Coinciding with the buzz around the British & Irish Lions Tour, Irish rugby star Simon Zebo is debuting his Black Emerald Irish Whiskey in Australia.

Australian drinkers have been given exclusive early access to Black Emerald’s two debut expressions, available for tasting
and pre-order before the full global release in late 2025.

Zebo has joined with publican and hospitality entrepreneur Ernest Cantillon and international whiskey and drinks industry expert Finian Sedgwick to launch Black Emerald, which has been created as a tribute to contemporary Ireland.

“The Lions Tour was one of the defining chapters of my rugby life,” said Zebo, who was part of the 2013 squad that last toured Australia.

“Now I’m back, not with boots, but with a bottle. Black Emerald is a new chapter in the rich Irish whiskey story, and one we’re proud to share first with Australia.”

Zebo, Cantillon and Sedgwick are lifelong friends, all driven to reimagine Irish whiskey for today’s drinker.

“Irish whiskey has deep roots, but let’s be honest – a lot of what’s out there still feels stuck in a time warp,” said Sedgwick.

“We’re not here to dress up the past. With Black Emerald, we’ve built something that speaks to now – for drinkers who live in the real world, not a postcard. It’s bold, modern, and doesn’t take itself too seriously – just like the people we made it for.”

Cantillon said: “And we wanted bottles that feel as alive as the whiskey inside. From the label artwork to the spirit and finish of each release, everything has been crafted with intent – nothing is just for show.”

Black Emerald launches with two age-stated Single Grain Irish Whiskeys, both finished in distinctive casks:

• Black Emerald 7-Year-Old – Rum Cask Finish (45% ABV) – Bright and tropical with bursts of mango, vanilla, and toasted spice. Finished in Caribbean rum barrels with a piña colada-style lift.
• Black Emerald 15-Year-Old – Cognac Cask Finish (48% ABV) – Elegant and complex with notes of stone fruit, dark caramel, and a floral lift. Finished in French cognac casks.

Australia has been given early access to Black Emerald before its launch in Ireland, South Africa and the US later this year. Pre-orders are now open through Honey Barrel.