Now accepting EIIS investors.

Black Emerald is live and selling direct in three markets: Ireland, the United States and Australia. Our current EIIS round is your opportunity to join our team and back the next stage of our growth. The current round is scheduled to close on 15th December 2026. Qualifying investors may be entitled to claim income tax relief equal to 35% of the amount invested, subject to their individual circumstances, current legislation and Revenue conditions.

Register your interest

Black Emerald Co-Founders Simon Zebo, Ernest Cantillon and Finian Sedgwick

Now led by CEO James Slack, who spent over a decade at Pernod Ricard and Diageo, including Managing Director of
Pernod Ricard USA’s Wine, Champagne and Prestige division and Global Marketing Director for Chivas Regal. A
drinks operator who has scaled premium brands at the highest level, backing the founding team.

Building fast, on our own terms.

  • Live and selling direct in three markets: Ireland, the United States and Australia
  • Over 800 customers, with strong repeat-purchase behaviour
  • Around 1 million euro already invested by founders, family and early supporters
  • Roughly 50% DTC gross margin, premium price held, zero discounting
  • The only single grain selected to represent Irish whiskey at Tales of the Cocktail 2026, New Orleans
  • Partnered with The Doss House, one of Sydney’s best-known whiskey bars
  • New York on-trade launch, November 2026
  • FINAT Special Judges Award for label design, international recognition
  • Debt-free, IP protected, and owns its premium inventory

Express your interest on the form below.

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Capital at risk. Investment in an unlisted company is illiquid, and you may lose some or all of the amount invested. Returns and EIIS tax relief are not guaranteed. Eligibility for EIIS relief depends on individual circumstances, applicable legislation and Revenue conditions. Please obtain independent financial, legal and tax advice before investing.
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How much tax relief is available?

Qualifying investors in this round may be entitled to claim income tax relief equal to 35% of the amount invested, subject to their individual circumstances, sufficient Irish income tax liability, current legislation and Revenue conditions. For example, a qualifying €10,000 investment could generate income tax relief of €3,500, reducing the effective net cost to €6,500 once the relief has been successfully claimed

Who qualifies for EIIS investment?

EIIS relief may be available to qualifying individuals who make a qualifying investment and have sufficient Irish income tax liability against which to claim the relief. Eligibility depends on the investor’s individual circumstances and Revenue conditions.

What am I actually buying?

This is not a loan, bond, or coupon product. By investing, you are purchasing shares in Black Emerald Irish Whiskey. You become a shareholder and partner in the business, with the same long-term goals as the founders, staff, and other investors.

What is the minimum holding period?

For EIIS compliance, your investment must remain in the company for at least 4 years. If shares are sold or repaid earlier, any tax relief claimed from your investment can be clawed back by Revenue.

When can I expect an exit?

There is no fixed exit date, as this depends on how the business develops.

  • Our strategy has always been to build Black Emerald into a brand that is acquirable and attractive to larger drinks companies or investors.
  • Realistically, it will take 3–5 years to establish ourselves across enough markets, grow brand recognition, and hit meaningful sales numbers, particularly in our target emerging markets.
  • Our working timeframe for an exit or significant liquidity event is 5–7 years but this cannot be guaranteed.
  • Even once you are on the radar of an acquirer, there is usually a ‘dance’ lasting a year or two before a deal crosses the line – consistent with most Irish whiskey brand acquisitions in recent years.
  • In some cases, earlier investors have been taken out during later funding rounds by larger institutional or drinks company investors – but this cannot be guaranteed.

What happens if the business underperforms?

Like any equity investment, there are risks. If the company fails, you may lose some or all of your investment. The availability and retention of EIIS relief depend on the relevant qualifying conditions continuing to be met and cannot be guaranteed.

What is the upside potential?

Unlike fixed-return products, there is no cap on the upside. Investors share directly in the long-term value created. If Black Emerald achieves the scale and exit we are aiming for, investors may benefit from any long-term increase in the value of the company, but returns cannot be guaranteed.

Why invest now?

• 35% EIIS income tax relief may be available to qualifying investors.
• Alignment of interests – founders, staff, and investors all share the same objectives and timeframes.
• Proven sector precedent – multiple Irish whiskey brands have been acquired by larger drinks companies in the last decade.
• Black Emerald’s focus on international, high-growth markets offers the potential for disproportionately large rewards if we succeed.

Register interest

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