Black Emerald stands for a modern, confident, and global Ireland. Founded by Ernest Cantillon (a lifelong publican), Simon Zebo (international rugby player), and Finian Sedgwick (whiskey industry veteran), the brand is built on a simple idea: No One Drinks Alone.
There’s no such thing as a Black Emerald, and there’s no
whiskey quite like it either. The brand makes its debut with two distinctive releases:Black Emerald 7-Year-Old Rum Finish
On the palate, biscuit notes give way to milk chocolate and citrus (orange). Fun and vibrant with a slight cherry tartness, followed by coconut chocolate. The finish is oily, unexpectedly savoury and extremely moreish.
Black Emerald 15-Year-Old Cognac Finish
Rich with vanilla bean, cherry sweetness, and burnt caramel. Deep spice, dark chocolate, and dried fruits follow. The finish is long, warming, and unforgettable.
In keeping with Black Emerald’s philosophy of sharing and enjoyment, each expression is accompanied by a signature cocktail that highlights its character:
- The Black Emerald Highball with the 7-Year-Old Rum Finish – refreshing and versatile.
Refreshing, bright, and endlessly customizable.
Fill a tall glass with ice 2 oz Black Emerald
Top with sparkling or seltzer water
Garnish with an orange wedge, or citrus of choice
- The Black Emerald Sidecar with the 15-Year-Old Cognac Finish – a reimagined classic.
2 oz Black Emerald Irish Whiskey
1 oz Cointreau
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
Shake hard with ice
Double strain into your glass of choice Garnish with an orange or lemon zest
Launching in Sober Lane, Cork, co-founder Finian Sedgwick remarked:
“Irish whiskey can feel a little predictable right now, we want to bring some craic back into the category. Black Emerald is whiskey made to be shared, not saved. Pull up a chair with your friends, pour a dram, and tell a story. For us, Single Grain is the unsung hero of Irish whiskey: approachable, versatile, and full of character. It shines with a cask finish, and it speaks equally to new drinkers and seasoned whiskey lovers.”
Co-founder Simon Zebo added:
“My father always had an extensive whiskey collection, but for him it was never about the bottles themselves - it was about the people gathered around them. Whiskey has always been about connection, about bringing new friends and old friends together. Black Emerald is our way of carrying that tradition forward, while also representing the Ireland of today: modern, confident, and looking to the future.”
And Ernest Cantillon noted:
“For me, it’s always been about hospitality - about creating spaces where people feel welcome. That’s what Irish pubs and Irish drinks brands have always stood for. With Black Emerald, we wanted to bottle that same spirit and share it with the world. It’s a celebration of modern Ireland, rooted in our traditions but alive to what’s next, bringing people together over a whiskey that feels both familiar and new.”
The whiskey is sourced from Great Northern Distillery, working closely with John Teeling, Brian Mongan, and their team to select the finest Single Grain and the best barrels for its rum and cognac finishes.
Brian Mongan, Head of Commercial at Great Northern Distillery says “Irish single grain is something which reflects modern Ireland – its laid back, doesn’t fight you but instead works with you and adapts (from a flavour perspective) - its openness and ability to take on new concepts and integrate them (cask types/flavours) is probably my favourite aspect of it. Its approachable, easy to drink, it can be light, it can be bold, it can be fun, it can be serious – it’s the best example of contemporary representation of the innovation that has persisted throughout the history of the category. It can be what you want it to be and if you think back to the major shifts in Irish, every time there has been a sea-change or a shift, there has been a flavour change – originally moving from peated malt to unpeated (peated was only fuel source from drying barley at one point, from single malt to pots stills (taxation on malted barley) and from heavier distillates to lighter blends with (introduction of coffey still). Grain can be lots of things to lots of people by the way flavour can be expressed through it. Probably the ultimate recruitment vessel by the accessibility it can offer to the world.”
And John Teeling, Chairman at Great Northern Distillery adds “I believe in single grain for one overwhelming reason It reflects the modern tastes of younger drinkers. Corn distils a sweeter spirit than barley. An aged grain is very smooth mellow and easy to drink If cocktails are your choice it mixes well, and takes a finish. To me it is the future.”
Black Emerald is distributed in Ireland by Lighthouse Drinks, available for retail in bars, restaurants, and bottle shops. Consumers can also purchase online via IrishMalts, with Celtic Whiskey Shop and more retailers to follow.
For further details, visit blackemerald.ie
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