Irish whiskey brands are easy to drink and perfect for both whiskey newbies and whiskey experts. Unlike bourbon and scotch, it doesn’t require you to know a lot about the area where it was made, and it’s usually cheaper than both. Furthermore, Irish whiskey brands are usually thought of as lighter whiskeys without strong notes of smoke or oaky vanilla, but there are still a lot of different kinds to try and enjoy. Some are better for making drinks, while others can be sipped on their own, like a good scotch or bourbon. We will rally around the best, most popular, most expensive, cheap, and single-malt Irish whiskey brands.
Let’s proceed!
What Exactly Is Irish Whiskey?
Historically, it was Irish monks in the 12th century who first started distilling whiskey. It’s true that “whiskey” comes from an Irish term (try looking for the sentence it refers to above to discover where it comes from). Perhaps you’re wondering, aside from the legends surrounding its production, what sets Irish whiskey apart from Scotch and Bourbon.
Furthermore, there are four distinct varieties of Irish whiskey: malt, pot-still, grain, and blended. Traditionally, the e is added to the end of the word, but “Irish whisky” and “uisce beatha Eireannach” are other recognized terms for this spirit, which is far smoother than Scotch whiskey. (In Gaelic, alcohol is called “uisce beatha,” which translates to “water of life. (So much for real water.)
Standards for Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey, like nearly all types of whiskey, is subject to a stringent set of guidelines. It must, first and foremost, be distilled and aged in Ireland, because, you know, duh. Second, it must be made from a mash of malted cereals, which may or may not include whole grains of other cereals, that has been fermented by yeast, distilled at no more than 94.8 percent alcohol content, and stored in wooden casks for at least three years. Also, the final spirit must have an alcohol-by-volume (ABV) level of at least 40%.
The Best Irish Whiskey Brands
Irish whiskey is going through a renaissance. There are now four different kinds, and one of them is made nowhere else in the world. Also, Irish whiskey may never again be the most popular whiskey in the world, but the bleak days when there were just four distilleries open are over.
There are a lot of reasons to be optimistic, including the fact that the number of manufacturers in this sector is growing quickly. Some of the newer brands of Irish whiskey try to show how important farming and terroir are, while others use techniques like cask finishing that are common in whiskey distilleries in other countries. We are also beginning to see single-barrel and cask-strength bottlings enter the market. Here are some of the best Irish whisky brands.
#1. Redbreast
If you want to know who likes Irish whiskey more, ask the guy to your right at the bar and the guy to your left. Redbreast was presumably their common name. It’s because this very trendy brand makes great products, even if they cost more than your average shot.
There are many different types of Irish whiskey brands, but the 12-Year Cask Strength is both the strongest and one of the greatest. However, if you have a chance to try the 21-Year, which has a full, rich body with notes of honey, sherry, and grain, you could rethink your stance on booze forever.
#2. Jameson
Whenever we think of whiskey, Jameson is the first brand that comes to mind. It’s a traditional Irish blended whiskey, with aromas of vanilla, cream, and freshly mown grass and flavors of spice, nuttiness, and sweetness. In this case, people are right to say that it is the best-selling Irish whiskey in America. The best Girl Scout cookie is the Thin Mint.
#3. Teeling
Teeling Distillery, Dublin’s first new distillery in more than 125 years, launched in 2015 with three copper pot stills. It was started by the Teeling family, which used to own Cooley Distillery. It uses Cooley’s aged stock and ages its own distillate right there on the property. Are hemp gin and hemp vodka healthier alternatives? The small batch statement is certainly a solid sipper, but it was Teeling Single Grain that made us wonder.
#4. Tullamore DEW
Tullamore D.E.W. is a blend of grain whiskey, malt whiskey, and pot still whiskey that is triple-distilled. The grain whiskey gives it a sweet flavor, the malt whiskey gives it a fruity flavor, and the pot still whiskey highlights the traditional Irish whiskey spice. In addition, the whiskey was originally produced in Tullamore, Ireland.
#5. West Cork
Despite rising prices for single-malt Scotches, many single-malt Irish whiskey brands remain excellent buys. In West Cork, a beautiful single malt is made by putting Irish barley and local spring water in a hand-built copper pot still and letting the spirit age for eight years in first-fill, flame-charred bourbon barrels. As a result, the resulting Irish whiskey has a lot more complexity and nuance than what single-malt Scotch drinkers might be used to The 80-proof makes it easy to drink, and the smooth palate has lovely aromas of dried apple and honey that transition to baking spices in the finish.
#6. Bushmills
Kim Ohanneson, President of Women Who Whiskey Los Angeles, Founder of Ardent Spirits L.A., and Curator of Highlands & Islands Distillery Tours, says that this “multi-gold medal-winning whiskey” has “classic Irish whiskey notes of orchard fruit blended with Christmas spices; while more expensive, it will impress the most discerning whiskey sipper.”
She goes on to say that “Bushmills Distillery, located in Northern Ireland, is the world’s oldest licensed distillery, and the recently retired Bushmills Master Blender Helen Mulholland is the first woman in the history of Irish Whiskey to be admitted into the Whisky Hall of Fame.”
#7. Hyde
The Irish whiskey brands in the Hyde collection come from some of Ireland’s finest distilleries and are finished by hand in vintage oak casks. Since there is no refrigeration, the flavors, textures, and colors stay intact. The No. 1 President’s Cask Sherry Finish is the flagship expression of the company. A genuine single malt, this one comes from Cooley Distillery and spends some time in both bourbon and Oloroso Sherry barrels before reaching maturity.
#8. Yellow Spot Irish Whiskey
It’s important to note that Yellow Spot is a whiskey made using only one pot still. It is then left alone for another 12 years to age in American bourbon barrels, Spanish sherry butts, and Spanish Malaga casks. Furthermore, sip and enjoy notes of ripe red apples, roasted wood, and creamy Crème Brûlée. Your homework is to think about that for the next decade.
#9. Writers’ Tears
Despite its humorous label, this whisky is quite good. This whiskey is a mixture of pot still and single malt whiskeys, and it has been triple distilled for a silky finish.
Anthony Baker, a bartender dubbed “the Professor,” is a huge fan of this whiskey since it was made in the traditional fashion, using a large quantity of grain in the mash and a copper pot for distillation. According to one critic, “I suppose you can taste the traditional way Irish whiskeys are available back in the day.” The reason I enjoy this drink so much is that it transports me to the 1500s, when Irish whiskey was so popular that even Queen Elizabeth enjoyed it neat or on the rocks. Do yourself a favor and pour yourself a glass of whiskey while you ponder the novel you plan to write someday.
#10. Knappogue Castle
There is nothing more quintessentially Irish than a product with a castle in its name. Knappogue Castle is the label you’re looking for, and it sells some truly legendary drinks. Both the 12-Year Bourbon Cask Matured and the 16-Year Sherry Cask Finished are triple-distilled and incredibly smooth. The Irish Whiskey Brand’s limited-edition offerings, like the Master Distiller’s Private Selection from 1994, have also received high praise.
Is Jameson of the Highest Quality?
Jameson is a high-end Irish whiskey that comes highly recommended because it is smooth and sophisticated. Despite being among the best Irish whiskey brands, the pricing is reasonable. In addition, Jameson is an excellent whiskey for both seasoned drinkers and those just getting into the spirit.
What Is the National Drink of Ireland?
Over the past three hundred years, Guinness has become a big part of Irish culture, and many people think of it as the official national drink of the country. Furthermore, there is still a great deal of “the black stuff” to be made and enjoyed, as the original St. James Gate brewery lease has over 8,000 years left on it.
Guinness’s legacy lives on in the modern era. The Great Brewhouse 4 brewery opened in 2014 at St. James Gate in Dublin, Ireland. As well as being the largest stout brewery in the world, it is also one of the most environmentally friendly and cutting-edge breweries in the industry. There are now more than 60 places throughout the world where Guinness is brewed. Guinness is available in more than 150 countries, and every day, people all over the world drink 10 million glasses of the thick, creamy stout.
Popular Irish Whiskey Brands
In light of the current vogue for whiskey, we thought we’d revisit some tried-and-true popular Irish whisky brands. While there may be as many different labels for the spirit as there are for Irish dialects, they are all required to follow the same rigorous standards.
Irish whiskey can only be called Irish if it has been aged and distilled in either Ireland or Northern Ireland. Three years of aging in a hardwood barrel are required. Blended Irish Whiskey is the proper term to use when a product has a combination of two or more distillates. Finally, the whiskey must be distilled from a yeast-fermented mash of cereal grains to an alcohol by volume level of less than 94.8 percent in a way that imparts aroma and flavor derived from the ingredients utilized. Here are some of the best and most popular Irish whiskey brands.
#1. Tyrconnell
Cooley Distillery, the only Irish distillery not owned by a multinational corporation, produces Tyrconnell. Also, the Watt Distillery once owned the property. The horse “The Tyrconnell” was owned by the same family, and they put him in the prestigious “National Produce Stakes.” Although the odds were one hundred to one against it, it nevertheless managed to pull off the victory. The family’s premium whiskey was so moved by the success that it bears the name of the family’s prize-winning colt to this day.
#2. Green Spot
Green Spot Irish whiskey is manufactured using a traditional pot still. Mitchell & Son of Dublin, an independent Irish wine retailer, sells this exceptional spirit that they had distilled only for them. The original bottle of this whiskey blend featured a man on a green backdrop and was labeled “Pat’s Whiskey.” Green Spot is the result of this rebranding effort. There are just 200 cases produced per year, with the majority going to Mitchell & Son’s Shop in Dublin. In addition, it’s quite impossible to get your hands on it from anywhere else.
#3. Redbreast
One of the best and most popular whiskey brands in the world is Redbreast 27 YO, which has won numerous awards at international spirit contests. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to come by in the United States, and even if you do, it’ll set you back an average of $600. The Redbreast 27 YO has been aged in Ruby Port barrels. Because of this, the smell and taste of red berry fruits become stronger, and the whiskey becomes very smooth and full on the palate.
#4. Paddy
In 1779, this whiskey was first distilled. This libation was originally produced by the Cork Distillery Company and marketed as Old Irish Whiskey. In 1912, the name was changed to honor Paddy Flaherty, a firm salesperson who was so successful that his name became synonymous with the product. This blended whiskey has 80 proofs and is the third best-selling whiskey in Ireland. Export sales have been stronger for the brand. It first went on sale in the United States in February 2010.
#5. Blackwater Irish Poteen
Poteen is a spirit that hasn’t been aged and can be made from any ingredient that can ferment. It is widely thought to be the Irish analog of American moonshine. Poteen was commonly available in the back alleys of Ireland’s rural communities. In the last ten years, it has made its way into high-end restaurants and bars and has become a favorite of mixologists.
#6. Bushmills
The Old Bushmills Distillery in Bushmills, County Antrim, is where the whiskey is made. In 1608, Sir Thomas Phillips received permission from King James I to start a distillery. As a result, many people regard Bushmills as the world’s oldest legal distillery. In this case, Diageo is the owner of the distillery. The fact that the historic Bushmills Distillery is on Northern Irish sterling banknotes shows how much the area loves spirits.
What Is the Most Popular Irish Whiskey?
As it has for many years, Jameson has remained on top of the spirits industry. International Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR) reports that Jameson sold eight million cases of product in Ireland alone. In addition, it is the most popular Irish whiskey.
Expensive Irish Whiskey Brands
The consumption of alcoholic drinks has deep cultural and historical roots in Ireland. Among the first things that will come out of the mouths of non-Irish people when asked what they know about Ireland is the prevalence of heavy drinking and alcoholic beverages like whiskey. So it should come as no surprise that Irish whiskey is the fastest-growing category of alcohol, with exports happening in every corner of the globe.
The tradition of making Irish whiskey dates back hundreds of years. As one of Europe’s earliest forms of distilled liquor, the drink dates back to the 1200s. Scholars aren’t sure where the drink came from, but they think it was brought to Ireland by monks who had been to the Mediterranean. On their travels, the monks learned how to distill spirits and brought them back to Europe. Old Irish whiskey was quite different from what we know now. Researchers have concluded that it was likely transparent and flavored with mint. In addition, there could have been a honeycomb-like blending of variants with the knitwear. Here are the most expensive Irish whisky brands.
#1. The Emerald Isle Collection
Among the most expensive Irish whiskey brands is Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s Emerald Isle Collection. Also, it’s the only triple-distilled single-malt whiskey in existence, and it’s also the oldest. Inspired by Ireland’s seven wonders, this liqueur is a blend of two liqueurs that have each been aged for 30 years
And the most expensive set for whiskey collectors is the Emerald Isle Collection. A bottle of Craft Irish Whiskey Co. fetches $2,000,000 at a St. Patrick’s Day auction.
- Whiskey Value: $2 million
- Brand or Maker: The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. and Fabergé
- Year Released: 2021
- Bottle Type: Glass and emerald
#2. The Devil’s Keep
Next up is The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s The Devil’s Keep. In 2020, a limited supply of this uncommon whiskey was available. This is one of the rarest Irish whiskies on this list, with only 333 bottles reportedly manufactured.
The founder of The Craft, Jay Bradley, claims that the development of this whiskey took over two years. The effort you put in was not in vain. According to Bradley, proceeds from the sale of the first bottle of The Devil’s Keep went to a good cause. As the author puts it, “After more than two years of hard work… to bring The Devil’s Keep to life, it was quite right to donate our first bottle to a cause that is so close to my heart [helping children with serious diseases].” In addition, an auction in Texas was the venue for the sale of this whiskey.
- Cost of Whiskey: $60,000
- Manufacturer/Brand Name: The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Year of Release: 2020
- Bottle Type: Glass
#3. Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve
Jameson Vintage Reserve is a rare and very expensive Irish whisky. It is known for having a smooth texture and a hint of sweetness. Jameson Distillers offers both grain whiskey and single-malt ship scotch.
A bottle of Irish Jameson Vintage 700 ml can cost more than $1,400, making it more expensive than a bottle of Bow Street 18.
#4. Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter One
Since Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter One came out at the beginning of the year, people have been talking a lot about how much it costs. The average person can’t wrap their head around the thought of spending $35,000 on a bottle of alcohol when even the most expensive whiskey would only set them back a few hundred or a few thousand euros.
In fact, with just 44 bottles available, this special edition bourbon is not only the most expensive whiskey in the world but the most expensive whiskey in history. The whiskey was made in 1974 and has been aging in the Midleton distillery in Cork ever since. Six installments will drop between now and 2025.
#5. The Teeling Whiskey Co. Vintage Reserve Single Cask
In their Vintage Reserve Collection, Teeling Whiskey Co. now has a 30-year-old single malt whiskey available for purchase. This rare vintage reserve spends an extra nine years aging in a barrel that had previously put Sauternes wine after spending the previous 21 years in wood.
The ultra-rare spirit has a refined flavor thanks to its double maturing. One bottle costs about $900, or $700 for 700 ml.
#6. George Roe Irish Whiskey 16 Years Old Distilled
Although George Roe’s distillery shut down in 1923, it was several years before the last of the whiskey casks were sold. This bottle was manufactured in Ireland in the 1930s and shipped to the United States. Unfortunately, the whiskey never found a good home, and the bottle remained sealed for decades.
By 2020, this bottle of whisky had fetched $6,000 at auction. The seller says, “Most surprising of all, the label says this is pot-still malt whiskey,” which is very rare for Irish single malts. This bottle of whiskey had never been opened before selling. The drink was likely still drinkable despite its age. However, its inherent preservatives mean that even opened bottles will last for years. It is possible for unopened bottles to maintain their freshness for even longer.
#7. Redbreast All Sherry
Redbreast All Sherry is one of the most expensive Irish whiskies in the world. The 2016 release celebrates 60 years of whisky production at La Maison du Whisky. Our 17-year-old Irish whiskey is aged in carefully chosen casks, where it keeps its freshness, complexity, and richness from when it was first made.
If you’re on the market for a replacement for Jameson Bow Street 18, a bottle of Ireland’s most famous spirit can set you back about $550.
What Kind of Whiskey Does the Irish Drink?
Whiskeys from Ireland can be classified as either malt, single pot still, grain, or blended. Black Bush, Tyrconnell, Bushmills, Red Breast, Jameson, Powers Gold Label, and Tullamore Dew are just a few of the many brands of Irish whiskey available.
The global sales of Irish whiskey have increased by more than 300% over the past decade. Irish whiskey almost went extinct in the middle of the last century but is currently the fastest-growing type of whiskey in the world.
What Are the Four Types of Irish Whiskey?
Vodka and whiskey have consistently been head-to-head in the race for the title of best-selling spirit in the United States. Irish whiskey is more popular than you may think. It has recently become the :
- Malt
- Pot still
- Grain
- Blended.
Cheap Irish Whiskey Brands
Legend has it that in order to afford the top shelf of Irish whiskey, one needs significant wealth. Now, the very best bottles might certainly be quite pricey, but cheap does not automatically equal poor. Some cheap Irish whiskeys have a flavor that is surprisingly strong and can please even the pickiest taste buds. Here are some of the best cheap Irish whiskey brands.
#1. Paddy Irish Whiskey
Like most Irish whiskeys, Paddy undergoes three distillations and is a combination of single pot still, single malt, and grain whiskey. The aroma is sweet, with a strong presence of caramel and cereal that makes me think of Cheerios. The metallic undertone is subtle but present.
Furthermore, Paddy has a good amount of substance and texture on the tongue. The initial taste is fiery, but it quickly gives way to the familiar vanilla, honey, and malt flavors of Irish Whiskey, followed by a hint of oak spice. A hint of citrus and oak spice lingers briefly on the tongue, and there’s just enough heat to let you know you’re still drinking whiskey.
Paddy is a good, inexpensive whiskey that tastes like whiskey, especially when put over a huge ice ball.
#2. West Cork Glengarriff Bog Oak Charred Cask Whiskey
Triple-distilled whiskey with an additional 4-6 months of aging in bog oak charred casks is what you get when you order a bottle of West Cork Glengarriff Bog Oak Charred Cask Whiskey. The bouquet is rich with dried fruit and leather, with hints of spice, cracked pepper, and malt.
- Average Price: Around $41.99
- Alcohol Content: 43%
#3. Sexton Single Malt
Sexton is a bit of an oddball among Irish whiskey brands because it is double- or even in copper pots using solely Irish single malt extract.
Citrus and lime smell, along with honey, give the nose a floral quality that doesn’t fit with the idea that this is a whiskey. Sexton has a lackluster body and a rough texture on the tongue. The flavor starts off with caramel, and it’s a lot warmer than you’d think it would be for something at 80 proof (40% ABV). It’s one of the cheap brands in the Irish whiskey world.
#4. Teeling Small Batch
The smell is nice. It starts with a rich honey scent and moves on to cinnamon and apple. Teeling also has a good amount of body, which gives it a nice taste and feel in the mouth. sweet at first, with honey and ginger notes, then cinnamon, malt, and barely toasted wood.
The ending is dry, but the bitter aftertaste and rum sweetness try to make up for it. Despite being 92 proof (46% ABV), it lacks any discernible heat. Teeling is a simple and smooth whiskey that goes down pleasantly neat; nevertheless, diluting it with water does little to mask the lingering bitterness of the finish.
Furthermore, the flavor has a hint of graininess, but it’s not too strong, which is what you’d expect from a blended whiskey made with a 3:1 grain-to-malt ratio. Before bottling, the mixture rests for a full year in Central American rum barrels. When compared to other Irish liquors that cost the same, Teeling has a much better taste.
#5. Slane Irish Whiskey
A triple-cask process gives Slane Irish whiskey its unique flavor and body. It tastes great on the rocks and has a lot of different flavors, like banana, vanilla, butterscotch, and light baking spice.
What’s better, Bushmills or Jamesons?
Jameson goes through three distillation processes, while Bushmills only goes through two. In comparison to Jameson’s three years of aging, Bushmills’s four is more than enough to give it a smooth, complex flavor. In this way, Jameson is more delicate and smooth, whereas Bushmills is more powerful and full-bodied.
Also, read IRISH BEER BRANDS: Best 13+ Non-Guinness Irish Beer Brands in America.
Single Malt Irish Whiskey Brands
There are many striking similarities between Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky, which is not surprising since the laws that govern how Irish whiskey is made are almost the same as those that govern how Scotch whisky is made. For a whiskey to be considered “Irish Single Malt,” it must be made from a mash of only malted barley at a single distillery and matured in oak for at least three years. Here are some popular single-malt Irish whiskey brands.
#1. Bushmills
16-year-old Irish single malt from Bushmills in Northern Ireland that has won multiple awards. This whisky, which was mature in bourbon, port, and sherry casks, is a fantastic example of the effects of cask variety. It’s fantastic that after 400 years, the company has stuck to its small-batch roots.
#2. Dingle Single Malt
By the middle of 2020, the Dingle Distillery had already made some great batches of single malts and won awards for its gins. It’s triple-distilled, aged in Pedro Ximénez and bourbon casks (61% sherry and 39% bourbon, if you’re into those kinds of minutiae), then bottled without chill filtration. While whiskeys from the Dingle distillery on the southwest coast of Ireland have proven to be popular in the past, they have been quite hard to come by.
#3. Tyrconnell Irish Whiskey
Tyrconnell Irish Whiskey now comes in a new bottle with a cool new label and a higher alcohol content of 43% (it used to be 40%). It’s still a wonderful Irish single-malt whiskey, with plenty of sweet vanilla and honey.
#4. The Sexton Single Malt
Master blender Alex Thomas came up with Sexton Single Malt Irish whiskey. Using only Irish malt extract, it is three copper pot stills. Furthermore, when aged in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, the liquid takes on a more complex, fruity flavor. It comes in a bottle with a distinctive hexagonal form that demands attention.
Is Jameson Sipping Whiskey?
You’re right: Jameson is a fine whiskey for sipping. Jameson is well-balanced and smooth, making it an ideal whiskey for sipping. This is a good introduction to whiskey for those who have never tried it before, as it is one of the smoothest Irish whiskeys to enjoy neat.
Conclusion
Due to its smooth, sweet, and adaptable flavor, Irish whiskey has become one of the most popular brands of distilled spirits in the United States. The price of a bottle of drinkable, pleasant-to-sip Irish whiskey typically falls below $50. A higher price tag will get you a better-quality Irish whiskey. On the other hand, a bottle of quality Irish whiskey need not cost an arm and a leg.
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