The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has made an extraordinary splash in the whiskey market at the start of 2024. The company achieved a record sale by selling a bottle of their whiskey, The Emerald Isle, to American collector Mike Daley for a staggering $2.8 million (~ £2.2 million 15/1/24) that’s roughly £140,000 per serving. This sale has positioned The Emerald Isle as not only the rarest triple-distilled single malt but also the most expensive bottle of whiskey or whisky ever sold.
“Irish is the future of whiskey. I’m excited to be part of it, as a collector, but most importantly as a drinker.” – Mike Daley
Daley’s new acquisition is one of only seven sets in existence. The Emerald Isle has undergone three decades of maturation in various casks, resulting in a distinctive intensity of flavor. Each set comes in a luxurious walnut case, complete with a single decanter, a bespoke Fabergé egg with an emerald gem, a custom timepiece, and a pair of Cohiba cigars.
“The rebirth of Irish whiskey is relatively new, so I feel like I’m getting in on the ground floor. Luxury scotch, to me, is already a crowded type of market. But we’re only just starting to see luxury Irish make a name for itself. I guarantee you that in the years to come, it will get to where scotch is today.” – Mike Daley
As a savvy investor, Daley’s insights have often been on point, notably with his early investment in hyaluronic acid, preceding its boom in the pharmaceutical industry. His optimism about Irish whiskey’s future value is bolstered by data from the Distilled Spirits Council, which shows a dramatic increase in prices for certain super premium spirits within this category over the past two decades.
Some critics argue that The Emerald Isle’s value is amplified by the luxury items included in its presentation. However, this viewpoint is somewhat mitigated when considering that the previous record-holder, The Macallan 1926, also boasted added value due to its unique Valerio Adami-designed label.
“A bottle of The Emerald Isle becoming the most expensive whiskey or whisky ever sold is a monumental achievement for my business, and an incredibly proud moment for me. I started The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. with the goal of making Irish whiskey the most coveted luxury spirit and restoring Ireland’s reputation for crafting the finest whiskeys in the world, this brings us several steps closer to achieving that, and we’re only six years into the journey. There’s a lot more to come from us, and I’m excited for our customers and competitors to see what we have in store.” – Jay Bradley,Founder and CEO of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.
About The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.:
Founded in 2018 by Irish entrepreneur Jay Bradley, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. aims to reinstate Ireland as the preeminent source of the world’s finest whiskeys. The company’s approach combines traditional craft with innovative techniques, ensuring no expense is spared in their pursuit of excellence. Their achievements include a remarkable collection of awards and partnerships, emphasizing their commitment to quality and luxury in the world of whiskey.
