Do you want to try Irish whiskey, but you aren’t sure where to start? The world of Irish whiskey can be confusing, but we are here to help you through it. Our brief guide will introduce you to the different types of Irish whiskey to help you see which whiskey is right for you.
An overview of Irish whiskey
Irish whiskey was once one of the most widely consumed spirits in the world, but a period of decline in the late 19th century left just two Irish whiskey distilleries in business. Thankfully, the story does not end there, and since the 1990s, Irish whiskey has made an incredible comeback and has moved from success to success.
Irish whiskey boasts a smooth mouthfeel and delicate flavours. It is a great alternative if you don’t enjoy Scotch whiskies or are looking for a different whiskey to try. Irish whiskey refers to any type of whiskey produced in Ireland, but they do share some characteristics. You can have explicit sweet notes, a smooth finish, and an intriguing flavour profile whenever you have some Irish whiskey.
Types of Irish whiskey
There are several different types of Irish whiskies that you should be aware of when purchasing Irish whiskey, outlined below.
Single malt Irish whiskey
Single-malt Irish whiskey has to meet a set of laws like Scotch whiskey. Single malt Irish whiskey needs to be aged in oak for at least three years. The whiskey should be distilled from only malted barley in a single distillery.
While it is produced in a similar way to Scotch single malt, it still retains its own unique character. You will be able to taste the difference between Irish and Scotch whiskey, and it can be a fun way to spend an evening sampling and comparing these whiskies. Single malt whiskies in Ireland do not dominate the market, with only Cooley and Bushmills producing single malts in Ireland.
Single grain whiskey
Single-grain Irish whiskey is not as well respected as malts, but plenty of Irish whiskeys have changed this perception. Grain whiskey is distilled from one or a combination of wheat, corn, barley, and rye.
Grain whiskey is one of the cheapest ways to produce whiskey and is more straightforward than malt. Although it seems simpler, you need a lot of knowledge and experience to create a grain whisky with complex flavours to compete with other whiskies.
Premium distillers of single-grain whiskey include Fercullen, Midleton, and Teeling. You should try a high-quality single-grain whiskey to ensure you appreciate the best of the best.
Blended Irish whiskey
Blended Irish whiskey is the most popular type of whiskey in Ireland, with Bushmills and Jameson dominating the market. If you do want to explore other brands, though, there are some hidden gems that offer fantastic tastes.
Blending whiskey removes restrictions on manufacturers and allows them to produce the flavour profile and finish they are looking for. It reduces any ambiguity and ensures that the flavours listed on the bottle are exactly what you will get.
We recommend blended whiskies for new whiskey drinkers, as it is a great introduction to whiskey. Experienced whiskey drinkers will also appreciate its flavours, making it suitable for everyone.
Single pot still Irish whiskey
Single-pot whiskey is still only made on the island. Its name refers to the pot stills in which the whiskey is distilled. Pot still whiskey has a distinctive spicy note throughout the bottle. It is this spicy note that makes it easy to spot one of these whiskies.
Pot still whiskey uses unmalted and malted barley, creating a unique flavour profile. Single-pot still whiskey is considered the pride of Irish distilling, with Green Spot, Kilbeggan, and Redbreast using this method to create their whiskies.
Popular Irish whiskey brands
Before you head out to purchase an Irish whiskey, here are some of the popular and best brands to choose from:
- Bushmills
- Jameson
- Spot whiskey
- Kilbeggan
- Redbreast
- Teeling
- Tullamore D.E.W
Find your Irish whiskey today
Irish whiskey offers many flavours and comes in different types, offering the perfect whiskey for anyone. Whether you want to enjoy single malts, blended whiskey, or try traditional single pot still whiskey, there is an option for you. Which Irish whiskey will you try?
