Irish whiskey is currently undergoing a sort of renaissance at the moment. It has managed to grow from a struggling, near-extinct category in the mid-20th century into the world’s fastest-growing whiskey segment today. What makes Irish whiskey stand apart from all the different types of whiskies is its distillation process and terroir. Irish whiskey undergoes a signature triple distillation process and has unique mash bills. This helps in delivering the characteristic smooth, fruit-forward, and silky-textured spirits. If you’re curious to explore the world of Irish whiskey, this unsobered guide lays out the must-try bottles you should start with. But before we look into that, let’s look at the different types of whiskeys Ireland has to offer.
Single Pot Still (Ireland’s Crown Jewel): This is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Irish whiskeys. Single pot still is distilled in copper pot stills at a single distillery from a mixed mash bill of at least 30 percent malted barley and 30 percent unmalted raw barley. In addition to these, up to five percent other cereal grains are also added to the mash bill. The unmalted barley in this type of whiskey delivers a thick, oily mouthfeel with signature green apple, clove, spice, and toasted cereal notes.
Single Malt: Made from 100 percent malted barley, single malts are typically produced at a single distillery using copper pot stills. These have a clean, floral, honeyed, and malt biscuit flavor to them.
Single Grain: Single grain whiskey is distilled in continuous column stills at a single distillery. The mash bill typically consists of either corn, wheat, or unmalted barley. This type of Irish whiskey is also light, sweet, and delicate, with vanilla and butterscotch notes.
Blended Irish Whiskey: This type of whiskey is a blend of two or more distinct whiskey types, such as grain whiskey blended with single malt or pot still whiskey. It is designed for exceptional smoothness and versatility.
Also Read: From Rye To Single Malt: 7 Irish Whiskeys Under $60
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This is the gold standard of blended Irish whiskey. Jameson Original is a triple-distilled blend, and it combines light grain whiskey with rich pot still spirits. The flavor profile of this spirit is smooth and accessible and has notes of orchard fruits, sweet vanilla, and subtle spice. It is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Jameson Original is also excellent in a Jameson and Ginger Ale.
Whiskey Type: Blended
Mash Bill: Grain and Pot Still Spirits
Primary Cask Maturation: Ex-Bourbon and Sherry
Produced at Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Green Spot is aged in ex-bourbon and sherry casks. This particular Irish whiskey delivers vibrant green apple, toasted oak, clove, and a rich, spicy barley body. The best way to serve such a fine whiskey is undoubtedly neat and poured admiringly in a Glencairn glass.
Whiskey Type: Single Pot Still
Mash Bill: Malted and Unmalted Barley
Primary Cask Maturation: Bourbon, Refill Bourbon and Sherry
Any whiskey worshipper worth their salt will tell you what this particular pot still is worth. Redbreast 12-Year-Old has a heavy sherry cask influence, which comes from being aged in Oloroso Sherry casks. There’s also a significant warmth from the pot still spice in the spirit. On the palate, the whiskey has notes of dried fruit, Christmas cake, toasted nuts, and velvety dark chocolate.
Whiskey Type: Single Pot Still
Mash Bill: Malted and Unmalted Barley
Primary Cask Maturation: Ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry
Bushmills 10-YO is distilled at the historic Old Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland. With 100 percent malted barley aged in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, it manages to deliver fresh honey, milk chocolate, and ripe peach notes.
Whiskey Type: Single Malt
Mash Bill: 100 Percent Malted Barley
Primary Cask Maturation: Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks
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Teeling Small Batch is a more modern innovator in Irish whiskey in Dublin. This high-malt blend is finished in casks that were previously used to age Central American rum. Aging it in such casks adds notes of dried tropical fruit, the sweetness of raisins, and warm spice undertones.
Whiskey Type: Blended (Rum Finish)
Mash Bill: Grain and Malt Blend
Primary Cask Maturation: Ex-Bourbon and Flor de Caña Rum
Also Read: Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Enters India, Bringing Belfast’s Spirit To A Growing Market
From approachable everyday blends to complex, oily single pot still masterpieces, Irish whiskeys have a rich spectrum that offers something to every kind of whiskey enthusiast. The bottles listed here are an excellent entry point into the vibrant and diverse world of Irish whiskey. This spirit is having something akin to a moment in the global spirits market, and once you try any (or all) of the bottles on the list, it isn’t hard to understand why.
