Kilbeggan has enjoyed the fastest growth rate among Irish whiskeys in the US market since its acquisition by Beam Global last year, the company said yesterday.

Beam reported record sales of €1.8 billion across all brands. One of its “rising stars”, Kilbeggan was bought as part of a €73 million deal for the Cooley Distillery in January 2012.

It also produces the Connemara, Tyrconnell and Greenore labels but individual performance results are unavailable.

A spokesman said the increase in sales of Kilbeggan was due to the significant increase in marketing and distribution channels since its purchase.

The Chicago-based Beam Global yesterday reported a 7 per cent increase in net sales across its global business in 2012, rising to a record €1.8 billion. The company also produces Jim Beam, Teacher’s and Knob Creek.

“We closed the year with another strong sales quarter as we continued to outperform our market,” said chief executive Matt Shattock.