Skellig Six18 to launch in Ohio

Irish whiskey and gin producer Skellig Six18 will make its US debut via Ohio Liquor (OHLQ) next month.

Skellig Six18 Small Batch Irish Whiskey, Skellig Six18 Gin, and Skellig Triple Cask Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey will all be available in Ohio through the OHLQ, which manages the sale and distribution of alcohol in the state.

The products will be available to purchase from early March.

Cathal O’Connor, commercial manager at Skellig Six18, said: “Irish whiskey is the second fastest-growing high-proof spirits category in the USA.

“The Irish Cask and Craft festival is going to give consumers in Ohio access to a wide new range of premium Irish whiskey and we are excited to be at the forefront of this with Skellig Six18, doing our part to contribute to the growth of the category.”

OHLQ will host the Irish Cask and Craft festival in Dublin, Ohio, at Chateau Wine and Spirits, on 3 March 2024.

Skellig Six18 will also mark its introduction in Ohio during three events:

• Cincinnati Launch Event: 1 March at Jungle Jim’s Fairfield, Oscar Event Centre, from 5pm to 7pm.
• Cleveland Celebration: 2 March at Giant Eagle Strongsville, from 12pm to 2pm.
• Columbus Premiere:3 March at Chateau Wine and Spirits, from 12pm to 2pm.

The launch in Ohio represents a collaboration between the OHLQ and Bord Bia, the Irish food board, which works to promote Irish produce worldwide.

Earlier this year, the Skellig Six18 noted how global travel retail would be ‘pivotal’ for the Irish whiskey producer as it aims to grow its presence in the channel.