Irish Whiskey

Flagship

Midleton (Cork), Bushmills (Antrim), Dublin, Kilbeggan (Westmeath), Dingle (Kerry), Royal Oak (Carlow)

Famous For

ABV40-60%. Most expressions at 40-46%. Cask-strength releases (Redbreast 12 CS, Writers' Tears Cask Strength) reach 55-60%.

Tasting Notes

Honey, vanilla, orchard fruit (apple, pear), cream, malt, pot still spice (white pepper, ginger), green apple, tropical fruit, toffee, toasted grain, biscuit. Single pot still adds a distinctive oily spiciness from the unmalted barley. Blends lean toward light and honeyed. Single malt Irish is more fruity and malty than its Scotch cousin — the triple distillation smooths everything.

Brand Guide

Well

Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W., Paddy ($20-25)

Call

Powers Gold Label, Bushmills Black Bush, Kilbeggan ($28-38)

Premium

Redbreast 12, Green Spot, Bushmills 16, Writers' Tears ($45-70)

Top Shelf

Redbreast 15/21, Yellow Spot, Midleton Very Rare ($80-200+). Jameson is the gateway — 80%+ of Irish whiskey sold in the US. Know it, respect it, but know what's above it

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The Story

Triple-distilled patience in a glass.

Drinks with Irish Whiskey(13)