Production of Irish whiskey has spiked to over 130 percent since 2005 and a major contributor has been American sales, according to the Courier Herald.

Just three years ago, only four whiskey distilleries existed in both Ireland and Northern Ireland, and today there are 27.

America’s 76 million millennial population is to blame (or thank) for the resurgence, due to their preference of wine and whiskey over beer. Barclay’s research has shown that people in the 18-29 age category have been shifting away from beer over the years.

Two decades ago, 70 percent of young Americans said that beer was their drink of choice, and now that number has dropped to 40 percent by 2013.

It’s hard to believe, with the craft beer movement, that such a decline in beer preference has occurred. It is very good, though, that the market is evening out and there is more room for wine and spirits to grow. We also owe Ireland a few drinks, because our 13 year stint with prohibition was one of the major causes of the Irish whiskey decline. 

Photo via Flickr user IntangibleArts