Dried fruit and baking spice aromas recall the Cognac casks, while the sweet tropical fruit and toasty finish resembles American whiskey all at an enjoyable 46 percent ABV. Our play on an Irish cream. The original bottling of this classic Irish whiskey, its lighter palette speaks of fresh berries and subtle vanilla notes that make it a perfect starting point for those who want to build their understand of Irish whiskey. Paddy's Old Irish Whiskey was founded in 1913 by Patrick J. O'Flaherty, who traveled throughout Ireland selling his whiskey directly to pubs for over 40 years. And you can't beat the price point." Manhattan-style cocktails are a fantastic use for Irish whiskey, and its a great style choice for nearly any classic whiskey cocktail. West Cork thrives to bring variety to Irish whiskey and they do so at accessible price points. In a category long dominated by men, the Sexton is one of the few Irish whiskeys to be crafted by a female master distiller. Irish whiskey aficionados, consider yourselves warned: This is not a release you want to miss out on. Unlike Scotland, peated whiskey remains an outlier in Ireland, with just a small handful of producers offering the style. Average price: $95. Madeira is a fortified wine thats noted for its caramelized fruity flavors, and that juicy sweetness translates wonderfully into the whiskey. is aged in demerara rum casks, giving it some unusual Caribbean island flavors. Some may believe the most obvious difference between Scottish whisky and Irish whiskey is the spelling. This budget offering punches above its price tag. Each bottle clearly declares the minimum amount of time the whiskeys in that blend spent in the barrel, so whiskey drinkers are not left guessing. Other bottles include a cask-strength whiskey (which has an ABV of almost 55%), the Japanese Cask, and a Marsala cask whiskey. Mix it into any cocktail or sip it straightthis one will not let you down either way. Barley is commonly used to produce a classic style of Irish whiskey. This practice imparts flavors of earth, brine, and smoke into the final spirit that is unique, bold, and robust. There are plenty of Irish whiskeys to choose from, each bringing its own character to the category. Average price: $25. Let's celebrate the Irish history, ancestors, and traditions today! What A Mashing Day Looks Like #whiskey #distillery #distilling #craftspirits #craftwhiskey #maryland #smallbusiness . "This heavier style of a blended Irish whiskey is great for all types of cocktails, but I really love it in a sour style drink. Infused with real orange and lavender, this gin is a delicately flavored curiosity that doesnt overpower and doesnt out-stay its welcome. There are notes of ripe pineapple, cocoa, and caramel in this spirit, along with a hint of coconut to bring the concept home. The softer, more subtle notes of malted barley are complimented and enhanced by the peat to create a whiskey that is inviting and layered. This brand prides itself on bringing together various components towards a common goal, and its flagship bottle is a great reflection of that philosophy. Tall Duffy look a like. Tullamore D.E.W. What started as distilling whiskey in the back room of one of the owner's homes in 2003 has since become an award-winning Irish whiskey available in over 70 countries worldwide. Today, that success reaches far beyond Ireland alone. Irish whiskey, on the other hand, is typically very bright and crisp, but as always, there are exceptions. This beautifully produced book, with full-colour photographs throughout, will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Irish whiskey. While it is extremely sippable on its own, this rounded whiskey plays well with a touch of citrus and can handle the heat of a Hot Toddy (or an Irish Coffee, for that matter). From a high-end splurge or two to affordable everyday options for mixed drinks, these are the best Irish whiskey bottles worth adding to your bar. This blended Irish whiskey is triple distilled for a smoothness and taste that is one-of-a-kind. This nutty, slightly peppery whiskey spends a minimum of 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels picking up rich notes of stonefruit and caramelized sugar before heading for a final aging in sherry casts for a hint of malty toastiness. A 40 percent ABV blended release, the whiskey leads with herbaceous, grainy aromas and follows with subtle hints of orchard and stone fruit. this gin's flavor is only outshone by its versatility. The brand's three classic blended Irish whiskies include its original, Black Bush, aged in Sherry and bourbon casks, and Red Bush, in first-fill bourbon barrels. After becoming one of the leaders of Irish whiskey, Powers has remained a family-operated business to this day. 15 Irish Whiskey Brands, Ranked Worst To Best, distilled three times before entering American bourbon barrels for aging. Irish whiskey is a beautiful spirit made to be enjoyed, so thats the only rule for me." Average price: $55. Peat is a characteristic most regularly attributed to Scotch whisky, but Connemara is a peated Irish whiskey that combines the best of both worlds. Irish Jack Rose, Whiskey Sour and Irish Coffee, from left. This easy drinking whiskey balances a lush toasted grain flavor with light flavor of honey and soft florals that make it as friendly to drink in warm weather and it is when the temps drop. Average price: $51. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Add . This roundup was updated byJesse Porter, who finds that keeping a bottle of whiskey on his desk next to his computer helps improve his overall workflow and thus writes it off monthly as a business expense. Paddy's Old Irish is a multi-award-winning whiskey that is well-loved in Ireland but relatively uncommon in the United States. Expect toasted grain and orange peel aromas and notes of caramelized nuts on the palate. Sam Dangremond is a Contributing Digital Editor at Town & Country, where he covers men's style, cocktails, travel, and the social scene. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best A specialist in single malts, this is one of the few brands that focus solely on age statements. Its a great upgrade for those looking to expand their palates beyond the usual suspects. Rating: 92. With lots of nutmeg and cinnamon flavors, it's perfect for sipping, either neat or on the rocks. Average price: $152. The company was founded in 1999 by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, who set out to recement Irish whiskey as one of the world's most beloved spirits. This finishing gives Teeling a unique character not found in the average Irish whiskey and offers drinkers a novel experience. For one, Irish whiskeys must be distilled from malted cereal grain, aged for a minimum of three years, and, of course, be made in Ireland. Twelve was established in 2018 by UFC champion and Dublin native, Connor McGregor. We'll be serving green beer by Hop Forged, Irish Car Bombs, Jameson Whiskey and more! It's phenomenal for mixed drinks and one of the best in its category.". The Schmidt liquor interests long had been a family affair. The well-balanced palate features pretty notes of dried apple and honey segueing to a baking-spice finishall at an approachable 80 proof. Every bar needs at least one Irish whiskey that's always in stock, so you can mix up a drink or pour a shot whenever you want. It really is an Irish whiskey that will make you think twice about Irish whiskey. A blend of pot still and single malt whiskeys, its triple distilled for smoothness. Curry Wurst | $9.00 German Street Food! Lively, spicy, and energetic in profile, port comes through again on the finish, rounding out the whiskey and taming some of the spice from the mid-palate. What is CBD? Jameson remains an accessibly priced whiskey and its commonality and classic taste make it the world's go-to Irish whiskey. Two parts rye and one part wheat ensures that this spirit has the desired spice and bite of a rye with the mellowing sweetness of wheat to make sure the whole thing goes down smooth. Because of its environment, the whiskey is able to take on the character of the cask more swiftly and steadily, so more flavor is acquired in a shorter amount of time. Redbreast is a favorite among Irish whiskey connoisseurs and known for producing whiskey that anyone can enjoy. Delivery Locker Pickup. In 2015, his descendants, Jack and Stephen, continued the family legacy by opening up a brand new distillery on the very same street as the original, the first newly opened distillery in the city in more than a century. Limavady was launched in 2021 by Bushmills veteran Darryl McNally, and offers single-barrel single malt whiskey (currently sourced). "Slane is extremely approachable and great for mixing," Vose says. Faintly reminiscent of bourbon (it's aged in bourbon casks) this blended Irish whiskey is full of caramel and vanilla notes with a hint of core fruit and a lush, creamy palate that will have you coming back for more. Speaking Scotch: A Guide to Scotch Whisky Terms, These Peaty Scotches Taste Like Campfire in a Glass, The 11 Best American Rums You Should Drink Now, The Essential Scotch Whisky Bottles for Your Home Bar, The 13 Best Scotch Whiskies to Drink in 2023, The 15 Best Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to Drink in 2023, The 14 Best Sipping Rums to Drink in 2023, The 12 Best Sipping Tequilas to Drink of 2023, The 13 Best Canadian Whiskies to Drink in 2023, The 11 Best Blended Scotches to Drink in 2022, Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak Cask Single Malt Scotch Review. Quantity of . All of Redbreast's products are single-pot still whiskies, an ode to the brand's focus on traditional distilling methods that make Irish whiskey what it is. Each of these has its own unique character, being aged in various ways such as in sherry casks, port wine pipes, and Madeira wine barrels. Pick an Irish whiskey accordingly. Slinte! American oak Bourbon barrels bring sweet honey and smooth vanilla notes . Its still undeniably an Irish whiskey, though, with its cereal backbone, bright, crisp flavors, and toasty finish. I would recommend an Irish single malt whiskey in an old-fashioned, and if were talking about single grain, known as a lighter style of spirit, that would make an absolutely amazing highball.. She has been writing about the wide world of drinkingfrom new spirits to cocktail trends to wines and beersfor over a decade. Our top pick is the Knappogue Castle 12 Year Single Malt because it's affordable enough to be your everyday whiskey yet still luxurious enough to sip for special occasions. I feel as though you can taste the historical way Irish whiskeys were originally made. Its simply a smooth 80-proof whiskey that's reliable and easy to find, and it makes a very nice drink. Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey. Rating: 92. Easy to identify, The Sexton boasts a unique, black-and-gold, angular bottle. It's a good entry point for those looking to explore this fascinating new Irish whiskey more. It's most often triple-distilled from unmalted barley that is typically blended with grain whiskey, though there are single malts as well. This whiskey can be easily found at very accessible price points and is fit for cocktails as well as sipping on its own. Impeccably smooth, you'll enjoy the warm flavors of vanilla and black pepper along with sweet fruits and a surprisingly long finish. "I don't typically recommend making cocktails with Irish whiskey because I like the taste of it uncluttered, but there's a classic cocktail called an Old Pal, originally made with Canadian rye whiskey, dry vermouth and Campari, which I make as an Irish whiskey variation. Rating: 95. This rich whiskey, named after its distinctly red hue, is a true Irish treat. These innovations and the ability to use a variety of wood in our aging process really sets Irish Whiskey apart from Scotch and other world whiskeys, says Conner. In a catchy phrase that explained how to make the iconic cocktail, the bartender who created the Irish coffee called for WhiskeySmooth as the Wit of the Land. Kilbeggan Single Grain definitely fits the bill. The 15-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is a perfect example of this style of whiskey. All Irish whiskey must be mashed, fermented, distilled to no more than 94.8% ABV, and matured in wooden casks, such as oak, and not exceed 700 liters for a minimum of three years. 12 Best Irish Whiskeys to Try 2020 - Popular Irish Whiskey Brands. While the malt category includes whiskeys made from 100 percent malted barley distilled in copper pots, grain Irish whiskey is made from both malted barley and unmalted cereals, and must be distilled in column stills. Taste 9 Zach Johnston Tasting Notes: Nose: This has a dry apple cider vibe that leans into. Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and 2 Glasses In Giftpack (1 x 750ml) R 299 00. including for example in the World Whiskies Awards and Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 'Liquid Gold Awards'. For what this 40 percent ABV (80 proof) drink has to offer, the high-end price is not unreasonable. Tasting Notes: McConnell's Irish Whisky Aged in Oloroso sherry casks Vital Stats: Five years old, finished in Oloroso sherry casks, MSRP $42.99 Appearance: Amber with slow thin legs.. It is customarily triple distilled in copper pot stills and bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 80 proof) or slightly higher. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Best Irish Whiskey 2023. Affordable enough to be your everyday whiskey, poured into a tumbler over a big cube of ice, this bottle is also worthy of special occasions when breaking out the specialty whiskey tasting glass and savoring it neat. Light and easy-sipping, this light-gold whiskey has a grassy, slightly vegetal aroma, with a hint of Granny Smith apple. Malted barley dried over peat is the heart of this premium bottle produced at the Cooley Distillery in County Louth, Ireland. The Writer's Tears lineup includes eight different expressions, all of which are completely unique. Irish whiskeys can offer a variety of age statements, cask maturations, mashbills, and yeast strains. Liquor DECANTER Saloon RYE WHISKEY bottle flask. While there are a few old standards like Jameson and Bushmills that will always deserve a spot on your bar cart, innovative upstarts are beginning to giving them a run for their money, and introduce new generations of drinkers to the joys of whiskey from Ireland. Rating: 89. The Watershed expression is a nice introduction to this top-shelf brand. Back in 2016, Jameson opened up the warehouse for barrel finishing its special new . Dried raspberry aromas stand out on the nose and continue onto its easygoing palate. E1900s KELLERSTRASS Missouri MO. Bottled at 46 percent ABV (92 proof) without chill filtering, this small-batch whiskey offers a full-bodied taste with underlying tropical fruit tones and an invigorating spicy and woody finish. Rating: 95. Some baking spices and cigar tobacco round out the nose. Rating: 90. The Irish whiskey behemoth produces a spirit thats light, fruity, and extremely accessible with just a hint of earthy cereal notes. About Dosing; CBD is for Pets Too! If sipping traditional whiskey isn't your thing, Jameson offers a variety of very unique expressions. The palate serves wonderful depth of flavor, and finishes with a soft, malty, vanilla landing. The well-balanced whiskey has a ton of character and a full force of peaty spice to tantalize the tongue. Though it may seem new to you, the distillery was actually founded in 1776. A triple distilled blended Irish Whiskey produced in Cork and made, unusually, with all three styles of Irish whiskey: single pot still, single malt and grain. Other bottles in the Bushmills lineup include limited edition releases including two single malt "rare casks," aged 28 and 29 years, and one made with the distillery's recipe from the Prohibition era. Knappogue Castle is an Irish whiskey to keep on your radar. is a blend of three different types of Irish whiskey that is then matured in three different casks. We'll have a live DJ and dancing in the street. It's fun to taste spirits aged in a variety of barrels. The name "knappogue" translates to "hill of the kiss," in Irish Gaelic, a name that reflects the soft, smooth, and delicate character of this whiskey.