The Irish whiskey consultation will close soon.

Anyone wishing to have their say on Irish whiskey product specification (technical file) needs to make a submission to the consultation by 4 September 2026.

Irish whiskey is protected by a geographical indication (GI). The GI is for the island of Ireland – north and south. It is often surrounded by controversy.

There is no requirement to include any Irish grain in Irish whiskey and the fact that large amounts of Irish whiskey are being made from imported grain really frustrates Irish farmers producing high-quality grain.

Consultation

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD said: "This consultation provides an important opportunity for producers, businesses, consumers and other interested parties to contribute their views on the technical file. Geographical indications help protect regional food heritage, support local economies and provide consumers with confidence regarding product authenticity."

Submissions do not need to take a certain layout, but all submissions should include a 300-word summary at the start.

The consultation opened on 26 June and ends on 4 September 2026 at 4pm. Submissions are to be sent via email to spiritdrinksconsultation@agriculture.gov.ie and labelled “Public Consultation Irish Whiskey”.

You should note that submissions will be available under the Freedom of Information Act.