Vision for Irish whiskey

next ten years as whiskey stocks are laid down
in advance of the forecasted increase in sales.
Approximately one third of this tonnage is malted
for use in Irish whiskey.
Malting: As the sector grows, capacity pressure
may be experienced within the Irish malting
industry. In addition to the need for more capacity
it will be essential that maltings are geared up to
supply both the larger and smaller distilleries with
the styles of malt required by the differing styles
of distillate being produced.
Yeast: Yeast production is already established
in Ireland and successfully supplies the baking,
brewing and distilling industries, among others.
It is envisaged that the requirement will grow
as distilling capacity expands and new and
alternative varieties are required to satisfy
innovation demands.
Casks: Although the vast majority of casks used
to mature Irish whiskey are seasoned with other
whiskey eg Bourbon in Kentucky or wine eg
Oloroso in Jerez before filling in Ireland, there is
a demand for Irish grown oak casks and this is
likely to increase as Irish whiskey continues to
differentiate itself from the other global whiskey
categories. For this to succeed a sustainable
supply of mature native Irish oak-wood will be
required.
Supply industry: An efficient and significant
supply industry has been established in Scotland
to support the whisky industry there, particularly
in the key area of premium packaging and “dry
goods”. These suppliers also supply the Irish
whiskey sector. As the Irish whiskey category
grows a competitive supply base for these
materials will develop in Ireland, generating new
investment and jobs.
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