From the rolling green hills of County Cork to the bustling streets of Dublin, the best Irish whiskey is steeped in centuries of history and innovation, offering a diverse array of expressions to suit every taste. In this blog, we’ll delve deep into the world of Irish whiskey, uncovering the secrets behind its smoothness, complexity, and timeless appeal.
What are the Best Single Malt Irish Whiskeys?
How do you find the best single malt Irish whiskey? Well, of course, ‘best’ is totally personal, but if you are new to malt Irish whiskey, we have some helpful tips to help you on your journey to finding your new favorite bottle.
Flavor Profile: Consider the flavor profile of the whiskey and whether or not it aligns with flavor profiles you find appealing. Does it have the characteristics you enjoy, such as fruity, floral, smoky, spicy, or nutty notes?
Complexity: Look for whiskies that offer complexity in flavor. A well-crafted single malt will have multiple layers of flavor that develop on the palate and provide a rich drinking experience.
Balance: Assess the balance of flavors in the whiskey. The best single malts will have a harmonious blend of sweet, bitter, and savory elements, with no single flavor overpowering the others.
Smoothness: Smoothness is often associated with high-quality whiskey. A good single malt should have a smooth and velvety texture, with no harsh or unpleasant alcohol burn.
Age: While age is not the only indicator of quality, older single malts typically have more depth and complexity due to prolonged maturation in oak barrels. However, younger whiskies can also be exceptional, especially if they are well-crafted and balanced.
Distillery Reputation: Consider the reputation of the distillery producing the whiskey. Some distilleries have a long-standing tradition of excellence and are known for producing high-quality single malts.
Awards and Reviews: Pay attention to awards and reviews from whiskey competitions, experts, and enthusiasts. While subjective, these can provide valuable insights into the quality and reputation of a particular single malt whiskey.
Here are a few recommendations for the best single malt Irish Whiskey:
Redbreast 12 Year
Single Pot Still, triple distilled, matured in Bourbon and Sherry seasoned Spanish Oak casks. Spicy yet fruity nose. Harmonious taste of spice, fruit, and sherry. Long complex finish. Best Irish Whiskey at the 2019 International Whiskey Competition.
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Bushmills Original
With a recipe that dates back before Prohibition, Bushmills Original stands out as the best Irish Whiskey choice for making a classic, pre-Prohibition cocktail. Combining our pure single malt whiskey and a lighter grain whiskey, you’ll notice its rich, smooth warming taste almost instantly, just as generations have done before.
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Sexton Single Malt
Made from 100% Irish malted barley, triple-distilled for smoothness in copper pot stills, aged in oloroso sherry casks. The Sexton Single Malt Irish whiskey is rich in hue with the perfect balance of dried fruits, subtle oak notes, and a smooth finish that leaves you wanting more.
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Busker Triple Cask
The extraordinary blend of Busker Triple Cask makes it one of the best Irish Whiskeys available. It is a beautifully yellow-gold colored whiskey made with a high-quality Single Grain and a very high percentage of Single Malt and Single Pot Still that gives it an unmistakable rich body. The nose often leads off with tropical fruits and vanilla notes. The journey continues with notes of malt, sweetness, and dark chocolate, while more subtle notes of toffee fudge and cinnamon, add intensity. The whiskey concludes with a mellow, well-balanced, sweet finish.
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What Are the Best Irish Whiskeys Under $50?
At Spec’s, we have a huge selection of some of the best Irish Whiskey so it may be overwhelming to the untrained eye to choose a budget-friendly option.
When shopping for budget-friendly Irish whiskeys, remember to look up reviews and ratings of the brand online. Some brands are known for producing consistently good whiskey even at lower price points.
Here are some of our recommendations for the best Irish Whiskey under $50:
Knappogue Castle 12 Year
Knappogue Castle 12-year-old is an exceptional single malt made exclusively from malted barley. Triple-distilled one batch at a time in traditional, onion-shaped copper pot stills, the whiskey is then aged in bourbon oak casks for twelve years. The delicate distillation process, along with the moist and temperate climate, yields the distinctive flavor of this remarkable Irish single malt.
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Tullamore D.E.W.
Tullamore D.E.W. consistently appears on best Irish Whiskey lists by connoisseurs and has received numerous awards for its quality, including the much-prized Gold Award at the 2020 International Spirits Competition. Awarded Bronze at the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge 2021.
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Proper 12
Triple distilled and an ultra-smooth blend of golden grain and single malt with hints of vanilla, honey, and toasted wood. Founded by MMA Champion Conor McGregor, the name refers to the area where McGregor hails, Dublin 12.
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Jameson
Jameson is one of the best-selling Irish whiskeys in the world. Produced in a distillery in Midleton, County Cork, from malted and unmalted Irish barley, Jameson’s blended whiskeys are triple-distilled, resulting in exceptional smoothness. The perfect balance of spicy, nutty, and vanilla notes with hints of sweet sherry and exceptional smoothness.
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The Whistler Double Oaked
Aromas of salted caramel and vanilla jump out of the glass with light oak spices and undertones of zesty citrus, honey, and a hint of nuts. Long and tingling finish with dry oak tannins remaining with a residual hint of honey sweetness. Rated 90 pts by Wine Enthusiast 2021.
Add to cartHow Do You Drink Irish Whiskey?
Irish Whiskey can be enjoyed in so many ways, and none of them are wrong! It is such a versatile spirit – great for hot and cold drinks alike, and incredible when mixed with other complementary flavors.
Neat: Pour the whiskey into a clean glass and enjoy it as it is, without any dilution or mixers. This allows you to appreciate the full flavor and aroma of the whiskey.
On the Rocks: Serve the whiskey over ice cubes in a rocks glass. The ice will slightly chill the whiskey and dilute it, which can help mellow the flavors for some people.
With Water: Adding a splash of water to your whiskey can help open up its flavors and aromas. Start with just a small amount and adjust according to your taste preferences.
Whiskey Cocktails: Irish whiskey is a versatile spirit that can be used to create a wide range of cocktails. Some popular options include the Irish Coffee, Whiskey Sour, and Old Fashioned.
Hot Whiskey: In colder weather, you can enjoy Irish whiskey in warm winter cocktails like a hot toddy or hot whiskey. Simply mix the whiskey with hot water, add honey and lemon, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or cloves for extra flavor.
Whiskey Tasting: If you want to explore different flavors and characteristics of Irish whiskey, consider organizing a whiskey tasting with friends or attending one at a whiskey bar or distillery.
Irish whiskey stands as a testament to centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation. From the smooth, triple-distilled blends to the rich, single pot still expressions, the world of Irish whiskey offers something for every palate.
Irish whiskey is a type of whiskey that is distilled and aged on the island of Ireland. It is known for its smooth and approachable flavor profile, often characterized by notes of honey, vanilla, and fruitiness.
Irish whiskey differs from other types of whiskey, such as Scotch whisky and American whiskey, in several ways. One key difference is that Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled, which contributes to its smoothness. Additionally, Irish whiskey often undergoes a different aging process, with many distilleries using a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks for maturation.
Some popular Irish whiskey brands include Jameson, Bushmills, Redbreast, Powers, Teeling, Tullamore D.E.W., and Midleton Very Rare, among others.
Irish whiskey can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of cocktails. Some popular cocktails made with Irish whiskey include the Irish Coffee, Whiskey Sour, and the classic Old Fashioned.
The spelling difference between “whiskey” and “whisky” primarily depends on the country of origin. Irish and American varieties are typically spelled with an “e” (whiskey), while Scotch whisky and many other international varieties are spelled without the “e” (whisky). However, there are exceptions to this rule, and it’s always best to refer to the specific spelling used by the distillery or country of origin.
