Irish whiskey has had a turbulent history of highs and lows, but today the Irish whiskey industry is undoubtedly exciting. From big Irish whiskey brands such as Bushmills to small new distilleries, drinks expert Richard Davies has taste tested and reviewed the best Irish whiskies on the market in-depth in order to find the best whiskies to buy for you. Whether you are a seasoned whiskey drinker or new to the world of Irish whiskey, this guide will help you find the perfect bottle for your taste and budget. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a dram of the water of life!
Best Irish whiskey to buy
Lambay Small Batch Blend
Best blended Irish whiskey for mixed drinks
Star rating: 3.5/5
Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Lambay launched as an Irish whiskey brand in 2017. Like many newer outfits in Irish whiskey, Lambay do not currently distil their own spirit, instead sourcing it from other Irish distilleries.
The Small Batch Blend caught our attention. The Small Batch Blend is intriguing, as although it hits many of the archetypal Irish whiskey touchpoints with a light, smooth and sweet framework, the balance of flavours veer a little out of what I would expect. The impact of the cognac finish and the sea air (Lambay is the largest island off Ireland) is restrained, but still give this Lambay something a little unusual. On the nose, it comes across light and delicate and on the palate, it is again light: the sweetness of very pale malt and a hint of marshmallow, baked fruit, the spiciness of vanilla and pepper. The finish runs with the sweetness, and as it fades out some of that spiciness remains, bracketed with a hint of salt and the nuttiness going over to a light woody dryness.
Read our full review of the Lambay Small Batch Blend Whiskey.
Two Stacks Smoke & Mirrors whiskey
- Available from The Whisky Exchange (£49.95)
Best peated Irish Whiskey
Star rating: 4.5/5
Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
As a new operation, Two Stacks act as blenders, with a keen eye to what finishing in an unexpected cask can do to an already aged whiskey.
The Smoke & Mirrors whiskey shines a light on peat, which is under-represented in Irish whiskey. The whiskey is a lighter gold than a turn in a stout barrel might suggest. On the nose, there’s a good hit of peat and roast coffee, then a softer chocolate note. To drink, the smoke and roasty side are more delicate than expected, the creaminess allies with the chocolate, as the fruit tends toward baked and luscious while vanilla, clove and cinnamon spicing add interest. The finish is more smooth chocolate, coffee roastiness and dark dried fruit as the smoke lingers on awhile.
Highly enjoyable, this is a delightful Irish whiskey with enough depth to marry happily to a goodly peat side and have neither side lose out. Read our full review of Two Stacks Smoke & Mirrors Whiskey.
How we tested Irish whiskey
Taste testing
All our best Irish whiskies 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 whiskies pushing against being pigeonholed by such terms. In addition, we look at whiskies 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.
Aroma and taste
| Whiskey | Aroma | Taste ||—|—|—|| Lambay Small Batch Blend | Light and delicate, with hints of cognac and sea air | Sweet and smooth, with flavors of vanilla, pepper, and fruit || Two Stacks Smoke & Mirrors | Peaty and roasty, with notes of chocolate and coffee | Smoky and chocolatey, with hints of vanilla, clove, and cinnamon |
Mouthfeel and finish
The mouthfeel of a whiskey is the way it feels in your mouth. Some whiskeys are light and watery, while others are thick and oily. The finish is the way the whiskey tastes after you swallow it. Some whiskeys have a long, lingering finish, while others have a short, abrupt finish.We found that the best Irish whiskeys had a good balance of mouthfeel and finish. They were not too thick or too thin, and they had a finish that lingered for a while without being overpowering.
Whiskey vs whisky: what’s the difference?
Spelling
The first part of the differences between Irish and Scotch whiskies is the differing spellings of “whiskey” and “whisky” – caused by different translations in Scotland and Ireland from the root word in Gaelic. The ‘e’ in whiskey is also a relic of the 19th century, when Irish whiskey was a far larger and more reputable product than Scotch whisky, so the ‘e’ was a way to signal to drinkers all which country’s spirit you were getting.
Regulations and Traditions
The second difference is in the regulations and traditions that define what may call itself an Irish whiskey or a Scotch whisky. Obviously, Irish whiskey must be made and aged in Ireland (both the Republic and Northern Ireland), with a minimum of three years spent in wooden casks. It is common – but not required – that Irish whiskey be distilled three times, which lightens and smooths the spirit. The slight contrast here is that the Scotch regulations specify oak as the wood for their casks, and double distillation is the norm. Peated barley (barley malted over peat, imparting a smoky flavour) is also more a familiar aspect of the flavour profile in Scotch, especially those from Islay. Lastly, while a single malt whisky is the archetypal form for Scotch, the Irish focus on Single Pot Still, which makes a virtue of the mixture of malted and unmalted barley that goes into it.
| Characteristic | Irish Whiskey | Scotch Whisky |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling | Whiskey | Whisky |
| Country of Origin | Ireland | Scotland |
| Minimum Aging | 3 years | 3 years |
| Common Distillation | Triple distillation | Double distillation |
| Use of Peat | Less common | More common |
| Typical Style | Single Pot Still | Single Malt |
Conclusion
While there are some clear differences between Irish and Scotch whiskies, both are excellent spirits with their own unique flavor profiles. It really comes down to personal preference as to which one you prefer.
A history of Irish whiskey
The early days
Irish whiskey has a long and storied history, dating back to the 6th century. The first recorded instance of whiskey production in Ireland is from the Annals of Clonmacnoise, which tells of a chieftain who died in 1405 after drinking too much “aqua vitae.”By the 17th century, Irish whiskey was being produced on a large scale, and it quickly became one of the most popular spirits in the world. In the 18th century, Irish whiskey was the most popular spirit in the United States, and it remained so until the American Revolution.
The decline of Irish whiskey
The 19th century was a difficult time for Irish whiskey. The Great Famine of 1845-1849 caused a sharp decline in the production of whiskey, and the rise of blended Scotch whisky in the late 19th century further eroded Irish whiskey’s market share.By the early 20th century, Irish whiskey was a shadow of its former self. Only a handful of distilleries remained in operation, and the industry was on the verge of collapse.
The revival of Irish whiskey
In the 1960s, there was a renewed interest in Irish whiskey. A new generation of distillers began to produce high-quality Irish whiskey, and the industry slowly began to recover.Today, Irish whiskey is once again one of the most popular spirits in the world. There are now over 30 distilleries in operation in Ireland, and Irish whiskey is exported to over 100 countries.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1405 | First recorded instance of whiskey production in Ireland |
| 17th century | Irish whiskey is produced on a large scale |
| 18th century | Irish whiskey is the most popular spirit in the United States |
| 19th century | The Great Famine of 1845-1849 causes a sharp decline in the production of whiskey |
| Late 19th century | The rise of blended Scotch whisky erodes Irish whiskey’s market share |
| Early 20th century | Irish whiskey is a shadow of its former self |
| 1960s | There is a renewed interest in Irish whiskey |
| Today | Irish whiskey is once again one of the most popular spirits in the world |
The future of Irish whiskey
The future of Irish whiskey looks bright. The industry is growing rapidly, and there is a strong demand for Irish whiskey around the world. With its rich history and unique flavor profile, Irish whiskey is well-positioned to continue to grow in popularity in the years to come.
- Irish whiskey is one of the most popular spirits in the world.
- There are over 30 distilleries in operation in Ireland.
- Irish whiskey is exported to over 100 countries.
- The future of Irish whiskey looks bright.
What is Irish whiskey made from?
Ingredients
Irish whiskey can be made from a variety of ingredients, but the most common are malted barley, unmalted barley, and water. Malted barley is barley that has been soaked in water and then spread out on a floor to germinate. The germination process converts the starches in the barley into sugars, which can then be fermented by yeast to produce alcohol. Unmalted barley is barley that has not been germinated. It is used to add body and flavor to the whiskey. Water is the other essential ingredient in Irish whiskey. The quality of the water used can have a significant impact on the taste of the whiskey.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Malted barley | Provides the sugars that are fermented to produce alcohol |
| Unmalted barley | Adds body and flavor to the whiskey |
| Water | The other essential ingredient in Irish whiskey |
Production process
The production process for Irish whiskey is similar to that of other whiskeys. The first step is to mill the barley. The milled barley is then mixed with water and heated to create a mash. The mash is then cooled and fermented by yeast. The fermentation process converts the sugars in the mash into alcohol.Once the fermentation process is complete, the wash is distilled. Distillation is the process of heating the wash and then condensing the vapors. The condensed vapors are then collected and aged in wooden casks. The aging process mellows the whiskey and gives it its characteristic flavor.Irish whiskey must be aged for at least three years in wooden casks. The type of wood used for the casks can have a significant impact on the taste of the whiskey. Bourbon casks, for example, impart a sweet, vanilla flavor to the whiskey. Sherry casks, on the other hand, impart a nutty, spicy flavor to the whiskey.
Types of Irish whiskey
There are many different types of Irish whiskey available. The most common types are:
- Single malt whiskey: This type of whiskey is made from 100% malted barley. It is typically aged for at least 10 years.
- Single pot still whiskey: This type of whiskey is made from a mixture of malted barley and unmalted barley. It is typically aged for at least 7 years.
- Blended whiskey: This type of whiskey is made from a blend of single malt whiskey and single pot still whiskey. It is typically aged for at least 3 years.
How to drink Irish whiskey?
Neat
Irish whiskey is often enjoyed neat, or without any mixers. This is the best way to appreciate the whiskey’s full flavor and aroma. If you’re new to drinking Irish whiskey neat, start with a small sip and let it sit on your tongue for a few seconds before swallowing. This will allow you to experience the whiskey’s full range of flavors.
On the rocks
If you find Irish whiskey neat to be too strong, you can try it on the rocks. This will dilute the whiskey slightly and make it more palatable. To make an Irish whiskey on the rocks, simply add a few ice cubes to a glass and pour the whiskey over the ice.
With water
Another way to enjoy Irish whiskey is with water. Adding a little water to your whiskey will help to open up the flavors and make it more complex. To make an Irish whiskey with water, simply add a few drops of water to a glass of whiskey and stir. You can adjust the amount of water to your taste.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Neat | Irish whiskey is enjoyed without any mixers. |
| On the rocks | Irish whiskey is diluted with ice cubes. |
| With water | Irish whiskey is diluted with a few drops of water. |
In cocktails
Irish whiskey can also be used in a variety of cocktails. Some popular Irish whiskey cocktails include the Irish Coffee, the Whiskey Sour, and the Manhattan. To make an Irish Coffee, simply combine Irish whiskey, hot coffee, and sugar in a glass. To make a Whiskey Sour, combine Irish whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar in a glass and shake with ice. To make a Manhattan, combine Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a glass and stir with ice.
- Irish Coffee
- Whiskey Sour
- Manhattan
Irish whiskey cocktail recipes
Irish Coffee
The Irish Coffee is a classic cocktail that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is made with Irish whiskey, hot coffee, and sugar. To make an Irish Coffee, simply combine all of the ingredients in a glass and stir. You can also top the Irish Coffee with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Irish whiskey | 1 ounce |
| Hot coffee | 5 ounces |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is another classic cocktail that is made with Irish whiskey. It is made with Irish whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. To make a Whiskey Sour, simply combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled. Strain the Whiskey Sour into a glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
- Irish whiskey
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that is made with Irish whiskey and sweet vermouth. It is made with Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. To make a Manhattan, simply combine all of the ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until chilled. Strain the Manhattan into a glass and garnish with a cherry.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Irish whiskey | 2 ounces |
| Sweet vermouth | 1 ounce |
| Bitters | 2 dashes |
Final Thought
Irish whiskey is a complex and nuanced spirit with a long and storied history. Whether you enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, there is an Irish whiskey out there for everyone. So next time you’re looking for a great whiskey to sip on, reach for an Irish whiskey. You won’t be disappointed. And be sure to check out our website, bigtobokki, for more information on Irish whiskey and other spirits.
