Irish whiskey campaign celebrates sustainability

Trade body the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) has launched a campaign to highlight the sustainable endeavours of the category.

Each week, the campaign will look at a different company and spotlight one of their key sustainability achievements.

Throughout January and February, the campaign will feature seven companies: Rademon Estate Distillery, Irish Distillers, Teeling, Terra Spirits & Liqueurs, Slane Distillery, Boann Distillery and Great Northern Distillery.

John Quinn, chairman of the IWA and global brand ambassador for Tullamore Dew, said: “Building on centuries of heritage, the Irish whiskey industry is now looking to the future and leading the way when it comes to sustainability.

“Our new campaign will paint a vibrant picture of Ireland as home to some of the world’s most sustainable distilleries.

“Irish whiskey producers are employing a range of innovative and cutting-edge technologies to reduce energy usage, reduce water use and reduce waste, while increasing the use of renewable energy, increasing the use of Irish barley and malt, and supporting biodiversity.

“It’s not just about the environment. As the number of Irish whiskey distilleries has grown from four to 40 over the past decade, new distilleries have supported urban regeneration and rural development, reusing vacant buildings and sites, employing and buying locally and attracting visitors to communities across the island of Ireland.”

Examples of sustainable efforts from the first seven companies include Rademon Estate Distillery’s use of on-site wind and hydro turbines, which supply all power to the site.

Irish Distillers, which produces Jameson Irish whiskey, uses an accredited Sustainable Green Spring Barley Scheme to support the long-term viability of the spring barley sector in Ireland by incentivising farmers to continually improve their sustainable practice.

Meanwhile, Teeling Small Batch is sold in bottles made from 75% recycled glass.

Earlier this month, a new report showed exports of Irish alcoholic drinks rose by 19% in 2021, bolstered by the rebound of Irish whiskey.