And that is why I like to have this either neat or on the rocks: every sip allows me to sit back and imagine myself back in the 1500s when Irish whiskey was so delicious that even Queen Elizabeth I had it as her drink of choice. Pour yourself a dram and think about that novel you're definitely going to get around to finishing one of these years. Coming in at the top spot on this list isRedbreast, an icon of the whiskey world and the pride of fine Irish whiskey. Order now! Delivery Locker Pickup. In the 1960s, Knappogue Castle in County Clare was in ruins. Smaller than standard sherry barrels, the vessels intensify the influence of fortified wine in the final whiskey, which is attractively sweet, has nutty complexity, and a velvet, creamy texture. Its distinctive smooth-bodied taste makes it a go-to sipping whiskey, a perfect. Often described as beautiful, this Irish whiskey offers an array of flavors, from malt to caramel, with a little fruitiness thrown in for good measure. This 12-year-old release joined Bushmills permanent lineup early this year. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. So take a look below and follow the links to learn more about who we are and what we do. This bottle made and released "by order of the Peaky Blinders" is a unique one made the way Thomas Shelby would've liked his whiskey, presumably. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Save 40% Off MH Editor-Favorite Allbirds Shoes. Humberto Marques, Owner/Entrepreneur and Lead Mixologist at Curfew Bar in Denmark, ABV: 40% | Age: NAS | Volume: 750 ml, 1 L, 1.5 L, or 375 ml. Though each of these whiskeys deserves a place on your bar, our overall favorite remains Knappogue Castle 12yr Single Malt (view at Drizly) due to its versatility. This triple-distilled, triple-cask, triple-blend is well-balanced, flavorful, and very fine Irish whiskey. Average price: $78. including for example in the World Whiskies Awards and Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 'Liquid Gold Awards'. Aged twice in barrels from far sides of the world, the flavours are a game of two halves. While the category may never return to being the most popular whiskey in the world, gone are the dark days of recent decades when the number of operational Irish whiskey distilleries sat at a mere four. At its very low price point, Proper No Twelve is probably better as a mixer for cocktails than for sipping neat or on the rocks. Some distilleries barrel age their whiskeys beyond the minimum, so youll see Irish whiskey aged for a decade or two (luxury expressions can be aged for 40 or 50 years). Many distilleries use unmalted barley, some incorporate a portion of malted barley or other cereal grains, and single malt Irish whiskey is made entirely of malted barley. Look for vanilla and honey flavors, with a bit of cinnamon sizzle on the. Its a great upgrade for those looking to expand their palates beyond the usual suspects. A crisp chardonnay nose and buttery chardonnay finish bookend the gentle rye body of this spirit, making it a beguiling and gentle drink straight, on the rocks, or mixed. The alleged maker of Kirkland Irish Whiskey is the Irish Distillers Ltd. (IDL). My advice: Be adventurous. Infused with real orange and lavender, this gin is a delicately flavored curiosity that doesnt overpower and doesnt out-stay its welcome. Matt Conner, Brand Ambassador for Teeling Whiskey. Single-malt Irish whiskeys are made from one type of malted barley at a single distillery, single-pot stills are made from a combination of barley and other grains at one distillery, single-grains can include corn or wheat, and blended whiskies are made by mixing different whiskies together. The finish is long, and the entire experience is as smooth as you could imagine. Let's celebrate the Irish history, ancestors, and traditions today! Hints of nutmeg, butter, and vanilla accent the oaky palate. Tim Nusog 2. Aged for a minimum of 14 years in bourbon barrels and finished in Oloroso sherry casks (thus resulting in a minimum of 16 years total aging), this rarefied Irish whiskey is luxury in a glass. Justine Sterling is a New York-based writer and editor specializing in food, wine and spirits. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. The 15-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is a perfect example of this style of whiskey. Rating: 92. Peat is a characteristic most regularly attributed to Scotch whisky, but Connemara is a peated Irish whiskey that combines the best of both worlds. Manhattan-style cocktails are a fantastic use for Irish whiskey, and its a great style choice for nearly any classic whiskey cocktail. Irish whiskeys can offer a variety of age statements, cask maturations, mashbills, and yeast strains. Caribbean Rum Cask Finish. A triple-distilled blend of grain, malt, and pot still whiskeys, Lost Irish is finished in casks from six different continents, including Japanese Mizunara oak and South African brandy barrels. Spot Whiskey's origins date back to 1805 when Irish rebel William Mitchell founded Mitchell & Son, a wine-buying and selling company. Malted barley dried over peat is the heart of this premium bottle produced at the Cooley Distillery in County Louth, Ireland. Buy now. Original is the perfect everyday whiskey with a hard-to-beat price tag. It actually reminds me very much of a scotch with its high amount of malted barley. EYE Orangish copper. 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. 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). The palate is extremely energetic thanks to the whiskeys 50 percent ABV content, which also adds complexity overall. MEREDITH'S MALT WHISKEY EAST LIVERPOOL, O. U.S.A. Of course, theres also the spelling of the word. Easy to identify, The Sexton boasts a unique, black-and-gold, angular bottle. Im a big fan of this whiskey because it was produced in the classic wayhigh amount of grain in the mash, and distilled in a copper pot, says bartender Anthony Baker (aka the Professor). Back in 2016, Jameson opened up the warehouse for barrel finishing its special new . Since then, his retail shop has been named the "Best WhiskeyRetailer Worldwide" by World Whiskey Awards. Finished in bourbon barrels, this blended whiskey is notably influenced by the former contents of those casks. For instance, we know that Alexander Murray supplied Costco's Kirkland Signature Scotch whiskies because their president and CEO confirmed it during an . Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks. Irish law dictates that all Irish whiskey must be aged for at least three years. Jameson's original bottle is your typical Irish whiskey, triple-distilled, blended, and aged. In those days liquor and wine had to be shipped into Pittsburgh via sailing vessels to New Orleans and then brought upriver on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. While that sounds like a busy combination, the spirits final profile is focused and expressive, and serves equal helpings of fruit, sweetness, and spice. It's aged in former bourbon barrels and bottled at a comfortable 47 percent ABV (94 proof). Power's also makes a high-rye Irish whiskey, which is a unique take on the style, as well as two other single pot stills and a bourbon barrel-aged Gold Label. It has the base-level flavor notes that any Irish whiskey should have, but can easily be spotted as a celebrity cash grab due to its lack of depth and overall mediocrity. The summer classic with a novel aesthetic twist. $17.66 - $1100.00 Shop now Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey Jameson Black Barrel $24.98 - $156.79 Shop now Sweet cereal aromas spring from the glass, while the palate has a warm caramel core and subtle oak notes. Single-grain and malt whiskies are all aged in bourbon barrels before being mixed together. Writer's Tears is one of the brands belonging to Walsh Whiskey, a company dedicated to crafting supreme Irish whiskey reminiscent of the spirit's glory days of old. When it comes to the battle of the boozes, vodka and whiskey have always been neck-and-neck for the U.S.'s best-selling spirit. 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. Add . With its rich history, complex flavor, and pedigreed musical ties (Slane Castle has hosted performances from U2, David Bowie, and Queen), this affordable bottling is a steal. Hibiscus and grape combine with Silver to make an incredible cocktail. Delivery Locker Pickup. The Irishman is one of two labels produced there, and the Single Malt is not only top-rated and award-winning but is also a mid-range bottle thats relatively affordable. Hyde Whiskey will definitely cost more than your average Irish whiskey, but you can rest assured they are excellent expressions of the spirit. The three different casks it ages in all add a little something different to be enjoyed. Tame the spice with an ice cube or use its heft to your advantage in a cocktail like an old fashioned or a New York sour. Fruit and vanilla notes are very common, and the aging imparts a pleasant oak and caramel background to the whiskey. Bushmills Irish Whiskey Whiskey making at Bushmills draws on centuries-old distilling history, including a royal licence to distil whiskey, granted for the county of Antrim in 1608. The result is a platonic ideal of an Irish whiskey: incredibly sippable yet nuanced with layered flavors of apples and cinnamon toast. Perfect to sip chilled on a summer day and light enough to mix into all your favorite gin drinks, this gins flavor is only outshone by its versatility. Its a solid whiskey thats smooth and has the perfect spicy finish to keep you pouring another round. Double-strain into a rocks glass over fresh crushed ice. "Irish whisky is generally distilled three times and can be made from any combination of cereal grain whereas Scottish whisky is made from 100 percent malted barley and . This blend of single-grain and single-pot still is made in County Cork and is made with the barley and water from its location. There's a sentiment shared by most drinkers that your cheapest booze belongs in cocktails while the high-dollar hooch in your cupboard deserves a more thoughtful fate. Add Irish whiskey, simple syrup, mint leaves, and ice, and shake until well-chilled. Smooth, very drinkable for new and experienced whiskey drinkers. Not only is it readily available and reliable, but its also extremely affordable. Nothing wrong with that but not really that exciting either. Sam Dangremond is a Contributing Digital Editor at Town & Country, where he covers men's style, cocktails, travel, and the social scene. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. It is a blend of selected whiskies which are matured over twelve years in Bourbon barrels. The Irish Whiskey Awards offered a rare chance to celebrate the very best in what has become a billion-dollar . 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. Kate Dingwall, who updated this roundup, is a sommelier and spirits writer. American oak Bourbon barrels bring sweet honey and smooth vanilla notes . The character and style of the whiskey always impacts my cocktail direction, says Conner. our process. Paddy's is simple and straightforward and does not try to be anything other than a classic-tasting Irish whiskey. The well-balanced whiskey has a ton of character and a full force of peaty spice to tantalize the tongue. Jameson remains a classic example of the style. Her home bar is always stocked with a range of spirits, from the staples to the downright strange, and she has serious opinions about Martinis. It is very Irish, approachable, and inexpensive. Irish whiskey is often sipped straighteither neat or over icein a lowball glass. Irish whiskey is a style of whiskey that must be made in Ireland and meet certain criteria that are defined by law. Rating: 95. Limavady was launched in 2021 by Bushmills veteran Darryl McNally, and offers single-barrel single malt whiskey (currently sourced). This Sazerac-owned blended whiskey arrives at 40 percent ABV and brimming with character. When John O'Connell and Ger and Denic McArthy started their whiskey business, they wanted to honor and uphold the reputation of the vibrant food and drink space that calls Cork its home, and they continue to do so today. This now iconic bottling represents a great way to begin to explore the complexity of the category. Its still undeniably an Irish whiskey, though, with its cereal backbone, bright, crisp flavors, and toasty finish. Knappogue is best enjoyed neat, and each of the brand's bottles is well worth the price tag. It's really lovely on its own, but because of its soft and approachable profile, it works well in lighter whiskey cocktails. Irish whiskey can be distilled in a pot still or a column still. And Irish whiskey is more popular than you think! The Celtic Cask brand is courtesy of one of the most renowned whiskey retailers in the world, The Celtic Whiskey Store. Here are some of the finest Irish bottles on the market right now to toast with St. Patrick's Day, or any other day of the year. Since then, Redbreast has cemented its name as the leader of Irish whiskey based on its dedication to quality and simplicity, letting the practice of good whiskey-making speak for itself. A Moscow Mule, made all the better by using Shmidt Spirits. Original Irish Whiskey at Drizly, The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Madiera Cask at Drizly, Knappogue Castle 16 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Connemara 12 Year Old Peated Single Malt Whiskey, Here Are the Best Whiskey Stones to Make Your Drinks Perfectly Cool, The 30 Best Gifts for Whiskey Lovers of 2023, The 8 Best Bitters for Whiskey Cocktails with Flavor, The Best Cheap Whiskeys to Drink That a Mixologist Recommends, The Best Whiskey Bottles to Buy for Your Collection, The 9 Best Japanese Whiskies You Can Buy Online, Stock Your Home Bar With the Best Scotch Whiskies to Drink, Explore the Great Taste of Bushmills Irish Whiskey. Tastes fruity and moderately spicy, with a strong malt character. Some of the new wave aim to highlight terroir and the importance of farming; many are employing techniques like cask finishing, which is established among whiskey distilleries in other nations; and were starting to see single barrel and cask strength bottlings creeping into the space. 2019. Keith Homan/Shutterstock. Started in 2016, it keeps everything small and local, including the barley and water, both of which are sourced from the family-owned Ballindoney farm. If you want someone to fall in love with Irish whiskey, one sip of Redbreast ought to do the trick. . Between are three expressions of Green Spot, Gold Spot, and Yellow Spot, each of which are matured in casks including a variety of French and Spanish wine, bourbon casks, and others. Power's currently offers a variety of different bottles of whiskey, its flagship being the Signature Release. Average price: $61. is yet another accessible and straightforward Irish whiskey, and its passion for blends shows with a more complex and nuanced profile. Irish Whiskey is distilled three times, and Scotch only twice. Single-grain whiskeys are made with one singular grain or cereal. About Dosing; CBD is for Pets Too! The Copper Pot is a blend of a single-pot still and single-malt whiskey, matured in charred oak casks. Region: Ireland | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Baking spices, pear, vanilla. The familiar green bottle can be found in nearly any bar and liquor store in the world. This leads to far more depth and character than fans of single-malt Scotch may typically associate with Irish whiskey. We then finish it in a chardonnay cask for three days, imparting a white whine patina that complements the subtle, distinctive flavor. 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. Average price: $46. Prairie Rose, Editor, Region: Ireland | ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Baking spices, vanilla, dried fruit. Expect toasted grain and orange peel aromas and notes of caramelized nuts on the palate.