Bacardi Acquires Full Ownership of TEELING Irish Whiskey Brand, Founders to Stay as Strategic Advisors

Family-owned spirits company Bacardi Limited has completed the acquisition of the remaining ownership in Teeling Whiskey Company, making it the sole owner of the TEELING Irish Whiskey brand. Despite the ownership change, founders Jack Teeling and Stephen Teeling will continue working with the brand as strategic advisors, helping guide its long-term growth and development.

The announcement marks the latest step in a partnership that began in 2017, when Bacardi first acquired a minority stake in the Dublin-based whiskey company. The company later became the majority shareholder in 2022, and has now completed the full acquisition.

TEELING to Strengthen Bacardi's Premium Spirits Portfolio

Bacardi CEO Mahesh Madhavan said the TEELING brand is a strong addition to the company's premium spirits portfolio due to its reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.

According to Madhavan, Irish whiskey has significant long-term growth potential worldwide, and Bacardi believes TEELING is well positioned to benefit from the increasing global demand for premium Irish whiskey.

TEELING Brand Has Expanded Rapidly Under Bacardi Partnership

Since Bacardi invested in the company in 2017, the TEELING brand has more than doubled in size and significantly expanded its international presence.

Today, TEELING Irish Whiskey is available in more than 80 markets worldwide, reflecting its growing popularity among whiskey consumers across the globe.

Founders Confident About Brand's Future

Teeling Whiskey Co-Founder Jack Teeling expressed confidence that the brand is in capable hands under Bacardi's ownership.

He said that working closely with Bacardi over the past nine years has shown that both companies share similar family-owned values and a commitment to raising the standards of Irish whiskey. He added that he is excited to see what the Dublin team and Bacardi will achieve together in the future.

TEELING's Journey from Dublin Craft Distillery to Global Brand

Founded in 2012, the Teeling Whiskey Company was created to revive the historic Teeling family whiskey tradition and bring craft distilling back to Dublin.

The company quickly became known for producing handcrafted, small-batch Irish whiskeys using an innovative and unconventional approach. In 2015, it opened the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, becoming the first new distillery in Dublin in more than 125 years.

The distillery has since become a major visitor attraction, welcoming over one million visitors while showcasing the craftsmanship behind the brand.

World's Most Awarded Irish Whiskey

TEELING is currently recognized as the World's Most Awarded Irish Whiskey, based on results from the World Whiskies Awards (2019–2025).

The brand has also received recognition from prestigious competitions, including:

1. World Whiskies Awards
2. Irish Whiskey Masters
3. International Wine & Spirit Competition
4. San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Overall, TEELING has earned more than 650 international awards for the quality and taste of its whiskeys.

Conclusion

With full ownership of TEELING Irish Whiskey, Bacardi has strengthened its position in the fast-growing premium Irish whiskey segment. Backed by Bacardi's global distribution network and the continued involvement of founders Jack and Stephen Teeling as strategic advisors, the brand is well positioned to expand its international presence while continuing its tradition of innovation and craftsmanship.