IRISH WHISKEY
Silky, Spirited, and Steeped in Story
Irish whiskey is renowned for its smoothness, elegance, and rich heritage. Distilled on the Emerald Isle and shaped by centuries of craftsmanship, Irish whiskey offers a lighter, often fruitier profile than its Scottish or American counterparts. Once the most popular spirit in the world, it experienced a dramatic decline in the 20th century—only to be reborn through a new wave of traditional and craft producers. Today, Irish whiskey is celebrated for its easy-drinking style, complex pot still character, and rising global influence.
Key Characteristics
Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled for extra smoothness, often using both malted and unmalted barley. It must be made in Ireland and aged in wooden casks for a minimum of three years. Many expressions are known for being light, floral, and slightly sweet, though pot still and peated versions offer deeper complexity.
Style
Single malt, single pot still, blended, single grain
Body
Light to medium
Texture
Silky, smooth, soft; some styles are creamy or oily
Primary Grains
Malted barley, unmalted barley, wheat, corn
Typical Flavors
Green apple, honey, biscuit, vanilla, spice, dried fruit, light citrus, cereal grain
Origin & History
Irish whiskey dates back to at least the 12th century, making it one of the oldest recorded distilled spirits in Europe. It dominated global markets in the 1800s, but war, trade disruption, and Prohibition nearly destroyed the industry by the mid-20th century. A few distilleries kept the tradition alive, and in recent decades, a new wave of distillers and innovators has led to a renaissance—making Ireland one of the fastest-growing whiskey producers in the world today.
How It’s Made
Most Irish whiskeys are triple-distilled in copper pot stills for exceptional smoothness. Single pot still whiskey—a uniquely Irish style—uses a mix of malted and unmalted barley for a creamy, spicy character. The spirit is aged in oak casks for at least three years, with many aged much longer. Ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks are common, though some use rum, wine, or fortified wine barrels for added complexity.
Notable Styles
Irish whiskey is defined by technique and tradition, with several key expressions.
Blended Irish Whiskey
A mix of grain and pot still or malt whiskey; smooth, accessible, and widely available
Single Pot Still
Made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley at one distillery; rich, spicy, creamy
Single Malt
100% malted barley at one distillery; fruity, floral, elegant
Single Grain
Lighter, column-distilled whiskey made with corn or wheat; subtle and soft
Peated Irish Whiskey
Less common, but offers smoky, earthy depth
Cask-Finished
Aged or finished in fortified wine, rum, or wine barrels for added complexity
Cocktail Pairings
Irish whiskey’s smoothness and approachability make it a favorite in both classic and modern cocktails.
Classic Cocktails
Irish Coffee, Whiskey Ginger, Tipperary, Irish Manhattan
Modern Mixes
Honeyed Whiskey Sour, Irish Gold Rush, Green Apple Highball, Spiced Pear Fizz
Food Pairings
Irish whiskey pairs well with buttery, roasted, or spiced fare—and shines alongside baked goods and cheeses.
With Savory
Roast chicken, shepherd’s pie, pork belly, creamy mashed potatoes
With Cheese
Dubliner, aged gouda, cheddar, Brie
With Dessert
Bread pudding, apple tart, shortbread, whiskey cream chocolates
How to Serve It
Glassware
Tumbler, Glencairn, or stemmed whiskey glass
Temperature
Room temperature; a splash of water can open up delicate aromas
Storage
Store upright in a cool, dark place. Open bottles last for years if sealed tightly.
Fun Fact
The uniquely Irish "single pot still" style came about as a way to avoid 18th-century taxes on malted barley—by using unmalted barley, distillers created a style that became a national hallmark.
Try This If You Like
Bourbon
For sweetness
Scotch
If seeking a softer, fruitier version
Blended Canadian whisky
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of Irish whiskey, from traditional pot still expressions to innovative cask finishes.
Green Spot
A historic single pot still whiskey from the Mitchell family, known for its vibrant fruit, creamy texture, and rich Irish heritage.
Redbreast
A benchmark in the pot still category, delivering deeply layered, sherry-aged whiskies like the beloved 12 Year with exceptional balance and depth.
Teeling
A modern Dublin distillery leading Ireland’s whiskey revival, producing bold, cask-finished expressions like the Small Batch with energy and innovation.
Recommended Pours
Green Spot - Pot Still Whiskey — A vibrant single pot still whiskey with orchard fruit, toasted grain, and a creamy, spicy finish.
Redbreast - Irish Whiskey 12yr — A beloved, sherried pot still whiskey offering rich notes of dried fruit, nuts, and warming spice with silky depth.
Teeling - Irish Whiskey Small Batch — A bold and approachable blend finished in rum casks, bringing tropical fruit, vanilla, and a smooth, lively character.