Easy-drinking whiskey that can be enjoyed by novices and professionals alike, Irish whiskey is free of the nerdery that accompanies Bourbon, free of the geographical knowledge necessary for Scotch and typically more economical than other kinds of whiskey. Although Irish whiskey is often thought of as a lighter spirit with less overtones of smoky oak or vanilla oak, there is a vast variety of Irish whiskeys to be discovered and savored. While some are better suited for mixing, others may be enjoyed neat, much like a quality Single malt whisky or bourbon.
The category continues to expand, with new instances being accessible each year in the United States. As recently as a few years ago, the Irish whiskey area at your liquor shop was probably simply a few huge brands, but today it’s likely to be full with bottles tagged with varying age claims and barrel finishes. There’s always room on the bar for the tried-and-true favorites.
The Knappogue Castle 12 Year Single Malt is our top recommendation since it’s both reasonable and elegant enough to enjoy on a regular basis. This is a list of the best Irish whiskeys currently on the market.
Knappogue Castle 12 Year Single Malt
Whiskey distiller Knappogue Castle uses copper pot stills to produce its distinctive, entry-level release, which is subsequently matured in oak barrels of the same kind for 12 years. What we’ve got here is the ultimate in Irish whiskey: smooth and drinkable, with a complex taste profile that includes notes of apple pie and cinnamon toast.
Drinking this on the rocks, on the rocks or in a lengthy cocktail, where its subtle fruitiness and spiciness compliment practically any taste profile is pleasant during the hot summer months. With a price point that makes it affordable enough to be enjoyed on a daily basis in a tumbler, this bottle may also be enjoyed on a special occasion in a whiskey tasting glass and sipped straight.
The Sexton Irish Whiskey
The black-and-gold, angular bottle of The Sexton makes it easy to spot. For a smooth, honeyed finish, this Irish whiskey is matured in ex-Oloroso sherry barrels after being triple distilled in copper pot stills. The nose is full of roasted pear flavors, which continue into the mouth. It’s more earthy than other Irish whiskeys, yet it still maintains the characteristic sharpness of the style, making it ideal for savoring neat or over ice.
There are few Irish whiskeys made by female master distillers, and the Sexton is one among them. As a bonus, the bottle is reasonably priced, so you may experiment with drink like hot toddy, and simply a plain whiskey and soda with a long twist of lemon.
Slane Irish Whiskey
The Boyne River Valley, previously home to several distilleries, is now home to Slane, one of the few to revive the practice. This Irish whiskey is matured in three separate casks: seasoned whiskey, virgin oak, and Oloroso sherry, all of which were sourced from the grounds of Slane Castle. It’s full of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit tastes, and it’s robust and complex. To get a taste of the Slane Castle’s rich history, nuanced flavor, and pedigreed musical connections, this cheap bottle is a value.
Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
Teeling opened in 2015 with this bottle as its main product as the first whiskey distillery to establish in Dublin in 125 years. This is the perfect whiskey for individuals who prefer a sweeter spirit over a spicy one, due to the time it spent in ex-rum barrels after first maturing in ex-bourbon barrels. Sweet spices and caramelized sugar fill the aroma, while vanilla and raisin notes fill the mouth. In the $40 range, this Single Malt Irish Whisky is an excellent value, delivering far above its price. For an after-dinner treat, try an Irish Coffee with a dash of dark chocolate, or just drink it plain.
West Cork 8-Year Single Malt
In recent years, single-malt Scotch whisky has grown pricier, while single-malt Irish whiskeys are still excellent value. The West Cork Distillery uses a pot still to distil Irish barley and spring water, which is then aged for eight years in the first, fire bourbon barrels. Fans of single malt Scotch will find a lot more flavor in Irish whiskey because of this. Dried apple and honey aromas lead into a baking-spice finish on the well-balanced tongue, which clocks in at an accessible 80 proof.
