Top 10 Irish Whiskeys You're Probably Missing Out On
Irish whiskey is experiencing a renaissance, with distilleries creating innovative and traditional expressions that captivate whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. From smooth single malts to bold pot still varieties, these are the best Irish whiskey options that every aficionado should try. This curated list of top Irish whiskey picks highlights unique flavors and styles that celebrate Ireland’s rich whiskey-making heritage.
1 - Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength
Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength is a bold and unfiltered expression of Ireland’s iconic single pot still whiskey. It delivers robust flavors of dried fruit, nuts, and spice, enhanced by the rich influence of sherry cask maturation. This whiskey is a favorite among connoisseurs who enjoy intensity and depth.
Type: Single Pot Still | Tasting Notes: Dried fruit, nuts, spice | ABV: 57.6%
2 - Jameson Black Barrel
Jameson Black Barrel is a rich and luxurious blend aged in double-charred barrels, imparting deep notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted wood. This versatile whiskey is perfect for sipping neat or as the base for premium cocktails.
Type: Blended | Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, toasted wood | ABV: 40%
3 - Green Spot Single Pot Still
Green Spot Single Pot Still is a classic Irish whiskey with a bright, fruity profile. Aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, it features vibrant flavors of orchard fruits, honey, and toasted oak.
Type: Single Pot Still | Tasting Notes: Orchard fruits, honey, oak | ABV: 40%
4 - Teeling Small Batch
Teeling Small Batch is an innovative Irish whiskey, finished in rum casks for added complexity. Its vibrant notes of tropical fruit, spice, and toffee make it a standout choice among modern whiskey lovers.
Type: Blended | Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit, spice, toffee | ABV: 46%
5 - Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt
Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt is a masterpiece of patience and craftsmanship. Aged in bourbon, sherry, and Madeira casks, it boasts luxurious flavors of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and warm spices.
Type: Single Malt | Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, dried fruit, spice | ABV: 40%
6. Powers John’s Lane 12 Year Old
Powers John’s Lane 12 Year Old offers a robust and full-bodied experience, featuring rich notes of toffee, leather, and oak. Its bold character honors the heritage of traditional pot still whiskey.
Type: Single Pot Still | Tasting Notes: Toffee, leather, oak | ABV: 46%
7 - Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish delivers a sophisticated single malt experience. The sherry cask aging imparts rich notes of raisins, spice, and a smooth, nutty finish.
Type: Single Malt | Tasting Notes: Raisins, spice, nutty finish | ABV: 46%
8 - Connemara 12 Year Old Peated Single Malt
Connemara 12 Year Old is Ireland’s answer to peated whiskey. This unique single malt offers smoky notes balanced with honeyed sweetness and hints of citrus.
Type: Single Malt | Tasting Notes: Smoke, honey, citrus | ABV: 40%
9 - The Sexton
The Sexton is a modern Irish single malt aged in Oloroso sherry casks, delivering bold flavors of dried fruits, spice, and subtle chocolate. Its unique black bottle design makes it a great gift option.
Type: Single Malt | Tasting Notes: Dried fruits, spice, chocolate | ABV: 40%
10 - Midleton Very Rare
Midleton Very Rare is the pinnacle of Irish whiskey luxury. This premium blend offers exquisite flavors of vanilla, citrus, and toasted oak, making it a must-try for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Type: Blended | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, citrus, oak | ABV: 40%
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the top Irish whiskey on the market?
Midleton Very Rare is often considered the top Irish whiskey for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Each annual release is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
2. What whiskey do the Irish actually drink?
The Irish commonly enjoy Jameson for its smooth, approachable profile, but other brands like Powers and Bushmills are also popular choices, reflecting personal tastes and regional preferences.
