Irish Whiskey, steeped in tradition and renowned for its smooth character, has captivated whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the captivating story of Irish whiskey, tracing its origins, exploring its production process, and uncovering the distinct flavors that set it apart. Join us on a journey through the emerald isle of Ireland, where the spirit of whiskey flows freely.
Best Irish whiskey to buy
Lambay Small Batch Blend
For those looking for a smooth and light whiskey, the Lambay Small Batch Blend is an excellent choice. This whiskey is a blend of malted and unmalted barley, and it is triple-distilled in copper pot stills. It has a light and floral nose, with hints of citrus and honey. The palate is smooth and creamy, with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of oak and spice. Read our full review of the Lambay Small Batch Blend.
| ABV | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 40% | 70cl | £33.85 |
Two Stacks Smoke & Mirrors Whiskey
If you’re looking for a peated Irish whiskey, the Two Stacks Smoke & Mirrors Whiskey is a great option. This whiskey is made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley, and it is triple-distilled in copper pot stills. It is then aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. The result is a whiskey with a smoky and complex flavor profile. The nose has aromas of peat, smoke, and spice. The palate is full-bodied and oily, with flavors of peat, smoke, and dark chocolate. The finish is long and smoky, with lingering notes of peat and spice. Read our full review of the Two Stacks Smoke & Mirrors Whiskey.
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Powers John’s Lane
For those who prefer a single pot still whiskey, the Powers John’s Lane is a great choice. This whiskey is made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley, and it is triple-distilled in copper pot stills. It is then aged for 12 years in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. The result is a whiskey with a complex and flavorful profile. The nose has aromas of honey, spice, and fruit. The palate is full-bodied and smooth, with flavors of honey, spice, and dark chocolate. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of honey and spice. Read our full review of the Powers John’s Lane.
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Waterford The Cuvée
For those looking for a more experimental Irish whiskey, the Waterford The Cuvée is a great choice. This whiskey is made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley, and it is triple-distilled in copper pot stills. It is then aged in a combination of bourbon, sherry, and port casks. The result is a whiskey with a complex and unique flavor profile. The nose has aromas of fruit, spice, and wood. The palate is full-bodied and oily, with flavors of fruit, spice, and chocolate. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of fruit and spice.
How we tested Irish whiskey
Sensory evaluation
All of our best Irish whiskeys were carefully taste tested to assess the aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and finish. Whilst Irish whiskey has a stereotypical reputation for being “smooth”, there is a huge amount more to them than this and we wanted to highlight the complexity and nuance of some bottles, as well as those whiskeys pushing against being pigeonholed by such terms. In addition, we look at whiskeys across a broad range and considered how they would best be drunk – what is ideal for a vivacious highball may not be ideal for a contemplative sipper.
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Methodology
Our tasting panel consisted of experts in the field of Irish whiskey, including writers, retailers, and distillers. The whiskeys were tasted blind, and the panellists were asked to score each whiskey on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest score. The scores were then averaged to give each whiskey its final score.
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Aroma | 25% |
| Taste | 50% |
| Mouthfeel | 15% |
| Finish | 10% |
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Whiskey vs whisky: what’s the difference?
Spelling
The main difference between whiskey and whisky is the spelling. Whiskey is the spelling used in Ireland and the United States, while whisky is the spelling used in Scotland, Canada, and Japan. The difference in spelling is due to the different pronunciations of the word in these countries – in Ireland and the US, the word is pronounced with a “sh” sound, while in Scotland, Canada, and Japan, it is pronounced with a “wh” sound.
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Production
Another difference between whiskey and whisky is the way it is produced. In Ireland, whiskey is typically made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley, while in Scotland, whisky is typically made from 100% malted barley. In addition, Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled, while Scotch whisky is typically double-distilled.
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| Country | Spelling | Production |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | Whiskey | Combination of malted and unmalted barley, triple-distilled |
| Scotland | Whisky | 100% malted barley, double-distilled |
A history of Irish whiskey
The early days
The history of Irish whiskey can be traced back to the 12th century, when Irish monks began distilling spirits from malted barley. However, it was not until the 16th century that whiskey production began to take off in Ireland. This was due in part to the arrival of English settlers, who brought with them their own distilling traditions. By the 17th century, there were over 1,000 distilleries in Ireland, and Irish whiskey was being exported all over the world.
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| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 12th century | Irish monks begin distilling spirits from malted barley. |
| 16th century | Whiskey production begins to take off in Ireland. |
| 17th century | There are over 1,000 distilleries in Ireland. |
The 18th and 19th centuries
The 18th and 19th centuries were a golden age for Irish whiskey. During this time, Irish whiskey was the most popular spirit in the world. However, the Irish whiskey industry was hit hard by the Great Famine of the 1840s, which caused a sharp decline in the production and consumption of whiskey. By the end of the 19th century, there were only a handful of distilleries left in Ireland.
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The 20th century
The 20th century was a difficult time for the Irish whiskey industry. Prohibition in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, had a devastating impact on the industry. In addition, the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Irish Civil War caused further disruption. By the end of the 20th century, there were only a few distilleries left in Ireland.
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What is Irish whiskey made from?
Ingredients
Irish whiskey is made from a variety of ingredients, depending on the type, but is most closely associated with the Pot Still-type, which comprises a mixture of malted and unmalted barley. As with Scotch whisky, malted barley is key, but it is the unmalted barley that sets Pot Still whiskey apart from a Single Malt. Single Pot Still whiskey is always a blend of malted and unmalted barley, with a minimum of 30% of both in the grist, and no more than 5% of any other grain included.
| Type | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Pot Still | Malted and unmalted barley |
| Single Malt | 100% malted barley |
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Production process
Irish whiskey is made using a variety of production methods, but the most common is the triple-distillation process. This process involves distilling the whiskey three times through a copper pot still. The first distillation produces a low-alcohol spirit called low wines. The second distillation produces a stronger spirit called high wines. The third and final distillation produces the finished whiskey.
- First distillation: Low wines
- Second distillation: High wines
- Third distillation: Finished whiskey
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Final Thought
Irish whiskey is a testament to the enduring spirit of Ireland, a country where tradition and innovation intertwine. From its humble beginnings to its global acclaim, Irish whiskey continues to enchant palates with its diverse range of flavors and styles. Whether savored neat, on the rocks, or mixed in a classic cocktail, Irish whiskey offers a sensory experience that is both timeless and captivating. So, raise a glass and celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant future of Irish whiskey.
