Since the 1990’s Irish Whiskey has been gaining ever increasing popularity among liquor drinkers and thus, there are more people than ever trying Irish whiskey.  As a result, there are now more selections on the market than ever before.

Irish Whiskey has a much more silky or smooth finish than other whiskeys, which is one major reason for its increasing popularity.  There is less alcohol burn when drinking than with other types of whiskey.

Each Irish whiskey has its own unique flavour and may be produced in several different ways (see The Styles of Irish Whiskey from March 12^th).  How do you decide which whiskey is best for you?  Below are some suggestions based on my own experiences to help get you started.  In this list are whiskeys that are commonly available in liquor stores with a price point under $100. However, discovering your ultimate favourite will require you trying several different ones in order to find your preference of style and flavour. 

Jameson Irish Whiskey ($42 CDN)

Like many, this was my introduction to Irish Whiskey.

The aroma has floral notes, such as honeyed fruits and cut grass. The taste contains hints of fresh fruit such as pears and apples. The finish has hints of honey and spices.

Jameson may be enjoyed with a few drops of water or mixed with a bit of lemon juice.

Bushmills 10 Year Old ($57 CDN)

Bushmills is one of the most prominent distilleries in the Emerald Isle, specifically Northern Ireland. Bushmills 10 Year Old, uses 100% malted barley.

The nose contains hints of banana skins and butter mint with lots of sugar and vanilla. The palate has a lot of fruity notes.

Writers Tears Copper Pot ($55 CDN)

Writers Tears is a smooth and easy-to-drink whiskey. It is made using a combination of single malt and single pot still which produces a variety of fruity notes.  There are flavours of honey, vanilla, and fruit.

Green Spot ($85 CDN)

Produced by Mitchell & Son, alongside Yellow Spot and Red Spot, this pot still whiskey is my personal favourite. This Irish pot still whiskey is an easy-to-drink spirit, made using both unmalted barley and malted barley.

The nose has hints of apples with tastes of butterscotch, vanilla, and honey on the finish and is aged in a blend of first and second-fill Bourbon casks and sherry casks.

The Sexton Single Malt ($50 CDN)

This whiskey is crafted using 100% Irish malted barley and aged four years in sherry casks for a uniquely smooth finish. There are notes of dried fruit, nuts and honeycomb.

The Sexton is a bright golden spirit with aromas of toffee, marzipan, citrus, allspice and hints of dark chocolate. The taste has notes of dried fruit, a direct result of ageing in Oloroso Sherry casks.  The finish is smooth and supple with a hint of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Although any of these whiskeys provide a good starting point there are many other great ones out there waiting for you to discover.

Sláinte mhaith