The high-end premium and super-premium Irish whiskey categories grew 1106% and 3385% respectively since 2002 in the US, according to data from the Distilled Spirits Council. Beyond the stats, it’s safe to say that Irish whiskey remains a beloved category and that it’s long been dominated by very few brands. But as powerhouse products pave the way, smaller producers like Knappogue Castle Irish Whiskey are …
The concept of Empire Rye solidified in 2015 thanks to the efforts of six New York State craft distilleries. Today, the designation embodies several rigorous standards that aim to elevate an entire regional whiskey style and signify to consumers what’s in a bottle. More than a dozen distilleries have pledged to commit throughout 2019 and 2020, joining nine current producers. And this is just the …
Straight ahead, through the front doors of Westward Whiskey‘s new distillery, there are dozens of bottles in varying shapes and sizes with an assortment of labels tucked into a glass case. These are the Portland brand’s archive bottles, stretching back to when they were originally founded in 2004 as House Spirits Distillery. There’s a small-batch bourbon whiskey, an original version of Krogstad’s Aquavit, an Oregon ouzu, …
