Irish Distillers look to PEFC-certified oak for sustainable cask supply

17 December 2025 News

Irish Distillers Limited (IDL), the maker behind some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, has long held a strong commitment to sustainable sourcing and is intensifying efforts to source the finest casks and make all first-use casks fully PEFC certified.

The company, part of the Pernod Ricard group, says the move reflects both its focus on quality and its ambition to minimise environmental impact across its operations.

“Initially, when developing our Maturation Programme, we chose PEFC certification for our whiskey casks due to the availability of certified material in Europe,” says Finbarr Curran, Wood Planning & Maturation Lead at IDL.

“Particularly through French cooperages that had PEFC certification in place. Midleton Distillery has been PEFC certified since 2015 for our cask supply. The ambition of sourcing all first-use casks as 100% PEFC certified has been in place since. To achieve this ambition, we actively collaborate with our supply chain partners, encouraging them to integrate PEFC-certified raw material into their processes. This strategic initiative has been highly rewarding over the past decade. If market availability persists, our aim is that first-use virgin casks procured in 2026 will be 100% PEFC certified.”

Traceability, chain of custody and global PEFC supply

For IDL, managing the traceability system for PEFC certification has been relatively straightforward, with the certification requirements integrating well with its existing processes, requiring minimal adjustment.

“Most quality management systems are equipped to handle the administrative aspects of PEFC certification efficiently, often allowing those processes to operate autonomously,” says Finbarr.

“We use the PEFC separation system and this, combined with our spirit management system, ensures full traceability of casks on-site. This comprehensive system enables us to maintain oversight and compliance with ease."

“A critical component of PEFC’s system is the ability to recognise equal certification systems around the world. This ensures that there is a chain of custody pathway that can be utilised in most parts of the world to enable us to source certified casks. Over the past 12-24 months, sourcing PEFC-certified material for our casks has become even more straightforward, particularly with the increasing availability from cooperages in North America. European supply has consistently been strong, and this availability continues to grow in countries like Spain.”

PEFC-certified oak casks contribute to the Redbreast Kentucky Oak Edition flavour profiles featuring sweet notes of vanilla and elevated wood spices, with an intricate aroma of freshly cut cedarwood and decadent notes of almond and brown sugar toffee.

The shift to PEFC-certified casks is an integral part of IDL and Pernod Ricard’s global sustainability strategy of Good Times from a Good Place, which focuses on nurturing terroir, valuing people, and promoting circular making.

“PEFC's emphasis on traceability and responsible sourcing supports the circular making pillar by enhancing resource efficiency and minimising waste,” says Finbarr. “By re-using PEFC-certified casks, we contribute towards reducing our carbon footprint and affirm our dedication to ethical practices in our supply chains.”

Championing forest stewardship through strategic partnerships

These benefits extend well beyond the distillery gates and contribute to the broader social value of certified forests, and in obtaining PEFC-certified casks, IDL are proudly supporting landowners, stave mills and cooperages that prioritise this initiative.

“Certified forests offer other diverse benefits, from allowing people to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or bird watching to bonding over picnics and mountain biking. Supporting certified forestry helps preserve these spaces to explore and enjoy,” says Finbarr.

One standout example of the deep understanding of forest stewardship and sustainability is the partnership with the Taylor Family of Elk Cave Farm in Kentucky, who have championed sustainable farming practices since 1959. The Taylors manage their forest land in collaboration with the University of Kentucky and Central Kentucky Forestry Management Inc. to rejuvenate American White Oak.

“Their successful forestry practices are instrumental in promoting sustainable management,” says Finbarr.

“Our collaboration resulted in the launch of Redbreast Kentucky Edition, finished in 100% PEFC-certified virgin American Oak casks from their forest. Working with the Taylor Family aligns with our values, highlighting the impact of responsible sourcing. The partnership showcases how local efforts can resonate globally.”

Learn more about PEFC Chain of Custody Certification or Contact Us if you have any questions.