Sliabh Liag Distillers celebrates Irish Whiskey Heritage and Industry Excellence

placeholder image — James Doherty, Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association and Founder and CEO of Sliabh Liag Distillers

Hosted by James Doherty, Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association and Founder and CEO of Sliabh Liag Distillers, this year’s awards hold special significance, as they coincide with the Association's 700 Years of Irish Whiskey Tradition celebration

Sliabh Liag Distillers proudly celebrated the Irish Whiskey Association’s prestigious Chairman’s Awards at an event that underscored the enduring tradition and recent achievements of Irish whiskey.

Hosted by James Doherty, Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association and Founder and CEO of Sliabh Liag Distillers, this year’s awards hold special significance, as they coincide with the Association's 700 Years of Irish Whiskey Tradition celebration.

The awards ceremony are part of a year-long celebration throughout 2024, marking 700 Years of Irish Whiskey Tradition. The Red Book of Ossory was published in Kilkenny in 1324, and this ancient religious manuscript contains the first recorded reference to distilling in Ireland.

As Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association, James Doherty had the honour of presenting the 2024 Chairman’s Awards to several distinguished individuals, whose tireless contributions have strengthened and propelled the Irish whiskey sector forward. The recipients on the evening were John Quinn of Tullamore Dew; David Quinn of Irish Distillers; Miriam Mooney of the Irish Whiskey Association; Johnny Harte of Five Farms Irish Cream; Aoife Clarke of Suntory Global Spirits and Brian Watts (posthumous) of Great Northern Distillery

Speaking at the 2024 Irish Whiskey Association’s Chairman’s Awards, James Doherty said: "It’s wonderful to gather here tonight to honour those who have given so much to the Irish whiskey industry, and whose efforts continue to make us stronger as we move into an era of renewed success. The contributions of the few we celebrate tonight have built an industry that is both the world’s oldest and, with over 50 operating distilleries, the youngest.

“Irish whiskey stands on the shoulders of giants and is a beacon of innovation and resilience. As global demand grows, from Poland to South Africa and the United States, we have the opportunity to share Ireland’s spirit, craft, and excellence worldwide. Tonight, we celebrate not just our achievements, but the legacy of this industry, with deep roots in our communities and a commitment to shaping future generations. To the awardees: you’ve earned this recognition, and we’re proud to celebrate with you."

The awards are held against a backdrop of significant achievements for Irish whiskey, including an impressive export value that is expected to exceed €900 million in 2024. Eoin Ó Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association, noted the remarkable growth, attributing it to the commitment of industry leaders and emerging markets. Visitor centres across Ireland also saw record numbers, with over 800,000 visitors touring Irish distilleries this year.

The Irish whiskey market has expanded beyond its traditional strongholds, finding new audiences in countries like Poland, South Africa, Japan, and India. The United States continues to lead as the largest export market, accounting for 46% of total exports, and the Irish Whiskey Association is dedicated to building on this longstanding connection. The Ambassador of the USA to Ireland, her excellency Claire Cronin, underscored the importance of the US-Irish partnership in her remarks, calling it "a spirited partnership based on mutual appreciation and innovation."

Looking ahead to 2025, James Doherty is optimistic about the continued success of the Irish whiskey industry. "We are eager to showcase Ireland’s passion, craftsmanship, and commitment to excellence to the world. With the right support, Irish whiskey will continue to drive economic growth, job creation, and tourism, further embedding Irish whiskey’s legacy and spirit worldwide.”