Simon Zebo heads for Cork to launch new whiskey

Following its successful debut in Australia, a new Irish whiskey brand co-founded by former Cork Irish rugby international Simon Zebo will be officially launched this month in his home city.

Black Emerald is a joint venture between Mr Zebo, Cork publican Ernest Cantillon, and whiskey industry expert Finian Sedgwick.

The whiskey comes in distinctive editions: Black Emerald seven-year-old rum finish, and 15-year-old cognac finish. Each is is accompanied by a signature cocktail that highlights its unique character and espouses Black Emerald’s philosophy of “sharing and enjoyment”.

The whiskey is sourced from Great Northern Distillery, working closely with their team to select the finest single grain and the best barrels for its rum and cognac finishes.

Ahead of the launch in Cork’s Sober Lane, Zebo said his father 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,” he said.

Mr Cantillon said: “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.”

Mr Sedgewick said Irish whiskey can feel a little predictable now, and “we want to bring some craic back into the category”.

“Black Emerald is whiskey made to be shared, not saved,” he said. “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.”

Black Emerald is distributed in Ireland by Lighthouse Drinks, available for retail in bars, restaurants, and bottle shops. Consumers can also buy online at irishmalts.com, with Celtic Whiskey Shop and more retailers to follow.