Your Guide to Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey has a long history and today, it's one of the fastest-growing styles of whiskey worldwide. Irish whiskey captivates enthusiasts with its distinct flavours, ranging from the complex singlepot still whiskeys to the lighter, sweeter grain varieties. Our guide will take you through the production process, different whiskey styles and the best ways to enjoy Irish whiskey

What is Irish Whiskey?

Irish whiskey is a distilled spirit from Ireland. Made primarily from barley, the spirit is aged in wooden casks for at least three years. To be classified as Irish whiskey, it must be produced in Ireland and undergo a triple distillation process. This process results in a smoother, lighter taste compared to other whiskies, such as Scotch.

A Brief History of Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when Irish monks first began distilling spirits. These early spirits were made from malted barley and were known for their high quality and purity.

By the 16th and 17th centuries, the Irish whiskey industry began to grow as distillation techniques improved and demand for whiskey increased. By the early 19th century, Irish whiskey became the most popular spirit in the world, with over a thousand distilleries operating in Ireland.

However, by the late 19th century, the industry faced challenges. In an effort to preserve Irish whiskey, several major distilleries merged to form the Irish Distillers Group. This helped Ireland compete on the global stage and ultimately saved Irish whiskey from fading away.

What is Irish Whiskey Made From?

Irish whiskey is made from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley. Here’s how the process works:

1. Mashing: The barley is mashed with hot water to create a sugary liquid known as "wort".
   
   

2. Fermentation: Yeast is added to the wort, which converts the sugars into alcohol in a process called fermentation, creating a liquid known as "wash".
   
   

3. Distillation: The wash is then distilled three times in copper pot stills, which results in a spirit with a higher alcohol content and a smoother, more refined taste.

While most Irish whiskey is made using traditional copper pot stills, some producers use column stills, which are more commonly used in Scotch whiskey production. Column stills produce a high-proof spirit with a neutral flavour profile but are less common in Irish whiskey production.

Different Styles of Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey comes in four main styles:

Pot Still Whiskey

Single-pot still whiskey is a unique Irish style that originated in the 18th century. The British Crown tried to impose a tax on malted barley, so Irish producers started using unmalted barley as a part of the whiskey-making process. This led to the creation of single-pot still whiskey, a blend of malted and unmalted barley with a minimum of 30% of each.

Single-pot still whiskey is known for its full-bodied, complex flavours and creamy mouthfeel. This style can be double or triple distilled, but most single-pot still whiskeys are triple distilled. 

Grain Whiskey

Single grain whiskey is typically made from corn, wheat or rye, with corn being the most common grain used in Irish production. This whiskey is usually distilled in a column still, resulting in a lighter, sweeter and more neutral flavour profile compared to other types of whiskey. Single grain whiskeys are generally light to medium-bodied with hints of sweetness and sometimes a smoky aroma.

Blended Whiskey

Blended Irish whiskey is made by combining two or more types of whiskey, such as single malt, single-pot still and grain whiskey. The blending process allows master blenders to create a smooth, balanced whiskey that is accessible and affordable.

Married or Finished Whiskey

Some Irish whiskeys, such as Redbreast, are made by marrying different whiskeys that are all pot still. That can also be finished in various casks, such as ex-bourbon barrels or sherry casks, to create unique flavour profiles. 

What is the Best Irish Whiskey?

There are several well-established Irish whiskey brands known for their quality and distinctive flavours:

Jameson: 

One of the most famous Irish whiskey brands, known for its smoothness and versatility. Jameson is typically a blend of pot still and grain whiskeys.

Bushmills: 

A historic brand from Northern Ireland, known for its smooth and approachable taste.

Tullamore Dew: 

A well-regarded brand offering a smooth, triple-distilled whiskey with hints of vanilla and spice.

Redbreast: 

A single-pot still whiskey that has gained a popular following due to its rich complexity and the unique way it’s finished in different casks.

Teeling Whiskey: 

A newer brand founded in 2012, known for producing high-quality single malts and blended whiskeys.

These brands, alongside newer entries such as Teeling, continue to shape Irish whiskey.

How to Drink Irish Whiskey

When it comes to enjoying Irish whiskey, there’s a spectrum, ranging from the casual shot to sipping it neat in a fine tasting glass. The way you choose to drink your whiskey can deeply impact your experience and appreciation of it. Here's how to enjoy Irish whiskey to its fullest:

Neat in a Tasting Glass

The best way to drink Irish whiskey if you want to fully appreciate its complexity is to serve it neat in a nosing glass, such as a Glencairn. This type of glass allows you to warm the whiskey slightly by holding it in your hand, concentrating the aromas around the rim. The aroma plays an important part in the tasting experience and sipping the whiskey slowly lets you enjoy the different flavours as they unfold.

The Common Glass in Ireland

On the other hand, in Ireland, whiskey is often served in a smaller, more casual rocks glass. This may seem more relaxed, but it still offers a great way to sip and enjoy the whiskey.

The Role of Water

Some prefer to add a drop of water to their whiskey to open up the flavours and aromas. This isn't a requirement, but it’s a technique that can help you explore the full profile of the whiskey. It’s completely up to you, but as a personal preference, many whiskey enthusiasts feel that adding water can release deeper complexities in older whiskeys.

Shots or Sipping

While shots are fun for certain occasions, they are not the best way to experience a quality whiskey that has aged for many years. It's best to save the shots for spirits that have never seen the inside of a barrel. Whiskey should be savoured slowly and thoughtfully, allowing its rich history and flavours to unfold with every sip.

Drinking Irish Whiskey in Cocktails

If you're in the mood for a cocktail, Irish whiskey can be a fantastic base for many drinks, such as an Irish coffee or a whiskey sour. You can also enjoy it on the rocks or mixed with a soft drink. 

The Resurgence of Irish Whiskey

In recent years, Irish whiskey has experienced a resurgence and is now the fastest-growing style of whiskey globally. This is partly due to the opening of new distilleries around Ireland, with more than 40 operational distilleries as of today. The industry is continuing to grow, with even more distilleries in planning and construction stages.

Irish Whiskey at Lochs of Whisky

At Lochs of Whisky, we offer a carefully curated selection of Irish whiskeys. This includes well-known brands such as Jameson, Redbreast and Teeling, alongside rare finds and limited editions. For more insights and recommendations and to explore our full range, visit our website. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re looking for a specific bottle or need expert advice on finding the perfect Irish whiskey for your collection. If you're interested in exploring whiskies from other countries, be sure to check out our complete guide to Japanese whisky.