Clonakilty Distillery a bright spot for Irish Whiskey with surging US sales amid trade turbulence
Clonakilty Distillery is celebrating doubling its sales and unprecedented export growth in the US market during the first half of 2026.
At a time when the wider Irish Whiskey industry has experienced a 5% decline in export value to the US, the independent County Cork distillery has bucked the trend, emerging as one of the fastest-growing Irish Whiskey brands in the market.
Recent figures from Marussia Beverages reveal the Cork producer recorded 36.2% year-over-year depletion growth and a 39.8% growth in Nielsen sales, earning recognition as one of the fastest-growing Irish whiskey brands in the latest 52-week Nielsen scan. This remarkable growth is being led by Clonakilty’s ‘Galley Head’ Whiskey. The single pot still and grain blend has more than doubled its US sales, reporting an impressive 113% year-on-year increase in depletions and a 33.2% rise in shipments. As the primary growth engine within Clonakilty’s portfolio, Galley Head is now firmly established across key US markets, with impressive sales numbers from Massachusetts to Florida and Oregon.
Speaking on the distillery's success, Michael Scully, founder of Clonakilty Distillery, said, “These results demonstrate that Clonakilty is building sustainable momentum through strong consumer demand and strategic execution. Our continued investment in retail partnerships, distributor support and activations is translating into meaningful growth across the country. It is incredibly rewarding to see an independent Irish brand resonate so strongly with US consumers, especially in a challenging wider market.”
Clonakilty’s ability to expand at this pace reflects increasing demand for premium Irish spirits. The distillery is continuing to build a strong national presence in the US through strategic partnerships with independent retailers and robust on-premises programming that drives both trial and repeat purchases.
The USA remains the biggest market for the wider Irish drinks trade, but the market has become more challenging – changing consumer preferences, persistent concerns around inflation and the cost-of-living, and reduced margins for exporters due to the Trump tariff regime remain of concern for Irish drinks producers. Clonakilty’s US performance is a welcome bright spot amid these difficulties. The Irish Whiskey Association would like to commend the work of all those at Clonakilty Distillery, proving that an independent Irish producer can compete on the world stage while staying true to its County Cork origins.
