The 15 Irish Whiskey Brands to Enjoy Right Now

Did you know that Irish whiskey almost went extinct in the 1970s? In 1975, there were only two Irish whiskey distilleries left in operation, New Midleton just outside of Cork, and Old Bushmills in Northern Ireland. Both were owned by one company at the time, Irish Distillers, which is now part of Pernod Ricard. Things have come a long way since then, and the Irish whiskey renaissance has created new independent distilleries and allowed long dormant brands to be revived. Keep reading to discover our favorite Irish whiskey brands and explore the fascinating history of this beloved spirit.

According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and the Drinks Ireland | Irish Whiskey Association (IWA), American interest in the Emerald Spirit is at an all-time high. So it’s not just St. Patrick’s Day driving sales, it’s the luscious liquor itself.

Jameson is the most popular Irish whiskey in the world by far, with 70% of the global market. It’s also the best-selling Irish whiskey in the United States, where it competes with Tennessee whiskey, Kentucky bourbon and Canadian whisky.

Whether your go-to booze of choice is Irish whiskey or you just think it’s a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll need to figure out which bottle is the best for you. This really isn’t a chore as even the budget-friendly options have plenty of ticks in the positive column.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Irish Whiskey, from the production of this spirit to the best brands in the world.

How Is Irish Whiskey Produced?

Like most specialty alcohols, the production of Irish whiskey is defined by law. Irish whiskey is any whiskey produced on the isle of Ireland that’s distilled and aged for three or more years.

However, unlike many other regional liquors, like American bourbon, there’s a lot of wiggle room within that legal definition. The liquor can be made from pretty much any mass of grains, which may or may not include whole grains, and can be distilled or blended in a variety of ways.

In total, there are four different types of Irish whiskey, and each one is produced slightly differently, so let’s break them down.

Single Malt Whiskeys

Single malt whiskeys are made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery. This type of whiskey is typically double distilled in Scotland, while in Ireland it is frequently, but not always, triple distilled. After distillation, the whiskey gets much of its flavor by being aged in barrels, including ex-bourbon, sherry casks and virgin oak. Some single malt whiskeys are peaty in profile, although most are not. In Ireland, the use of peat is uncommon, but not unheard of.

Bushmills, Connemara and Teeling all produce single malt Irish whiskeys.

Single Grain Whiskeys

Single grain whiskeys, or simply grain whiskeys, are created in a single distillery in continuous column stills but made from a mixture of grains. These grains might include malted barley (up to 30%), corn, wheat or unmalted barley. The result is a slightly sweeter whiskey that tends to blend well. 

Kilbeggan, Teeling and Greenore produce versions of single grain whiskey.

Single Pot Still Whiskeys

Single pot still whiskeys are a distinctly Irish type of whiskey, made in a single distillery in a pot still from a mash bill of malted and unmalted barley (a small amount of other cereal grains can be included as well, up to five percent). The result is a spice-filled whiskey that can be slightly oily on the palate.

Redbreast, Powers and Teeling all produce a single pot still whiskey.

Blended Whiskeys

Blended Irish whiskeys are by far the most popular category. They are a combination of at least two of the three above whiskey types from any number of Irish distilleries. The most common combination is grain whiskey and pot still whiskey, such as Jameson, but any other combination can be used as well.

Jameson, Tullamore, Bushmills and several other smaller brands produce blended whiskey.

The History of Irish Whiskey

If you’re looking to buy a great bottle of Irish whiskey, you might want to learn more about this popular spirit first. What makes Irish whiskey so special?

1. Irish Whiskey is Produced Solely in Ireland

We mentioned this above, but it’s worth reiterating that Irish whiskey can only be produced on the island of Ireland. This means that it can technically be a product of the Republic of Ireland or the country of Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom.

In addition to its place of origin, Irish whiskey must also be aged in wooden casks for at least three years. It must be at least 40% ABV when bottled. Similarly to scotch whisky, a small amount of caramel coloring can be added to Irish whiskey before bottling to maintain color consistency (something not everyone is fond of).

2. Irish Whiskey Has a Long History

Whiskeys from around the world can trace their heritage to Ireland (although the Scots might beg to differ). The process of distilling the spirit may have been transferred from Ireland to Scotland thanks to traveling monks. According to Master of Malt, these monks were producing something called uisce beatha, which evolved into usquebaugh and then, finally, whisky (without the e).

For most of the hundreds of years that both Ireland and Scotland have been producing whiskey, the Irish product was considered superior. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Irish whiskey was exported around the world, and people quickly developed a taste for the warm flavors produced using the traditional pot still distillation. By 1800, there were more than 1,000 distilleries in Ireland, and Jameson and Power had already established their names as top producers. During this time, the extra ‘e’ was added to whiskey from Ireland in order to set the liquor apart from competitors. By the end of the 19th century, Irish distillers accounted for 70% of the world whiskey market, according to Forbes. 

However, the industry suffered in the years ahead. In the 20th century, producers faced religious abstinence campaigns in Ireland and abroad, two world wars, the Easter Rising, the Irish Civil War, the Great Depression, American Prohibition, and trade wars between Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Scotch whisky boomed thanks to the development of new grain distillation methods, the success of whiskey blends and the growing taste for the spirit abroad. By 1975, there were just two Irish whiskey distillers left.

At this time, Jameson Blended Irish Whiskey became the name with which all Irish whiskey was associated. The triple-distilled blend is made from both pot still and grain whiskeys, giving it a unique taste that was easy to market abroad. This, combined with selective distilling and entrepreneurs who were eager to promote Irish whiskey, led to an Irish whiskey renaissance during the 1990s and 2000s. During these decades, the Irish whiskey market grew by 15 to 20% per year.

Still, Irish whiskey has a long way to go. Irish producers sell a total of 6 million cases a year, whereas Scottish producers sell upwards of 95 million cases a year. But with so many styles and new distilleries popping up all the time, the future is bright for Irish whiskey.

3. There Will Be Many New Brands Soon

There are three big names in Irish whiskey – Jameson (produced at the Midleton distillery), Bushmills in Northern Ireland, and Tullamore D.E.W.  Beyond these three, 20 of the 25 licensed distilleries currently operating in Ireland opened their doors after 2011. The other two distilleries started producing whiskey in 2003 and 2007.

Because many of the Irish whiskey distilleries are so young, finding independently produced, aged Irish whiskey is really difficult. Many distilleries are still aging their first barrels and haven’t even made it to market yet, so they are either sourcing aged whiskey to bottle and sell or making gin or vodka in the meantime.

In addition to the 25 licensed distilleries currently operating in Ireland, a further 24 distilleries plan to begin operation in the next few years. Irish whiskey is making a major comeback, and we’re likely to see plenty of new Irish whiskey brands hit liquor store shelves soon.

4. How to Drink Irish Whiskey

The most traditional way to drink Irish whiskey is neat. Because most producers triple distill, drinking Irish whiskey is a smooth, clean experience. 

To get the most taste out of neat whiskey, first smell the whiskey in your glass two to three times with your mouth open. Then, take a sip and swirl the liquid in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.

If you don’t particularly enjoy the taste, try cutting the liquor with water. This will dilute the alcohol content and open up a new flavor profile. Over time, you’ll likely need less and less water, letting you fully appreciate the warming flavors of the best Irish whiskey.

Finally, Irish whiskeys can also be enjoyed in cocktails. Use an Irish whiskey blend for cocktails with complex flavor profiles, like whiskey sours, and use single malt or single pot still whiskeys for bold cocktails, like Manhattans. 

5. Single Malt is More Expensive Than a Blend

Although rules are meant to be broken, single malt, single pot still and single grain whiskeys all tend to be more expensive than blends. That’s because blends are far less intensive to produce. However, you can find expensive blends that incorporate older whiskeys into the mix.

In general, the older the whiskey is, the more expensive it will generally be. Whiskey is a spirit that tends to get better with age, but there are limits to that concept and older whiskey doesn’t necessarily mean better whiskey.

What’s the Difference Between Irish Whiskey and Scotch Whisky?

Besides the difference in spelling, there’s a lot of overlap between Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky.

In general, Irish whiskey tends to be triple distilled while Scotch whisky is double distilled, but that’s not a hard and fast rule. You’ll certainly find producers practicing triple distillation in Scotland and others practicing double distillation in Ireland.

Traditionally, Irish whiskey was produced exclusively in pot stills. This gave it a very unique, spicy taste. Yet, the process led to the decline of Irish whiskey when Scotch whisky producers began to use column stills. Today, producers in either country use both pot- or column-distilled spirits.

Additionally, the most popular and best-selling Irish whiskeys and Scotch whiskies are blends, but there is a wide range of single malt and single grain whiskeys to enjoy (and single pot still in Ireland).

Finally, Irish distilleries are allowed to add enzymes to the fermentation process in order to better prepare the starches in the mash, per Vinepair’s Irish Whiskey 101. This doesn’t overly impact the taste of the final product. 

Both Irish and Scotch whiskeys can be aged in various types of wooden vessels, including American bourbon barrels, sherry casks and rum barrels. Legally, bourbon can only be aged in new charred oak barrels, so once those are emptied most of them wind up being used to age Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky.

What Are The Best Irish Whiskey Brands?

If you’re ready to invest in some of the best Irish whiskey bottles, we’ve put together a selection of the top brands to help you get in the spirit this St. Patrick’s Day. These can all be ordered on either Drizly.com or Wine.com, two super convenient delivery sites for alcohol brands from around the world. For each option, we’ve even included how we think each one is best enjoyed, be it neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. There are classics, like Bushmills and Jameson, as well as a few lesser-known options to add a bit of variety to your liquor cabinet.

1. Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey

BEST OVERALL

Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey is a triple-distilled whiskey that has been patiently aged in a mix of ex-sherry and bourbon casks. This process gives the whiskey its distinctive smoothness, which has lead to its popularity across the globe. After Jameson, Tullamore Dew is the second most popular Irish whiskey in the world.

Sip this spirit neat and you’ll taste appealing notes of citrus and spice which are a result of the malt and pot-still whiskey used in the blend. While delightful straight or on the rocks, for something a little fresher yet equally delicious, give a Tully & Tonic a try. Throw a splash of whiskey in with some cubed ice, a cut of orange and fill the cup with tonic water.

Buy: Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey $39.99

2. Bushmills Irish Whiskey

BEST BUDGET

If you’re looking for a whiskey with an appealingly rich, warming taste, Bushmills Irish Whiskey could be the right choice for you. You’ll find elements of fresh fruit and vanilla that appeal to your taste buds along with a finishing hint of sweet honey. While the whiskey does find itself falling into the budget-friendly category, it’s not an indication of the whiskey’s quality, which is evident in the fact it’s best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Buy: Bushmills Irish Whiskey $30.79

3. Jameson Irish Whiskey

MOST POPULAR

When it comes to picking out a whiskey for social occasions, it’s hard to steer away from the classics. And there are few more popular options than Jameson Irish Whiskey. The crisp, sippable appeal has truly withstood the test of time as customers continue to return time and again to this classic Irish whiskey.

The recipe includes hints of vanilla, cream and freshly cut grass. Each production is aged for a minimum of four years, resulting in the smooth product. You won’t be sorry if you add a bottle of Jameson to your spirit shelf. Aside from drinking this whiskey neat, it’s also enjoyable when mixed with club soda, ginger ale or more complex cocktails.

Buy: Jameson Irish Whiskey $34.99

4. Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey

BEST CELEBRITY BRAND

Alright, alright, maybe not everyone is a fan of Conor McGregor, but damn — this guy makes one hell of an Irish whiskey. Proper No. Twelve (named after the district of Dublin McGregor is from) is an extra-smooth Irish whiskey that is bourbon-barrel-aged for four whole years. It’s perfect on ice, in a cocktail or as a shot. It doesn’t feel painful in the slightest going down and is palatable for most whiskey lovers.

Buy: Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey $29.99

5. West Cork Original Irish Whiskey

BEST INDEPENDENT DISTILLERY

The West Cork Original Irish Whiskey is a versatile whiskey option which works well for mixing but tastes great neat, too. This blended whiskey is aged in ex-bourbon casks to create a complex flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Taste-wise, you can expect to enjoy notes of buffalo grass, light caramel and poached pear with a finish that includes appealing notes of pepper and orchard fruit.

Buy: West Cork Original Irish Whiskey $62.69

6. Powers Gold Label

BEST FOR COCKTAILS

If your raison d’etre is to find a whiskey best suited to mixing in cocktails, look no further than the Powers Gold Label. At 43.2% ABV, it packs a punch which is accompanied by a strong taste. Further hints of cinnamon, honey, caramel and vanilla add to the bold flavor profile. Additionally, you can look forward to mild hints of spice throughout and a long and creamy finish in this historic blended whiskey.

Buy: Powers Gold Label $32.99

7. Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey

BEST DOUBLE BARREL

By starting the aging process in American bourbon barrels and finishing the process in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks, the Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey offers a complex flavor rarely seen in other Irish whiskeys. In addition to this memorable flavor, your nose will pick up notes of vanilla, white chocolate and buttery fudge, while your palate enjoys caramel and butter with underlying blackberry and marmalade flavors. Thanks to the smoothness of this Glendalough product, this whiskey is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or with a hint of water to balance out the strong flavor profile.

Buy: Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey $39.00

8. Teeling Irish Whiskey Small Batch

BEST SMALL BATCH

The Teeling Irish Whiskey Small Batch is this modern Dublin distillery’s flagship product. The taste, complexity and consistency are aimed at demonstrating what the brand does best. The small batch process allows for hand selection of casks to ensure the resulting flavors are exactly as they should be. The blend is finished in ex-rum barrels to add a unique flavor, and as it’s bottled at 46% ABV, there’s plenty of character to be enjoyed, too. Best enjoyed as it is, expect sweetness, spice and hints of wood in every sip of Teeling Irish Whiskey.

Buy: Teeling Irish Whiskey Small Batch $54.99

9. Writers Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey

EASIEST DRINKING

Writers Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey is an easy-drinking blend of pot still and single malt, which is relatively uncommon in the category. The award-winning spirit sports a bright amber color, complete with a range of appealing aromas, a round body and a rich flavor. All of these elements combined makes it a great go-to choice or easy drinker for any newcomer to the world of whiskey. Taste-wise, this spirit features hints of green apple, caramel, ginger and vanilla all culminating in a fruity finish. Enjoy it neat, mixed or as part of a flavor-filled cocktail.

Buy: Writers Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey $37.99

10. Slane Irish Whiskey

BEST TRIPLE CASKED

This all-black bottle might look a little menacing but don’t be too scared, Slane is delicious. The whiskey undergoes a triple-cask method which means that three different cask types are used to age the components of the blend. The use of virgin oak, Tennessee whiskey barrels, and Oloroso Sherry casks means that the flavor at the end becomes very sleek and rich. We love sipping this stuff solo but feel free to throw a little bit of ice into your glass.

Buy: Slane Irish Whiskey $32.99

11. Knappogue Castle Single Malt Irish Whiskey

BEST SINGLE MALT

As we move into older whiskeys, it should be of little surprise that most offer a much more rewarding sipping experience. This 12-year-old Knappogue Castle Single Malt Irish Whiskey is a great example. It’s distilled in copper pot stills from 100 percent malted barley, and then aged in ex-bourbon barrels for 12 years. The resulting experience is one you’ll adore. Imagine the smell of allspice-flavored biscuits with a hint of honey before your mouth enjoys a bit of fruitiness finished off with a slightly spicy, slightly sweet smoothness. For many, this is the ultimate sipping whiskey.

Read More: Is There Such a Thing as Good Flavored Whiskey?

Buy: Knappogue Castle Single Malt Irish Whiskey $47.99

12. Green Spot Irish Whiskey

BEST POT STILL

Using a combination of malted and unmalted barley, this Green Spot Irish Whiskey has a robust flavor profile much loved by norms and critics alike. It’s aged in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks and delivers aromas of sweet barley, sugar, porridge, peppermint, citrus and more before the spicy and soft flavor even hits your tongue. The taste continues with menthol, potpourri and green woods before a long vanilla-y finish. You’ll be pouring yourself another before you know it. How is it best enjoyed? We recommend straight up or on the rocks so you can savor every last bit.

Buy: Green Spot Irish Whiskey $71.99

13. Redbreast 12 Year

BEST SPLURGE

This Redbreast is another popular 12-year-old whiskey with plenty of fanatical support. It’s stuffed full of flavor which it can attribute to the 12 years spent inside a combination of Oloroso sherry casks and bourbon barrels, collecting its trademark Christmas cake flavor profile. Your palate is truly in for a treat when the spiciness, creaminess and fruitiness of this whiskey hits. Meanwhile, your nose will be kept busy with complex aromas of fruit, spice and toasted wood. Redbreast is another option which is best enjoyed neat, but feel free to add some ice if you like a little chill as you sip.

Buy: Redbreast 12 Year $69.95

14. The Tyrconnell Port Cask Finish

BEST PORT CASK FINISH

The Tyrconnell is a historic brand that has been revitalized in recent years by its parent company Beam Suntory. The whiskey, distilled at the Cooley distillery, is aged for nearly a decade in ex-bourbon barrels before spending a final six to eight months in port pipes from the Duoro Valley in Portugal. This final step layers the vanilla and cream base flavors of the palate with notes of dark fruit, spice, and citrus. Try sipping this neat on a cool night to warm yourself up from the inside out.

Buy: The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey $58.99

15. Waterford Irish Whiskey Single Farm Origin Series

BEST NEWCOMER

Waterford is an Irish distillery that is really focused on terroir in whiskey in a way that no others are doing at the moment. There are several different Single Farm Origin single malt expressions available, each made using barley grown at a single farm to highlight how the terroir affects the whiskey’s flavor. The whiskey is then aged in French and American oak, carefully monitored all the while. If you can, buy a few different bottles and taste side-by-side to really see how they each differ.

Buy: Waterford Irish Whiskey Single Farm Origin Series $96.99

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