

However, as you’ll soon see, there’s no shortage of variety depending on what you’re in the mood for. In addition to that relative lack of bite, Irish whiskey tends to be defined by fruity and floral notes as well as a subtle sweetness. The country’s most notable producers also tend to pride themselves on the “triple-distilled” method which gives Irish whiskey its signature smoothness.
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Many distillers use what is known as a “pot still” (copper pots that are essentially big tea kettles) as opposed to a column, which is a more labor-intensive process but one that tends to produce a more flavorful whiskey. With that said, there are a few traditional techniques harnessed that set Irish whiskey apart. If the liquid (made from a mash of grains or cereals) was distilled in the Republic of Ireland and boasts an ABV of at least 40% (80 proof) after being aged in wood barrels in the country for a minimum of three years, the spirit can be labeled “Irish whiskey” (fun fact: the word “whiskey” is derived from a Gaelic phrase- uisce beatha -that translates to “water of life”). What Is Irish Whiskey?Ĭompared to the fairly strict regulations distillers must follow to legally call their product “bourbon” or “scotch,” producers of Irish whiskey don’t have to adhere to too many rules. However, before we dive into things, it’s probably worth explaining what sets the category apart from the rest of the pack and what you can generally expect. Over the past decade or so, whiskey has experienced a huge surge in popularity that has also been accompanied by a noticeable surge in the prices of some of the most sought-after bottles on the market-especially when it comes to bourbon and the fantastic spirits being distilled in Japan.Īs a big Whiskey Guy, I’ve assembled a bar filled with bottles from regions all around the world, and I’ve noticed there’s one country that’s been largely immune from a spike in price despite being the origin of some of my favorite offerings on the globe: Ireland.Īt the risk of blowing up my own spot, I decided to put together a list of some of the best Irish whiskey on the market right now-many of which don’t get the attention they deserve. We put together a list of 13 bottles every whiskey lover should try in 2021.If you’re looking for the best Irish whiskey to add to your bar, you’ve come to the right place.
