Irish whiskey is a deep and interesting part of the whiskey industry, with plenty of aces up its sleeve. Whether you’re looking for classic triple-distilled styles that are approachable and flavorful, or something a little more against the grain, and all for a good price, this is the list to look at.
The Dalmore Concludes Cask Curation Series with $47k Madeira Cask Edition
READ THE STORYYeats Irish Whiskey, The Lake Isle of Innisfree, 43%, £77/$100 – Gold Medal Winner
A limited release of 4,000 bottles, this combines Irish single grain and triple-distilled Irish single malt whiskeys, initially matured in ex-bourbon casks. After that initial aging process, the whiskey is finished in ex-ruby port casks to add a darker, richer profile to the final release.
This release does contain a small amount of peated barley in the vatting, but it’s very subtle. Above that, you’re getting vanilla, cinnamon, raspberries, dark chocolate, and honey. It’s an interesting new release with poetry and history at its heart, reaching across different parts of Ireland’s past.
Trending Content
Titanic Distillers 5 Year Old Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 46%, £36/$48 – Gold Medal Winner
A classic pot still style, this time from Northern Ireland. Matured solely in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 46% ABV, this has all the hallmarks of classic pot still whiskey on the nose: butter, freshly baked bread, creamy cheesecake, and baked vanilla.
The taste is a little more spice-led, for all the right reasons. It’s ginger and cinnamon, with more of those creamy butter and vanilla notes. The single pot still whiskey market is occupied by some very large players, but this is a great quality example from a smaller distillery that certainly deserves some attention.
Teeling Black Pitts Peated Single Malt, 46%, £60/$80 – Gold Medal Winner
Peated barley isn’t as rare in Irish whiskey as you might think, but more brands are choosing to use it and release it as a standalone product. Inspired by the Blackpitts area of Dublin, this is a triple-distilled, 46% ABV, natural color, and non-chill filtered expression from Teeling.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The peated character does bring those classic BBQ aromas and burnt earth smells, but the taste is still about dark honey, baked vanilla, grilled pineapple, and smoked meats. A deliberately different and interesting bottle of Irish whiskey.
Teeling Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46%, £50/$66 – Double Gold Medal Winner
Let’s dive into some extreme but much-respected cask influences with this one. Matured in Virgin American Oak, Ruby Port, Caravelos White Port, Madeira, and Bourbon casks, the final liquid is an absolute masterclass in how to bring very powerful flavors into balance.
The nose is all about tropical fruit and dark chocolate. It’s a rich, alluring, and wondrous way to start a whiskey experience. The finish is all passionfruit, which is something I’ve only ever experienced with one other whisky in my life, and that was very old and very expensive.
West Cork 7 Year Old Irish Single Malt, 46.5%, £40/$52 – Double Gold Medal Winner
Matured in ex-sherry casks and then finished in ex-bourbon casks, this is a showcase of rich, chewy indulgence on all fronts. This single malt is all about chocolate, cherry, brown sugar, espresso, and milk chocolate.
It’s a true dessert alternative that could easily replace a heavily sherried single malt or a choice of Cognac, while still bringing its own stunning Irish charm.
Dingle Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46%, £48/$64 – Gold Medal Winner
A combination of ex-bourbon, ex-oloroso, and ex-Pedro Ximénez cask influences, Dingle has been crafting its own unique path as an Irish single malt.
It has all the hallmarks of those cask influences, with vanilla, raisins, and nuts, but there are always these wonderful notes of fresh citrus in every Dingle whiskey that I’ve tried. Fresh lime weaves its way through rich caramel, a touch of sea salt, raspberry, and honey. All of these notes are present, especially in this core expression.
Irish Whiskey Worth Paying Attention To
Irish whiskey has much of its strength in the larger brands and well-known bottles we’ve all seen behind every bar. These selections, even when they come from more familiar names like Teeling, still have an independent nature to them.
The rest of these brands are sailing the same sea as those huge names, not just in Ireland, but globally. These are exceptionally made products, supported by love, energy, and passion.
