In 1858, a blight destroyed France's vineyards and consequently supplies of Brandy dried up. Traditional brandy drinkers switched to Irish Whiskey and Jameson sales soared.By 1890, Ireland had about 90% of the global whisk(e)y export market and the Jameson distillery was making 10% of Ireland's annual whiskey output.After more than 100 years of growth and success, Jameson was about to be dealt two cruel blows.
Before Prohibition in 1919, Jameson was a best seller in America. But after Prohibition, exports of Jameson to the USA ground to a halt.Up until 1922, Jameson was the most popular whiskey in the British Empire. But after Irish Independence, English tariff barriers priced it out of the market.Without overseas demand, all 400 Irish whiskey brands fell into decline. The future looked bleak for John Jameson & Sons.