Irish whiskey has a long history, dating back to 1405. It was once the world’s most popular spirit in the late 19th century. But, it faced a big decline. Now, it’s back and more popular than ever.
The Irish whiskey scene is now full of new distilleries and exciting projects. From smooth sippers to bold blends, there’s a lot to choose from. We’ve found the top Irish whiskeys for you to try. Our list includes everything from affordable options to luxury single malts.
We’ve tasted these whiskeys in different ways. We tried them neat, with water, over ice, and in cocktails. We looked at their aroma, flavor, and how they perform. This helps us give you the best Irish whiskey recommendations for 2024 and beyond.
Are you ready to try some of Ireland’s finest whiskeys? Let’s check out our selection of the best Irish whiskeys you can enjoy right now.
The Rich History of Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey has a long history that goes back to the 6th century. It’s one of Europe’s oldest spirit drinks. By the late 1700s, Ireland had about 2000 stills, showing how popular it was.
The story of Irish whiskey is full of ups and downs. In the 1800s, it was the top choice in Great Britain. Jameson became a big hit in the U.S. by 1919. But, the Great Famine of 1845-49 hit hard, reducing the population. Later, Prohibition in America and trade issues during Ireland’s fight for freedom hurt the whiskey industry.
By 1960, only four of the original 30 distilleries were still making whiskey. But, the industry bounced back. The Irish Distillers Group was formed in 1966. In 1987, Cooley Distillery opened, starting a new chapter.
Now, Irish whiskey is making a big comeback. New distilleries are popping up, each with their own story. From Bushmills, the world’s oldest distillery, to Teeling, which brought whiskey back to Dublin after 40 years, innovation meets tradition.
Understanding Irish Whiskey Categories
Irish whiskey has many types, each with its own special taste. The main styles include single pot still, single malt, single grain, and blended. These offer a variety of flavors for different tastes.
Single pot still whiskey is a standout among Irish whiskeys. It’s made from both malted and unmalted barley in one distillery. This type is known for its spicy flavor and thick texture, loved by whiskey fans.
Single malt Irish whiskey uses only malted barley from one distillery. It’s triple-distilled, giving it a smoother taste than Scottish single malt. Single grain whiskey can use different grains and is made in column stills. This makes it taste lighter.
Blended Irish whiskey is the most common type. It mixes whiskeys from various distilleries for a unique flavor. This style is often lighter and easier to drink, making it great for beginners.
To be called Irish whiskey, the drink must age for at least three years in oak barrels in Ireland. This aging process adds to the rich flavors and smooth character that Irish whiskey is known for.
The Importance of Barrel Aging in Irish Whiskey
Barrel aging is key to making Irish whiskey taste unique. It turns raw spirit into a complex, flavorful drink. Oak barrels add special traits to the whiskey.
In Ireland, whiskey must age in oak barrels for at least three years. This lets the spirit soak up flavors and colors from the wood. The wood’s impact is huge, making up 60% to 80% of the whiskey’s taste.
Because of Ireland’s limited oak trees, distillers often use barrels that have been used before. These barrels come in different sizes, each changing the aging process:
- Standard American Barrels: 53 gallons
- Hogsheads: 63 gallons
- Sherry Butts: 132 gallons
- Quarter Casks: 13 gallons
The barrel’s size affects how fast it ages the whiskey. Smaller barrels age whiskey quicker because they have more surface area. For instance, a 20-liter barrel can age whiskey in just two months, while bigger ones take longer.
As whiskey ages, some of it evaporates, known as the “angel’s share.” This loss is usually 2% to 5% each year. It makes the whiskey’s flavors stronger. The wood also adds tannins, making the whiskey more complex.
Irish whiskey makers keep a close eye on the aging process. They taste and test the whiskey often to get the perfect flavor. This careful aging is what makes Irish whiskey special, offering a wide range of tastes for fans to enjoy.
Best Irish Whiskey Brands for Every Budget
Irish whiskey offers a wide range of prices, fitting every budget. Whether you’re looking for affordable or premium options, there’s something for you.
For those on a budget, Jameson is a great choice. It has been around since 1780 and is known for its smooth taste. Bushmills is another good option, being the world’s oldest licensed distillery.
In the mid-range, consider these options:
- Tullamore Dew: The second-largest selling Irish whiskey globally
- The Sexton: A smooth 40% ABV whiskey
- Slane: Also 40% ABV, aged in three types of casks
For those who prefer premium whiskey, Redbreast 12 Year and Green Spot are top choices. They both have 40% ABV and rich flavors. Teeling, with its higher 46% ABV, is another premium option.
If you’re looking to splurge, try Knappogue Castle 12 Year Single Malt. It’s 43% ABV and perfect for whiskey connoisseurs. For something unique, check out Glendalough Double Barrel. It’s 42% ABV and aged in bourbon and sherry casks.
Redbreast: A Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey Craftsmanship
Redbreast Irish Whiskey is a top choice in premium Irish whiskey. Made at the Midleton Distillery in Cork, it shows off Irish whiskey-making at its best. The Redbreast 12 Year is known as ‘Christmas Whiskey’ and is loved for its smooth taste.
The Redbreast 21 Year is for those who want the best. It costs $399.99 for a 750ml bottle and has a 46% ABV. After 21 years in aging, it has a rich complexity that younger ones don’t.
This whiskey has won gold medals at big competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Spirits Challenge. These awards prove it’s one of the top Irish whiskeys out there.
- Uses both bourbon and sherry casks for aging
- Offers a rich, nuanced flavor profile
- Represents the pinnacle of single pot still whiskey craftsmanship
Redbreast is all about quality and tradition. Whether you go for the classic 12 Year or the special 21 Year, you’ll get to taste the best of Irish whiskey.
Jameson: Ireland’s Most Famous Export
Jameson Irish Whiskey is a global icon among popular Irish whiskey brands. It was founded in 1780 in Dublin. By the early 19th century, it was making a million gallons a year. This made it a big name in whiskey history.
Today, Jameson is more popular than ever. In 2019, it sold over 8 million cases worldwide. It’s available in more than 130 countries. The United States alone bought 4.2 million cases in 2022, making Jameson the top Irish whiskey there.
Jameson has a wide range of flavors, from the classic Original to the rich Black Barrel. Its quality has won many awards, including gold medals at international spirits competitions.
For those wanting to try Irish whiskey cocktails, Jameson is a great choice. Here are some classic recipes:
- Irish Coffee: Jameson, hot coffee, sugar, and whipped cream
- Jameson Ginger and Lime: A refreshing mix of whiskey, ginger ale, and lime
- Irish Mule: Jameson, ginger beer, and lime juice
Whether enjoyed on its own or in cocktails, Jameson keeps whiskey lovers around the world coming back. It’s clear why it’s Ireland’s most famous export.
Bushmills: Over 400 Years of Whiskey Making Tradition
Bushmills Irish Whiskey is a symbol of Ireland’s long history in distilling. It was founded in 1608, making it the oldest Irish distillery. Over the years, it has kept its promise to quality and tradition.
The story of Bushmills is fascinating. In the 1700s and 1800s, many distilleries changed to unmalted barley because of taxes. But Bushmills stuck with malted barley for its whiskey. This choice kept its unique taste.
Bushmills also made it through Prohibition in the 1930s. It was one of the few Irish distilleries that didn’t close. This effort paid off in the 1950s and 1960s, when its exports grew. This made Bushmills more popular.
Bushmills Irish Whiskey has many types:
- The Original: A mix of 45% Single Malt and 55% Grain Whiskey
- Black Bush: 80% Single Malt and 20% Grain Whiskey, aged for 8 years
- 10-Year-Old Single Malt: Aged in ex-Bourbon and Sherry casks
- 16-Year-Old: Triple distilled and finished in Ruby Port pipes
- 21-Year-Old: The top choice, aged in Madeira wine drums
Bushmills has a long tradition and a wide range of whiskeys. It has won the hearts of whiskey lovers around the world. Its dedication to quality and new ideas keeps it a top choice in the spirit world.
Emerging Stars in the Irish Whiskey Scene
The Irish whiskey scene is alive with new and exciting brands. Teeling Whiskey led the way, opening Dublin’s first distillery in 2015. Now, it’s a top spot in the UK, making top-ranked whiskeys and exploring new ideas.
Method and Madness, a part of Midleton Distillery, is another big name. This small distillery is changing things up with its unique whiskeys. They use chestnut and cherry wood casks, giving Irish whiskey new tastes.
West Cork Distillers is also making a mark with their creative methods. They’re using bog oak and seaweed to make their whiskeys stand out. Dingle Distillery’s Single Pot Still whiskeys are also getting a lot of attention, showing the growing interest in Irish craft whiskeys.
There’s a big increase in Irish whiskey brands now. Back in the ’90s, there were just a few distilleries. Now, there are over 30, making all sorts of whiskeys. This growth has led to a huge increase in US sales, with Teeling and others playing a big part in this success.