Once overshadowed by its Scottish counterpart, Irish whiskey has reclaimed its rightful place in the global spirits market, thanks in part to iconic brands like Jameson, Bushmills, and Redbreast. These brands have become household names, offering a range of expressions that cater to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs.

For the true aficionados, the allure of Irish whiskey extends beyond the popular labels to the realm of ultra-aged bottles. Collectors often seek out rarities like Teeling 32-Year-Old Single Malt, a limited release that’s part of Teeling’s Very Rare Casks Collection. These aged bottles are not just spirits; they’re liquid history, capturing the essence of a bygone era in each sip.

Whether you’re a novice exploring the world of spirits or a seasoned collector on the hunt for the next prized bottle, Irish whiskey offers a diverse landscape of flavors, ages, and styles. From the triple-distilled smoothness of Jameson to the complex single malts of Bushmills, there’s something for every palate.

So, pour yourself a dram and embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of Irish whiskey. Cheers!

What is the Most Popular Irish Whiskey?

Jameson holds the crown as the most popular Irish whiskey, not just in Ireland but globally. It comfortably sits atop the sales charts, leaving competitors like Tullamore Dew and Bushmills trailing behind.

In terms of sales volume, Tullamore Dew comes in a distant second with 1.5 million cases sold, while Bushmills sold 821,500 cases in 2019. Even newcomers like Proper No. Twelve, backed by MMA legend Conor McGregor, haven’t come close to dethroning Jameson.

Why is Jameson So Popular?

Several factors contribute to Jameson’s widespread acclaim. First, it’s incredibly versatile. Its smooth, triple-distilled character makes it a popular choice for cocktails, especially when mixed with ginger ale.

Second, the brand has been successful in marketing itself as the quintessential Irish whiskey, synonymous with the country’s culture and traditions. Lastly, its affordability and accessibility make it a go-to option for both whiskey novices and aficionados.

So, whether you’re sipping it neat or enjoying it in a cocktail, Jameson continues to be the Irish whiskey of choice for many, cementing its status as the reigning champion in the market.

Top 10 Irish Whiskey Brands

1. Jameson Original

Best Overall Irish Whiskey | ABV: 40%

Jameson Original is the flagship product of the Jameson brand and stands as a testament to why this Irish whiskey is so universally adored. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%, it strikes a perfect balance between potency and drinkability. Triple-distilled and aged for a minimum of four years, this blend of pot still and fine grain whiskeys offers a smooth, mellow experience that has become the brand’s hallmark.

The whiskey’s flavor profile is a delightful mix of nutty, spicy, and vanilla notes, making it incredibly versatile. It’s equally enjoyable when sipped neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation of classic cocktails like the Irish Mule or Whiskey Sour.

2. Redbreast 15 Year Old

Best Runner Up to Jameson | ABV: 46%

Redbreast 15 Year Old is a single pot still Irish whiskey made at Midleton Distillery. Aged in bourbon and sherry casks, it offers a rich palate with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and spice. It’s a step above its 12-year-old sibling in complexity, making it a top pick for those seeking a superior drinking experience. The whiskey’s intricate flavor profile makes it ideal for sipping neat or as the base in a sophisticated cocktail. Its nuanced layers reveal themselves gradually, offering a rewarding experience for the discerning palate.

3. Teeling 32-Year-Old Single Malt

Best Ultra-Aged Irish Whiskey | ABV: 53.7%

This ultra-aged single malt comes from Dublin’s Teeling Distillery. It spent 28 years in bourbon barrels and was re-casked into a Portuguese purple muscat French oak cask for another four years. A rare find, it’s part of Teeling’s Very Rare Casks Collection. With less than 300 bottles released, this whiskey is a collector’s dream. Its long maturation process results in a complex flavor profile that’s both unique and unforgettable.

4. Bushmills 21 Year

Best Single Malt Irish Whiskey | ABV: 40%

Bushmills 21 Year is a single malt from Northern Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery. Aged in bourbon and sherry casks, it’s then finished in Madeira barrels. The result is a rich palate featuring notes of fig, spiced apple, lemon, and buttery caramel. This whiskey is a testament to the craftsmanship at Bushmills, blending tradition with innovation to create a truly exceptional spirit.

5. Method and Madness Single Grain

Best Single Grain Irish Whiskey | ABV: 46%

This whiskey is made from a mashbill of 96% corn and 4% malted barley. Aged for eight years in American oak, it’s finished in virgin Spanish oak for a final year. It offers notes of almond, toast, citrus, and caramel. Its unique maturation process adds an extra layer of complexity, making it a must-try for those who appreciate the subtleties of single grain whiskey.

6. Glendalough 7 Year Old Mizunara Cask

Best Cask-Finished Irish Whiskey | ABV: 46%

Glendalough claims to be the first Irish whiskey brand to use mizunara oak. Aged for seven years in bourbon barrels and a few months in mizunara oak, it offers notes of chocolate, cedar, incense, and fruit. This whiskey is a bold experiment in cask finishing, and the mizunara oak adds an exotic twist that sets it apart from its peers.

7. Keeper’s Heart Whiskey Irish + Bourbon

Best Irish-American Blend Whiskey | ABV: 46%

This blend combines bourbon, pot still, and grain whiskey. Each is at least four years old, resulting in a flavor profile that includes vanilla, oak, spice, and orchard fruit. It’s a harmonious blend that bridges the gap between Irish and American whiskey traditions, offering the best of both worlds.

8. High N’ Wicked The Wild Rover

Best Cask Strength Irish Whiskey | ABV: 58.7%

This cask strength Irish whiskey is matured in bourbon barrels and finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. It offers notes of sweet, spice, and dried fruit. With an ABV of 58.7%, it’s a robust choice for those who prefer their whiskey undiluted, allowing for a fuller appreciation of its complex flavors.

9. Waterford Whisky Gaia Organic 2.1

Best Newcomer Irish Whiskey | ABV: 50%

Waterford is a newcomer focusing on the concept of terroir in whiskey. Gaia Organic 2.1 is made using organic barley from six farms and aged in a combination of American and French oak barrels. It’s a groundbreaking entry in the Irish whiskey scene, challenging traditional notions of what Irish whiskey can be.

10. Writers’ Tears Copper Pot

Best Irish Whiskey Under $50 | ABV: 40%

This blend from Walsh Whiskey is unique, combining pot still and single malt whiskey. It’s triple distilled, unpeated, and matured in American oak casks, offering complexity and depth at an affordable price point. It’s a hidden gem in the world of Irish whiskey, proving that quality doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag.

Which Irish Whiskey is the Smoothest?

When it comes to smoothness, Redbreast 15-Year-Old stands out as a favorite among Irish whiskey connoisseurs. This whiskey is triple-distilled and aged for 15 years, offering a complex but accessible experience.

It’s fermented from a blend of malted and unmalted barley, and aged in two types of wood: former bourbon barrels and sherry casks. This dual maturation process adds layers of caramel sweetness and fruity notes, balanced by the original grain’s maltiness.

The finish is long, making the entire sipping experience as smooth as one could imagine. With an ABV of 46%, it’s robust enough to hold its own, yet smooth enough to be enjoyed neat.

While it comes with a premium price tag, the first sip will convince you that it’s worth the investment. If you’re looking for the epitome of smoothness in Irish whiskey, Redbreast 15-Year-Old is a top contender.

So, Where Is Irish Whiskey Heading?

As the Irish whiskey industry continues to flourish, a new wave of distilleries is entering the market, each bringing their unique twist to this age-old spirit. Brands like Waterford Whisky and Roe & Co. have recently made their debut, challenging traditional norms and introducing innovative techniques.

Waterford, for instance, focuses on the concept of terroir, tracing the origin of each bottle back to individual farms. This level of detail adds a new layer of complexity and storytelling to the whiskey experience.

The industry is also embracing sustainability, with distilleries investing in eco-friendly practices and organic ingredients. This aligns well with the global trend towards sustainable and responsible consumption. Moreover, the rise of craft distilleries is pushing the boundaries of flavor profiles, experimenting with different grains, yeasts, and maturation processes.

In summary, the Irish whiskey industry is on an upward trajectory, fueled by a blend of tradition and innovation. As new brands continue to emerge, offering fresh perspectives and flavors, the future looks bright for this beloved spirit.

Whether you’re a casual enthusiast or a dedicated collector, now is an exciting time to explore the ever-expanding world of Irish whiskey.

Cheers to what lies ahead!