Whiskey will always Trump politics

MARCH is always one month of joy for the Irish and especially the drinks industry as we drink to celebrate one of our patron saints.

As millions of us raise a glass to St Patrick with Guinness and whiskey, few in the Irish drinks sectors will be celebrating too hard as worrying times are ahead.

In the last few weeks, US President, Donald Trump, has said he plans to put a 200 per cent tariff on Irish whiskey that is made in the EU. This is in addition to the 25 per cent on whiskey that’s made in UK—Scotland or the North of Ireland.

Irish whiskey has been on the up in the last few years, but it is still fragile as a lot of the finance is based on future sales. If the sales drop, some smaller distilleries could go out of business.

Some of the larger distilleries have already scaled back production with Bushmills, Great Northern Distillery and Cooley all reporting a drop in output. Then, just recently, Peron Racard, owners of Ireland largest distillery, announced they will be halting production for three months at Midleton.

Midleton—who make Jamesons (above)—sold 4.5 million cases to the US in 2018, but saw sales fall to 3.9 million cases last year. So, if tariffs are added to this, the Irish whiskey market could be in trouble. This could go both ways as American whiskey sales into Europe is forecast to drop. It just goes to show you how one man on a power trip can affect hundreds of jobs.

However, it is not all gloom and doom. Irish whiskey is breaking into markets it has never down before like India, France, South Africa, Japan and Australia.

Closer to home, a new chapter in Irish craft distilling is unfolding along the rugged Wild Atlantic Way.

Loop Head Distillers, founded by Irish hospitality industry veterans, is set to become a world-class distillery and tourism destination, blending traditional Irish craftsmanship with modern sustainability.

Set in one of Ireland’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes, Loop Head Distillers is more than just a spirits brand—it’s an experience. In addition to producing premium Irish whiskey, poitín, vodka, gin, and aged rums, the distillery will offer:

—Exclusive private cask programmes for collectors and connoisseurs

—Glamping and sustainable tourism experiences for those looking to connect with Ireland’s heritage

—Distillery tours and tasting events, creating an immersive destination for visitors from around the world

“We are not just making spirits; we are crafting a story—one rooted in Ireland’s traditions, its land, and the generations of people who have shaped its legacy,” Emily F Ryan, a founding partner of Loop Head Distillers, said.

With a growing global demand for premium Irish spirits and an increasing interest in experiential tourism, Loop Head Distillers is well-positioned to make a significant impact in both the Irish and international markets.

So, in four years time when Trump cannot stand for election once again, Irish whiskey distillers will breathe a sigh of relief and hammer home the point that they are here to stay, regardless of current challenges.