Bord Bia, the Irish food board, continues to strengthen ties between Ireland and Singapore’s food and beverage industry through its flagship programme, Spirit of Ireland. Now in its third edition in Singapore, the event on March 1o, 2025, at FURA on Amoy Street showcased premium Irish spirits, offering a curated tasting experience that highlighted Ireland’s rich distilling heritage and innovations.
The evening featured Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Teeling Whiskey, Lost Irish Whiskey and Baileys Original Irish Cream, bringing media and industry professionals closer to Ireland’s growing premium spirits sector.
The experience went beyond tasting, incorporating virtual reality tours of Ireland’s iconic distilleries, conversations with master distillers and barrel coopers, and interactive scent booklets designed to immerse guests in Ireland’s natural terroirs and their influence on spirits production.
One of the highlights was a live dial-in tasting session with Luke Kilkenny, Brand Ambassador from The Shed Distillery, home to Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin. Guests also enjoyed Teeling Whiskey in a classic Whiskey Sour cocktail, demonstrating the brand’s influence on modern mixology while preserving the craftsmanship of traditional Irish whiskey-making.
Connecting Irish Spirits with Singapore’s Market
Following the exclusive tasting session, Bord Bia hosted a networking event, bringing together Irish spirit producers, Singapore-based distributors and key media personalities. The goal was to strengthen cross-market collaborations, increase brand awareness and explore opportunities for future partnerships between Ireland and Singapore’s premium drinks sector.
Bord Bia’s Market Executive for APAC, Eve Dowling, emphasised the significant growth of Irish spirits exports, stating: “Irish spirits have a remarkable heritage with an exciting future. Consumer demand for high-quality, craft Irish spirits continues to rise, particularly in key markets like Singapore. Irish drinks exports reached 2.1 billion pounds globally in 2024, a 19% increase from the previous year.”
Singapore is the tenth market to host the Spirit of Ireland workshop, marking a global expansion of Bord Bia’s efforts to promote Irish spirits internationally. Since its launch in 2022 in the United States, the initiative has been featured in over 50 seminars across 13 markets worldwide, showcasing more than 30 Irish spirits brands.
A Celebration of Irish Craftsmanship and Innovation
The Spirit of Ireland event aligns with Bord Bia’s broader St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, reinforcing Ireland’s centuries-old traditions of spirit craftsmanship while also highlighting innovation in the industry. From single pot still whiskey to contemporary craft gins, Ireland continues to redefine the global premium spirits market.
The renaissance of Irish spirits has been driven by a new wave of distillers who honor Ireland’s long-standing traditions while incorporating modern distilling techniques. Teeling Whiskey, for instance, has played a key role in the revival of Dublin’s historic whiskey industry, bringing innovative expressions to a new generation of whiskey lovers. Similarly, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, with its botanical-forward profile, has put Ireland on the map in the global craft gin movement.
Sustainability and Ireland’s Global Presence
Bord Bia is not only focused on promoting Irish spirits internationally but also on ensuring sustainability in food and drink production. Through Origin Green, the world’s only national food and drink sustainability programme, Bord Bia collaborates with over 61,000 farmers and 300 leading Irish food and drink companies to enhance sustainability practices across the supply chain.
Lisa Phelan, Director of SEA & ANZ at Bord Bia, explained: “Through Origin Green, we work with suppliers on packaging, water management, and community initiatives — ensuring that Irish spirits deliver on both quality and sustainability across more than 130 global markets.”
The initiative has played a vital role in positioning Ireland as a leader in sustainable food and drink production, with 90% of Ireland’s food and drink exports now coming from verified Origin Green members.
Expanding Irish Influence in Singapore’s Culinary Scene
Beyond spirits, Bord Bia is committed to bringing a taste of Ireland to Singapore through other initiatives, including its upcoming Taste of Ireland campaign. This project will see local restaurants partnering with Bord Bia to showcase premium Irish food and beverages, further integrating Ireland’s culinary excellence into Singapore’s diverse food scene.
Through trade shows, consumer education, and strategic industry collaborations, Bord Bia continues to open new doors for Irish producers, ensuring that Irish brands remain competitive and desirable in the global market.
The success of Spirit of Ireland is a testament to the growing appreciation for Irish spirits in Singapore and the strong cultural and economic ties between the two nations. As consumer interest in premium, craft spirits continues to expand, Bord Bia’s initiatives are set to further strengthen Ireland’s footprint in the global drinks industry.
For more information about Bord Bia and its initiatives, visit Bord Bia at: https://www.bordbia.ie/
About Bord Bia
Bord Bia, The Irish Food Board, serves as a link between Irish food, drink and horticulture suppliers and existing and potential customers worldwide. Through strategic initiatives and tailored programmes, Bord Bia serves as a vital bridge between Irish producers and key markets like Singapore, securing continued appreciation and adoption of Ireland’s premium offerings. Learn more at: https://www.bordbia.ie/
About Origin Green
Origin Green is Ireland’s national food and drink sustainability programme, led by Bord Bia. It is the only programme of its kind that unites the entire industry from farmers to producers and retailers, in a commitment to measurable sustainability goals. Learn more at: https://www.origingreen.ie/
Spirit of Ireland 2025
Spirit of Ireland is Bord Bia’s global, dedicated platform for showcasing the excellence of Irish distilling heritage, craftsmanship and innovation to international buyers, distributors, and industry professionals. More than just a product showcase, the immersive workshop delves into how the product came to be, through stories of tradition and artistry.
Teeling Whiskey Small Batch
The Teeling Whiskey Distillery, which opened in 2015, was the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years. Known for innovation, Teeling specialises in unconventional cask finishes and maturation techniques, including rum, sherry,and wine barrels. Teeling has earned global recognition, including “World’s Best Single Malt” and “World’s best Single Pot Still” at the World Whiskies Awards in 2019 and 2022 respectively.
Website: https://www.teelingwhiskey.com/
Singapore Distributor Contact: Jaylin TEY / La Maison Du Whisky, Brand Manager / [email protected]
Available at:
La Maison Du Whisky
Manhattan Bar – Conrad Singapore Orchard
Intercontinental Singapore
The Backdrop Bar
Taylor Adam
Bar Bon Funk
Le Bon Funk
67 Pall Mall
The Liquor Shop Singapore
The Liquid Collection
ALCOHOL CARTEL
Lost Irish Triple Distilled Whiskey
Lost Irish, founded to celebrate the adventurous spirit of the Irish diaspora, uses a unique global approach to whiskey-making. Aged in casks sourced from six continents, Lost Irish blends all three styles of Irish whiskey—grain, malt, and pot still–and it delivers a rich and complex character, making it a standout in the modern Irish whiskey landscape.
Website: https://lostirish.com/
Singapore Distributor Contact: Sarah Tsang / Proof and Company, Senior Brand Manager / [email protected]
Available at:
The Providore Singapore
Cat Bite Club
MO Bar
Capella Hotel
Orchard Hotel
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, crafted in County Leitrim by The Shed Distillery, is renowned for its unique fusion of Irish botanicals and exotic gunpowder tea. Launched in 2016, this slow-distilled gin balances citrus, spice, and herbal notes, creating a distinctive and refreshing spirit. Its striking blue bottle and bold flavour profile have earned it international acclaim like the Spirit Brand of the Year in the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards 2022, cementing its place in the premium gin market.
Website: https://www.thesheddistillery.com/
Singapore Distributor Contact: Thomas Ng / Golden Clover Singapore, Managing Director / [email protected]
Available at:
La Maison Du Whisky
67 Pall Mall
The Liquor Shop Singapore
The Liquid Collection
ALCOHOL CARTEL
Baileys Original Irish Cream
Baileys Original Irish Cream, first introduced in 1974, is the world’s first and best-selling cream liqueur. Combining rich Irish dairy cream with aged Irish whiskey and cocoa, Baileys set the standard for indulgent liqueurs. Its velvety smooth taste and versatility in cocktails and desserts have made it a global icon, selling millions of bottles across over 160 countries.
Website: https://www.baileys.com/en
Singapore Distributor Contact: Eliora Tan / Diageo, SEA & SP Corporate Relations / [email protected]
Available at: Readily available in major supermarkets and retailers
Spirit of Ireland 2024
The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey
Sliabh Liag Distillers, based in County Donegal, is renowned for bringing a distinctive twist to Irish whiskey. The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey is a rich and complex blend, crafted with a unique combination of malt and grain whiskeys. Known for its smoky character with a sweet, sherried finish, Dark Silkie reflects the coastal heritage of the distillery. Sliabh Liag’s commitment to quality has helped elevate the brand to a respected position among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.
Website: https://silkiewhiskey.com/
Singapore Distributor: First Pour
Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur
Five Farms is a true farm-to-table product, crafted from single batches of fresh cream that are combined with premium Irish whiskey within 48 hours of collection to become authentic Irish cream liqueur. The cream is sourced entirely from five family-owned farms in County Cork, run by families that have a deep connection to the land and a passion for their craft.
Website: https://fivefarmsirishcream.com/
Singapore Distributor Contact: First Pour
Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey in Kombu Cask
Origin Spirits’ creative approach has garnered attention in the industry, and their commitment to quality is reflected in their whiskies’ recognition, including being named a finalist for Best New Whiskey at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards. A true innovator, their Single Malt Irish Whiskey in Kombu Cask is aged in casks that previously held kombu (a type of seaweed), imparting a distinctive umami depth that complements the smoothness of the malt.
Website: https://originspirits.ie/currach-whiskey/
Singapore Distributor Contact: Benjamin Tan / Head of Business Development / [email protected]
Waterford Cuvee Argot Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Waterford Distillery is known for its single malt expressions that highlight the terroir of Irish barley. Argot Single Malt Irish Whiskey is one of their most celebrated releases, showcasing the distillery’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Aged in a variety of carefully selected casks, Argot offers a layered flavour with notes of vanilla, spice, and a hint of tropical fruit. Waterford was awarded “Best Irish Single Malt” at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards.
Website: https://waterfordwhisky.com/
Singapore Distributor Contact: Jaylin TEY / La Maison Du Whisky, Brand Manager / [email protected]
Available at:
La Maison Du Whisky
Manhattan Bar – Conrad Singapore Orchard
Intercontinental Singapore
The Liquor Shop Singapore
The Liquid Collection
ALCOHOL CARTEL
ProWine Singapore – Meet the Makers 2024
In the inaugural ‘Meet the Makers’ event in Singapore, Bord Bia celebrated the world of Irish spirits, bridging different unique Irish distillers and distributors to local media. Brands showcased included J.J. Corry, West Cork, and Beara Distillery.
Lough Ree Bart’s Blended Irish Whiskey, Sling Shot Irish Gin, and Pinkie Irish Gin
Lough Ree Distillery is a family-owned Distillery, set up by the Clancy siblings Peter, Sheila, and Michael, in their hometown of Lanesborough, Co. Longford, on the banks of the River Shannon. Lough Ree produces a range of multi-award-winning Whiskies, Gins and Vodkas, with key brands like Bart’s Blended Irish Whiskey, The Bridge Single Cask Whiskey Series, Sling Shot Gin, Pinkie Gin, Aiteal Gin, and Zesty and 99 Vanilla Vodka’s. The company has been distilling Gin & Vodka in the microdistillery since 2018 and started distilling Irish Whiskey there in 2022, making it Ireland’s smallest GI Verified Irish Whiskey Distillery.
Website: https://www.lrd.ie/home/
Singapore Distributor Contact: Resaca Pte – Yun and Hagen – [email protected]
Spirit of Ireland
Spirit of Ireland is Bord Bia’s global, dedicated platform for showcasing the excellence of Irish distilling heritage, craftsmanship and innovation to international buyers, distributors, and industry professionals. More than just a product showcase, the workshop delves into how the product came to be, through stories of tradition and artistry. This dynamic training experience traces the story of Irish spirits from 6th century Christian monks, through the golden age of the 1800s, to the recent revival of distilling on the island after near extinction.
Spirit of Ireland is an immersive experience that celebrates the country’s dedication to sustainability, quality, and storytelling in distillation. From narrative-driven videos featuring family stories of various Irish distillers, to in-depth explorations of the artistry behind spirit-making via virtual reality tours and dial-ins with distilleries, Spirit of Ireland is a mere stepping stone in celebrating the country’s dedication to sustainability, quality, and storytelling in distillation with the rest of the world.
Learn more about Spirit of Ireland here: https://www.irishfoodanddrink.com/spiritofireland/spirit-of-ireland-programme/
The History of Irish Spirits
Distilling in Ireland dates back to the 6th century when Christian monks brought the alembic from the Middle East, originally used for perfume distillation. Irish monks repurposed it to create ‘Uisce Beatha’ meaning water of life, which evolved into ‘Fuisce,’ then ‘Fuisky,’ and finally the term ‘Whiskey’ we know today.
The first recorded recipe appeared in the Red Book of Ossory in 1324, but industrial whiskey distilling only began in the mid-1700s with brands like Kilbeggan, Jameson, and Bushmills.
Meanwhile, Poitín — an illicit, moonshine-like spirit — was being widely produced in rural Ireland. Today, Poitín is one of Ireland’s three protected Geographic Indicators (GIs). This is alongside Irish Whiskey and Irish Cream, both showcased as part of the Spirit of Ireland workshop. This GI protects Ireland’s cultural heritage, as well as the integrity and authenticity of these products.
Irish whiskey thrived in the 19th century but nearly vanished by the 1960s due to trade conflicts and civil unrest with Britain. A key innovation in the 1970s — Baileys Irish Cream, blending Irish whiskey with Irish dairy — revolutionised what Irish whiskey could be, and it became the world’s best-selling liqueur brand.
By the 2000s and 2010s, Irish whiskey exports were dominated by major brands. However, a craft distilling boom and growing global demand have revitalised the industry. In 2024, Irish whiskey reached 2.1 billion pounds in exports, shipping to 113 countries, cementing its significance to Ireland’s economy.
Today, Ireland, or the “Emerald Isle”, utilises their incredibly lush, green landscapes to produce the best spring barley, oats and grains to be distilled into high-quality Irish spirits. As more consumers trade up in their spirit choices, the premium appeal of Irish spirits is driven by a surge in distilleries. In 10 years, the number of Irish whiskey distilleries grew from a mere four in the mid-2000s, to over 40 today. Irish spirits are now produced all over the country with each family, distillery, or farm bringing its own provenance to their products.
Origin Green
Origin Green is Ireland’s national food and drink sustainability program, launched by Bord Bia in 2012. As the world’s only government-backed initiative of its kind, it brings together farmers, food producers, and retailers under a shared commitment to sustainability.
The programme focuses on three core pillars: sustainable sourcing, environmental responsibility, and social sustainability. Through rigorous audits and measurable targets, Origin Green ensures that Irish food and drink businesses continually improve their sustainability practices while maintaining the highest quality standards.
At the farm level, over 55,000 Irish farmers participate in Bord Bia’s Sustainable Assurance Schemes, tracking key metrics like carbon footprint, soil health, and biodiversity. More than 300 food and drink companies have committed to reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and sourcing ingredients responsibly.
Ireland’s dairy and beef sectors are among the most carbon-efficient in Europe, while sustainable seafood certification supports responsible fishing practices. With annual progress reports and independent verification, Origin Green fosters real, measurable change across the entire supply chain.
The impact of Origin Green is significant, with over 90% of Ireland’s food and drink exports now coming from verified members. As businesses and consumers worldwide demand greater transparency and environmental responsibility, Origin Green ensures that Irish food and drink remain at the forefront of sustainable and ethical practices.
Learn more about Origin Green here: https://www.origingreen.ie/
