Major boost for Co Down spirits in key US market

Two Stacks and Killowen produce a range of premium spirits, including Irish whiskeys, gin, vodka and poitin.

Killowen operates a distillery near Rostrevor in the Mournes, while Two Stacks blends whiskeys and cream liqueur.

Entrepreneurs Shane McCarthy, Liam Brogan and Donal McLynn founded Ireland Craft Beverages in 2015 and Two Stacks in 2020.

Located near the Mourne Mountains, Two Stacks Bond works with Ireland’s leading distilleries to commission heritage mash bill recipes, source, and access whiskey from a wide range of casks and distillates, creating a unique and contemporary whiskey expressions.

The Two Stacks core portfolio includes The First Cut – Signature Blend, The Blender’s Cut – Cask Strength Blend, Smoke & Mirrors – Peated Single Malt, Double Barrel – Single Grain, Double Barrel – Single Pot Still, Double Barrel – Single Malt, and Double Irish Cream Liqueur. FFW will also import The First Cut and Double Barrel whiskeys and the Double Irish Cream Liqueur in ‘Dram in a Can’ 100ml/43% ABV servings.

Killowen distillery is one of Ireland’s smallest and most authentic distilleries on the island. Killowen’s head distiller Brendan Carty focuses on producing historic peated Pot Still Irish Whiskey, as well as poitin, gin, rum, and liqueurs.

“As we expand our spirits portfolio, the addition of Irish whiskey and other beverages will complement our growing portfolio of spirits from Scotland, New Zealand, Mexico, Kentucky, Texas, and Nevada,” says Shawn Schiffer, FFW President. “Two Stacks and Killowen represent the history of classic Irish distilleries and the creativity and innovation that consumers are seeking.

“Two Stacks’ independent bottling and bonding facility is a modern revival of Irish whiskey bonding, helping script a new and exciting chapter for where Irish can go, through the custodianship of some of Ireland’s oldest and newest whiskey distillates, harmonising blends to create unique and exciting flavours within the category,” added McCarthy.

“Foley Family Wines shares our commitment to quality and craftsmanship and is the right partner for us as we expand our sales and distribution into the US.”

In 2023, 12.9 million 9L cases of Irish whiskey were sold, a three per cent increase from 2022. Approximately 91 per cent of Irish whiskey retail sales in the US are in the premium+ category, and the US was the leading export market for Irish cream liqueurs in 2023.

Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines (FFW) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its distinct style, legacy, and approach to hospitality.