £250m in 2023.

Statistic 39

China imports grew 28% to 300,000 cases amid luxury demand.

Statistic 40

Total export growth since 2010: 400% in value terms to 2023.

Statistic 41

France imported €65 million, 12% up, focusing on blends.

Statistic 42

Germany: 1.1 million cases, stable but premium up 10%.

Statistic 43

Duty-free sales contributed 15% of exports by volume in 2023.

Statistic 44

Netherlands as re-export hub handled 8% of EU flows.

Statistic 45

India market exploded to €8 million with new tariffs eased.

Statistic 46

Irish whiskey value share in global whiskey exports: 7.5% in 2023.

Statistic 47

Exports to UAE: €15m, luxury hotel demand.

Statistic 48

Spain imports 850k cases, tapas pairing trend.

Statistic 49

Poland market +42%, Eastern Europe gateway.

Statistic 50

Singapore hub for Asia-Pacific: €25m re-exports.

Statistic 51

Mexico NAFTA benefits: 200k cases imported.

Statistic 52

South Africa: €10m, braai culture boost.

Statistic 53

Russia sanctions shifted 5% volume to other CIS.

Statistic 54

Total markets served: 140 countries in 2023.

Statistic 55

Ireland has 5 major whiskey distilleries producing 90% of volume: Midleton, Bushmills, Cooley, Kilbeggan, Tullamore.

Statistic 56

Jameson brand held 75% of global Irish whiskey sales in 2023 (18 million cases).

Statistic 57

Number of Irish whiskey brands exceeded 1,200 SKUs worldwide in 2023.

Statistic 58

Powerscourt Distillery launched 7 new expressions in 2023.

Statistic 59

Walsh Whiskey owns Writers Tears and The Irishman, producing 1.5m cases/year.

Statistic 60

Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin focuses on 100% single pot still.

Statistic 61

Slane Distillery uses unique triple cask aging for all products.

Statistic 62

Two independents (Teeling, Writers Tears) account for 8% market share.

Statistic 63

18 new distilleries planned or under construction as of 2023.

Statistic 64

Bushmills Distillery employs 450 staff, oldest licensed at 1608.

Statistic 65

Kilbeggan Distillery revived in 2007, now 1m case capacity.

Statistic 66

Redbreast single pot still is Pernod Ricard's flagship.

Statistic 67

Method and Madness from Midleton experiments with finishes.

Statistic 68

Echlinville Distillery first in NI since 1880, organic focus.

Statistic 69

Boann Distillery's Clonakilty uses geothermal energy.

Statistic 70

Number of bonded warehouses: over 100 across Ireland 2023.

Statistic 71

Tullamore D.E.W. owns visitor center with 400k visitors/yr.

Statistic 72

Laceys of Clonakilty boutique distillery, 50k LPA.

Statistic 73

Clonakilty Distillery: 100% family-owned.

Statistic 74

Natterjack single malt from Alltech, peated.

Statistic 75

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin distillery also whiskeys.

Statistic 76

Galway Pipe Band Whiskey boutique release.

Statistic 77

Micil Distillery Connemara, smallest at 10k LPA.

Statistic 78

Tipperary Hills micro-distillery focus.

Statistic 79

Whiskey Galore festival featured 50 distilleries.

Statistic 80

Patents filed for maturation: 12 in 2023.

Statistic 81

Global Irish whiskey market size valued at $7.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 82

Premium segment (>€25/bottle) grew 15% YoY, comprising 42% of sales in 2023.

Statistic 83

US consumption of Irish whiskey reached 12.5 million cases in 2023.

Statistic 84

On-premise sales recovered to 28% of total volume post-COVID in Ireland 2023.

Statistic 85

No-age-statement (NAS) whiskeys captured 55% market share globally in 2023.

Statistic 86

Organic Irish whiskey sales up 40% to €15 million in Europe 2023.

Statistic 87

Female consumer share rose to 38% for Irish whiskey in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 88

E-commerce sales of Irish whiskey grew 52% to $450 million globally 2023.

Statistic 89

Craft whiskey subcategory expanded at 18% CAGR 2018-2023.

Statistic 90

Projected market growth to $10.5 billion by 2028 at 7.8% CAGR.

Statistic 91

Off-trade sales dominated 72% of US volume at 9m cases 2023.

Statistic 92

Average price per bottle rose 8% to €28 globally in 2023.

Statistic 93

Sustainable packaging adopted by 60% of brands in 2023.

Statistic 94

Flavored Irish whiskey grew 25% to 2.5m cases sales.

Statistic 95

Millennial consumption: 45% prefer Irish over Scotch.

Statistic 96

Travel retail sales hit $300m, up 30% post-pandemic.

Statistic 97

Low/no-alc Irish whiskey launched 15 new products in 2023.

Statistic 98

Social media mentions up 40% for Irish whiskey 2023.

Statistic 99

Vintage expressions (>12yr) sales +22% premiumization.

Statistic 100

Ireland domestic consumption: 1.2m cases 2023.

Statistic 101

Cocktail share: Irish whiskey in 15% top serves.

Statistic 102

ABV average: 40.2% for standard bottlings.

Statistic 103

Influencer marketing ROI: 5:1 for launches.

Statistic 104

Glass bottle recycling: 85% rate industry.

Statistic 105

Blind taste tests: Irish preferred 55% vs Scotch.

Statistic 106

Subscription box sales: 500k Irish inclusions.

Statistic 107

Hyper-premium (>€100) grew 32% volume.

Statistic 108

In 2023, Irish whiskey production reached 44.5 million liters of pure alcohol (LPA), a 12% increase from 2022.

Statistic 109

Ireland operated 42 active whiskey distilleries as of end-2023, up from 36 in 2022.

Statistic 110

Teeling Whiskey Distillery produced over 1.2 million cases in 2023.

Statistic 111

New distilleries commissioned in 2023 included Dingle Distillery's maturation expansion to 500,000 LPA capacity.

Statistic 112

Barley used for Irish whiskey in 2022 totaled 250,000 tonnes, 85% Irish-grown.

Statistic 113

Pot still whiskey production accounted for 15% of total Irish whiskey output in 2023.

Statistic 114

Water usage per liter of Irish whiskey averaged 12 liters in modern distilleries in 2023.

Statistic 115

Mash bill composition for single pot still whiskey typically includes 40-60% malted barley and unmalted barley.

Statistic 116

Aging requirements mandate minimum 3 years in oak casks for all Irish whiskey.

Statistic 117

Cooley Distillery's output hit 8 million liters annually by 2023 post-expansion.

Statistic 118

In 2022, Midleton Distillery produced 25 million LPA, largest in Ireland.

Statistic 119

Jameson Distillery Bow St. visitor center hosted 600,000 tourists in 2023.

Statistic 120

Glendalough Distillery uses exclusively Irish oak for 20% of production.

Statistic 121

Energy efficiency improved 15% with biomass boilers in 80% of distilleries.

Statistic 122

Triple distillation used by 70% of Irish whiskeys for smoothness.

Statistic 123

West Cork Distillery output doubled to 2 million liters in 2023.

Statistic 124

Yeast strains optimized for 5-7% higher alcohol yield in 2023 trials.

Statistic 125

Fermentation time averages 72 hours in pot still processes.

Statistic 126

Copper pot stills capacity averaged 20,000 liters per wash in 2023.

Statistic 127

In 2023, grain whiskey production hit 30 million LPA.

Statistic 128

Stillhouse expansions at Teeling added 4 new pot stills.

Statistic 129

Recycling rate of spent lees: 95% as animal feed.

Statistic 130

Malt whiskey share: 25% of total production.

Statistic 131

Automation reduced labor hours per liter by 18%.

Statistic 132

Experimental peated Irish whiskeys: 12 brands in 2023.

Statistic 133

Cask strength bottlings averaged 58% ABV.

Statistic 134

Biofuel from draff powers 20% of distillery energy.

1/134

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From the surge of 44.5 million liters in production and a booming €1.6 billion in global exports to the rise of craft distilleries and a new generation of drinkers, the Irish whiskey industry is currently writing its most dynamic chapter yet.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, Irish whiskey production reached 44.5 million liters of pure alcohol (LPA), a 12% increase from 2022.
Ireland operated 42 active whiskey distilleries as of end-2023, up from 36 in 2022.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery produced over 1.2 million cases in 2023.
In 2023, Irish whiskey exports totaled €1.6 billion, a 24% year-on-year growth.
USA accounted for 45% of Irish whiskey exports by value in 2023 (€720 million).
Great Britain imports of Irish whiskey reached 4.2 million cases in 2023.
Global Irish whiskey market size valued at $7.2 billion in 2023.
Premium segment (>€25/bottle) grew 15% YoY, comprising 42% of sales in 2023.
US consumption of Irish whiskey reached 12.5 million cases in 2023.
Irish whiskey contributed €700 million to Irish GDP in 2023.
Industry supported 12,500 direct and indirect jobs in 2023.
Whiskey tourism generated €250 million in revenue from 1.2 million visitors in 2023.
Ireland has 5 major whiskey distilleries producing 90% of volume: Midleton, Bushmills, Cooley, Kilbeggan, Tullamore.
Jameson brand held 75% of global Irish whiskey sales in 2023 (18 million cases).
Number of Irish whiskey brands exceeded 1,200 SKUs worldwide in 2023.

Irish whiskey is booming globally with strong production, exports, and job growth.

Economic Impact

Irish whiskey contributed €700 million to Irish GDP in 2023.
Industry supported 12,500 direct and indirect jobs in 2023.
Whiskey tourism generated €250 million in revenue from 1.2 million visitors in 2023.
Excise duties from Irish whiskey totaled €450 million to exchequer in 2023.
Investment in new distilleries exceeded €500 million since 2015, peaking at €120m in 2023.
Supplier spend by distilleries reached €300 million annually, 70% local in 2023.
Export multiplier effect created 2.5 additional jobs per direct job in 2023.
R&D spend by Irish whiskey firms hit €25 million in 2023.
Carbon footprint reduced 20% industry-wide to 1.2 kg CO2 per liter in 2023.
Whiskey tourism multiplier: €1 spend generates €3.5 economic activity.
Rural economies gained €150m from distillery expansions 2023.
VAT receipts from whiskey: €120m in 2023.
Skills training programs upskilled 2,000 workers in 2023.
Packaging sector employed 1,200 due to whiskey boom.
Cooperage revival created 150 specialist jobs since 2020.
Agri-food linkages: €180m farmer payments for barley.
CSR initiatives by distilleries donated €10m to charities 2023.
25 new whiskey college courses launched in 2023.
Apprenticeships: 800 new in sector 2023.
Female employment: 35% of workforce.
Export finance guarantees: €200m utilized.
Local sourcing: 92% glass bottles Irish-made.
Innovation grants: €15m awarded 2023.
Tourism jobs: 4,000 direct from distilleries.
Tax incentives under Section 486 saved €50m.
Supply chain resilience score: 8.7/10.

Economic Impact Interpretation

From the grain to the glass, Irish whiskey's €700 million contribution to the national coffers proves that a well-aged spirit doesn't just warm the soul, but sustainably fuels the entire economy, pouring prosperity into everything from farmer's fields and tourist traps to research labs and revived cooperages.

Exports

In 2023, Irish whiskey exports totaled €1.6 billion, a 24% year-on-year growth.
USA accounted for 45% of Irish whiskey exports by value in 2023 (€720 million).
Great Britain imports of Irish whiskey reached 4.2 million cases in 2023.
Export volume grew to 25.6 million nine-liter cases in 2023.
Australia saw a 35% increase in Irish whiskey imports, reaching €45 million in 2023.
Duty-paid exports to Canada hit 1.8 million cases, up 18% in 2023.
Emerging markets like Brazil imported €12 million worth in 2023, doubling from 2022.
Air freight for premium Irish whiskeys to Asia accounted for 5% of exports by volume in 2023.
EU single market exports within EU totaled €450 million for Irish whiskey in 2023.
Japan imported 450,000 cases of Irish whiskey in 2023, up 22%.
Exports to South Korea surged 50% to €20 million in 2023.
UK market volume for Irish whiskey: 3.8 million cases, value £250m in 2023.
China imports grew 28% to 300,000 cases amid luxury demand.
Total export growth since 2010: 400% in value terms to 2023.
France imported €65 million, 12% up, focusing on blends.
Germany: 1.1 million cases, stable but premium up 10%.
Duty-free sales contributed 15% of exports by volume in 2023.
Netherlands as re-export hub handled 8% of EU flows.
India market exploded to €8 million with new tariffs eased.
Irish whiskey value share in global whiskey exports: 7.5% in 2023.
Exports to UAE: €15m, luxury hotel demand.
Spain imports 850k cases, tapas pairing trend.
Poland market +42%, Eastern Europe gateway.
Singapore hub for Asia-Pacific: €25m re-exports.
Mexico NAFTA benefits: 200k cases imported.
South Africa: €10m, braai culture boost.
Russia sanctions shifted 5% volume to other CIS.
Total markets served: 140 countries in 2023.

Exports Interpretation

It seems the world has collectively decided that the proper way to solve a problem, celebrate a victory, or just get through a Tuesday is with a glass of Irish whiskey, sending exports skyrocketing to €1.6 billion as every corner of the globe, from American bars to Brazilian barbecues, enthusiastically joins the session.

Industry Structure

Ireland has 5 major whiskey distilleries producing 90% of volume: Midleton, Bushmills, Cooley, Kilbeggan, Tullamore.
Jameson brand held 75% of global Irish whiskey sales in 2023 (18 million cases).
Number of Irish whiskey brands exceeded 1,200 SKUs worldwide in 2023.
Powerscourt Distillery launched 7 new expressions in 2023.
Walsh Whiskey owns Writers Tears and The Irishman, producing 1.5m cases/year.
Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin focuses on 100% single pot still.
Slane Distillery uses unique triple cask aging for all products.
Two independents (Teeling, Writers Tears) account for 8% market share.
18 new distilleries planned or under construction as of 2023.
Bushmills Distillery employs 450 staff, oldest licensed at 1608.
Kilbeggan Distillery revived in 2007, now 1m case capacity.
Redbreast single pot still is Pernod Ricard's flagship.
Method and Madness from Midleton experiments with finishes.
Echlinville Distillery first in NI since 1880, organic focus.
Boann Distillery's Clonakilty uses geothermal energy.
Number of bonded warehouses: over 100 across Ireland 2023.
Tullamore D.E.W. owns visitor center with 400k visitors/yr.
Laceys of Clonakilty boutique distillery, 50k LPA.
Clonakilty Distillery: 100% family-owned.
Natterjack single malt from Alltech, peated.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin distillery also whiskeys.
Galway Pipe Band Whiskey boutique release.
Micil Distillery Connemara, smallest at 10k LPA.
Tipperary Hills micro-distillery focus.
Whiskey Galore festival featured 50 distilleries.
Patents filed for maturation: 12 in 2023.

Industry Structure Interpretation

The Irish whiskey landscape is a spectacularly lopsided drama, where a few industry titans command the stage, yet the wings are overflowing with a vibrant, chaotic chorus of small players endlessly innovating, reviving, and hoping to steal a sip of the spotlight.

Market Trends

Global Irish whiskey market size valued at $7.2 billion in 2023.
Premium segment (>€25/bottle) grew 15% YoY, comprising 42% of sales in 2023.
US consumption of Irish whiskey reached 12.5 million cases in 2023.
On-premise sales recovered to 28% of total volume post-COVID in Ireland 2023.
No-age-statement (NAS) whiskeys captured 55% market share globally in 2023.
Organic Irish whiskey sales up 40% to €15 million in Europe 2023.
Female consumer share rose to 38% for Irish whiskey in 2023 surveys.
E-commerce sales of Irish whiskey grew 52% to $450 million globally 2023.
Craft whiskey subcategory expanded at 18% CAGR 2018-2023.
Projected market growth to $10.5 billion by 2028 at 7.8% CAGR.
Off-trade sales dominated 72% of US volume at 9m cases 2023.
Average price per bottle rose 8% to €28 globally in 2023.
Sustainable packaging adopted by 60% of brands in 2023.
Flavored Irish whiskey grew 25% to 2.5m cases sales.
Millennial consumption: 45% prefer Irish over Scotch.
Travel retail sales hit $300m, up 30% post-pandemic.
Low/no-alc Irish whiskey launched 15 new products in 2023.
Social media mentions up 40% for Irish whiskey 2023.
Vintage expressions (>12yr) sales +22% premiumization.
Ireland domestic consumption: 1.2m cases 2023.
Cocktail share: Irish whiskey in 15% top serves.
ABV average: 40.2% for standard bottlings.
Influencer marketing ROI: 5:1 for launches.
Glass bottle recycling: 85% rate industry.
Blind taste tests: Irish preferred 55% vs Scotch.
Subscription box sales: 500k Irish inclusions.
Hyper-premium (>€100) grew 32% volume.

Market Trends Interpretation

While Irish whiskey has smartly traded its old 'drowning your sorrows' image for one of premium sipping, savvy e-commerce, and eco-conscious cocktails, the data proves the world is now gladly paying more to drink better—not just more of it.

Production

In 2023, Irish whiskey production reached 44.5 million liters of pure alcohol (LPA), a 12% increase from 2022.
Ireland operated 42 active whiskey distilleries as of end-2023, up from 36 in 2022.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery produced over 1.2 million cases in 2023.
New distilleries commissioned in 2023 included Dingle Distillery's maturation expansion to 500,000 LPA capacity.
Barley used for Irish whiskey in 2022 totaled 250,000 tonnes, 85% Irish-grown.
Pot still whiskey production accounted for 15% of total Irish whiskey output in 2023.
Water usage per liter of Irish whiskey averaged 12 liters in modern distilleries in 2023.
Mash bill composition for single pot still whiskey typically includes 40-60% malted barley and unmalted barley.
Aging requirements mandate minimum 3 years in oak casks for all Irish whiskey.
Cooley Distillery's output hit 8 million liters annually by 2023 post-expansion.
In 2022, Midleton Distillery produced 25 million LPA, largest in Ireland.
Jameson Distillery Bow St. visitor center hosted 600,000 tourists in 2023.
Glendalough Distillery uses exclusively Irish oak for 20% of production.
Energy efficiency improved 15% with biomass boilers in 80% of distilleries.
Triple distillation used by 70% of Irish whiskeys for smoothness.
West Cork Distillery output doubled to 2 million liters in 2023.
Yeast strains optimized for 5-7% higher alcohol yield in 2023 trials.
Fermentation time averages 72 hours in pot still processes.
Copper pot stills capacity averaged 20,000 liters per wash in 2023.
In 2023, grain whiskey production hit 30 million LPA.
Stillhouse expansions at Teeling added 4 new pot stills.
Recycling rate of spent lees: 95% as animal feed.
Malt whiskey share: 25% of total production.
Automation reduced labor hours per liter by 18%.
Experimental peated Irish whiskeys: 12 brands in 2023.
Cask strength bottlings averaged 58% ABV.
Biofuel from draff powers 20% of distillery energy.

Production Interpretation

While Ireland’s whiskey industry is distilling ambition at a staggering pace—producing enough spirit to fill a small sea, attracting tourists by the herd, and innovating from grain to glass—it’s soberly mindful that true character, like a fine single pot still, requires patience, local roots, and more than a little Irish magic.

Sources & References

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