Lifestyle

10 best Irish whiskies


Despite Ireland being the very first distillers in the British Isles, Irish whiskey sadly often lives in the shadow of the better-known Scotch.

Far from its 19th century fame (in which Irish whiskies towered over their Scottish rivals), Ireland’s whiskey history endured years of suffering to the point of almost extinction.

But now business in booming again, with distilleries old and new popping up all over the Emerald isle.

But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know which bottles are worth the big bucks – and when it’s worth simply sticking to good old Jamesons.

To help you choose where to put your money, we’ve rounded up the 10 best Irish whiskies right now, whether you’re picking up a bottle for you or a special present for your whiskey-loving loved ones.

1. Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition

A new addition to the game – but an impressive one at that

Trusty Jameson have recently launched two new flavours of their famous whiskey for their loyal following, called “caskmates”, which includes new Jameson whiskey variants matured in Irish craft beer-seasoned barrels: Stout and IPA.

A marriage between old and new, Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition is a complex, balanced whiskey, with the typically Irish initial sweet mouth coating quickly complemented by a subtle touch of hops and cocoa beans from the beer cask finish.

ABV: 40%

Get it from Amazon for £20

2. Method and Madness single malt

One of the highest alcohol contents of the lot

The powerhouse of Irish distilling, Midleton distillery boasts an impressive history and reputation, but their Method and Madness single malt is quite unlike any other.

A new experimental tipple, this is both the first Irish single malt from Midleton in a long time, and a unique twist on a celebrated classic.

Fruity and honeyed, this distinct drink is enhanced with French Limousin oak, that’s normally used to age Cognac.

ABV: 46%

Get it from The Whisky Exchange for £69.95

3. Green Spot single pot

A famously good choice – with a lot of history behind it

A critic favourite, Green Spot has come a long way from where it started, originally only being sold in Mitchell’s grocer shop in the heart of Dublin.

Now, the single pot whiskey boasts notes of vanilla and mint, heavy on the oak, thanks to being matured in both bourbon and sherry casks.

ABV: 40%

Get it from Amazon for £37.49

4. Bushmills 16 year old single malt whiskey

Perhaps slightly less famous than Jamesons – but with a much heftier price tag

When you ask most people to name an Irish whiskey, chances are they’ll come out with either Jameson or Bushmills.

Being a world-renowned whiskey, we expected nothing less than this from Bushmills, who have expertly created a robust, complex drink with a very distinctive ruby red colour, thanks to being matured in casks from three different wood types, before finishing in port wine barrel.

ABV: 40%

Get it from Amazon for £74.50

5. Redbreast 12-year old

A whisky that tastes like Christmas cake

While notes and aromas are taste points mostly associated with experts, there’s no denying the impeccable taste of this classic Irish number.

The Christmas cake of whiskies, the 12-year old Redbreast boats unmistakable notes, being rich, spicy and full of dried red fruit.

ABV: 40%

Get it from Amazon for £35.99

 

6. Slane Irish Whiskey

You may recognise the signature bottle

If you’re a fan of bourbons, this is the drink for you, with Slane being made by Kentucky’s own Brown family.

Made in Ireland’s Boyne valley, the drink marries traditional Irish craftsmanship with innovations like its signature Triple Casked maturation process, all wrapped up in a striking black bottle to highlight its distinctive flavor and unconventional approach.

ABV: 40%

Get it from Asda for £30

7. Jameson Irish Whiskey

Can you beat a classic?

The world’s most popular Irish whiskey, thanks to its soaring demand, whiskey fans rarely include Jamesons in the craft canon.

But if you take away the double-edged sword of success, Jamesons is still arguably the most famous Irish whiskey brand out there for good reason, whether you’re sipping it slowly on ice or mixing it in with a cocktail.

ABV: 40%

Get it from Asda for £18

8. Writers Tears Pot Still blend

A top choice – and not too pricey

Famed whiskey critic Jim Murray gave this number an impressive 93 points, a throwback to the last century thanks to its beautifully blended combination of pure pot still and malt whiskeys.

However unlike other blends it does not contain and grain whiskey, which is seemingly an accolade-winning technique, with this number also winning best Irish Blend Under €50 in the 2013 Irish Whiskey Awards, as well as Jim Murray’s approval.

ABV: 40%

Get it from Amazon for £34.79

9.  Teeling Small Batch

Great for cocktails

Despite being a solid option in its own right, Teeling Whiskey has also made a bit of a name for itself for pairing up well with other drinks for cocktails – especially those on the tangy side.

A self-proclaimed progressive company that’s apparently looking to the future with one eye on the past, Teeling also recently opened up Dublin’s first new whiskey distillery in 125 years – a heartwarming occasion for the city which once a world whiskey distilling capital.

ABV: 46%

Get it from Amazon for £33

Read More

Best wines and spirits

10. Connemara 12 Year Old Peated

An experience in itself – this is one for the professionals

One for more advanced palates, this is a smokey, peated whiskey that’s both double-distilled and a single malt – a rarity in the whiskey world.

A well-crafted take on a peated single malt, it’s won numerous international plaudits, and is notable for its individuality – but certainly isn’t for everyone.

ABV: 40%

Get it from Master of Malt for £59.95





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.