Are you looking for the best Irish whiskey brands?
Irish whiskey is known for its smooth, mellow flavor and is one of the most popular types of whiskey worldwide. In recent years, Irish whiskey has experienced a resurgence in popularity and has been recognized as some of the best whiskey in the world.
Today, we will discover the best Irish whiskey brands currently available in the market. We will learn more about the rich history of each brand, explore the intricate production methods used and savor the diverse flavor profiles.
RELATED READ:
Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey aficionado or a casual imbiber seeking to broaden your horizons, this guide will equip you with all the knowledge necessary to select the ideal Irish whiskey to suit your palate.
Things you'll find in this article
12 Best Irish Whiskey Brands
1. Jameson Whiskey
View this post on Instagram
The Jameson brand of Irish whiskey has been a consumer favorite since it was first introduced in the 18th century. The whiskey is triple-distilled for smoothness and then matured in oak casks; the malted and unmalted barley are blended.
Malted barley, which contributes sweetness, and unmalted barley, which contributes distinctive spice notes, work together to create the brand’s signature smooth and sweet taste.
Jameson has made a name for itself thanks to its reliability and its ability to satisfy a variety of tastes. It works well in classic cocktails like Irish Coffee and is often drunk neat or on the rocks.
2. Bushmills Whiskey
View this post on Instagram
One of the oldest whiskey factories in the world, Bushmills Whiskey has been producing its famous Irish whiskey since 1608. Whiskey is produced by fermenting malted barley with yeast in water, and then through three distillation processes and aging in wood barrels.
This brand is well-known for its distinctively mild taste that combines honey, vanilla, and citrus. Bushmills is known for its diverse whiskey selection, which includes the original Bushmills, the Black Bush, and the 10-year-old Single Malt.
A worldwide favorite among whiskey connoisseurs thanks to the brand’s unwavering dedication to quality and history.
3. Connemara Whiskey
View this post on Instagram
Introduced in 1995, Connemara Whiskey is a popular brand of Irish whiskey. Its signature smokiness comes from the use of peat during the malting process. Flavors of honey, vanilla, and fruit emerge after the whiskey has been double-distilled and matured in wood casks.
The brand’s distinctive Connemara Peated Single Malt is a favorite among whiskey aficionados, but the brand provides a wide variety of whiskies. To honor the region’s rich peat bogs and smokey heritage, Connemara Whiskey takes its name from the wild Connemara peninsula in western Ireland.
4. Teeling Whiskey
View this post on Instagram
The illustrious Teeling family, with a rich legacy in the Irish whiskey industry, established the Teeling Whiskey brand in 2012.
The brand has gained a reputation for its ingenious method of crafting whiskey, which involves incorporating distinctive cask finishes such as rum, port, and Madeira to produce multifaceted and delectable whiskies.
The Teeling Whiskey undergoes a meticulous double-distillation process and is then aged in a harmonious blend of ex-bourbon and ex-wine casks. This results in a delectably smooth and well-balanced flavor profile that boasts delightful hints of vanilla, fruit, and spice.
The brand’s unwavering dedication to excellence and ingenuity has endeared it to both whiskey aficionados and critics alike.
5. Kilbeggan Whiskey
View this post on Instagram
One of the oldest continuously functioning distilleries in the world, Kilbeggan Whiskey is an Irish whiskey brand that has been creating whiskey since 1757.
The whiskey is double-distilled and matured in wood casks from a mixture of malted barley, unmalted barley, and a touch of other grains. The brand’s signature flavor combines honey, vanilla, and spice for an appealing and familiar taste.
Kilbeggan’s hallmark Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey and Kilbeggan Single Grain are two of the several whiskies offered by the company; both have earned numerous honors for their quality and flavor. Because of its long history and dedication to age-old methods, this whiskey is widely considered the gold standard of Irish liquor.
6. Tullamore D.E.W. Whiskey
View this post on Instagram
Established in 1829 in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland, Tullamore D.E.W. Whiskey is a popular brand of Irish whiskey. Using a mixture of grain whiskey, malt whiskey, and pot still whiskey that has been triple-distilled and matured in both bourbon and sherry casks, the whiskey is produced. Honey, vanilla, fruit, and spices all play a role in the brand’s signature flavor.
Numerous honors have been bestowed upon the various whiskies produced by Tullamore D.E.W., including the Tullamore D.E.W.
Original, the Tullamore D.E.W. 12-Year-Old Special Reserve, and the Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix. One of the most well-known and respected Irish whiskeys in the world thanks to its long tradition and dedication to excellence.
7. Redbreast Whiskey
View this post on Instagram
Jameson Distillery launched production of its Redbreast Whiskey brand in 1903. Triple-distilled and matured in both used bourbon and sherry barrels, this whiskey begins with a mash of malted and unmalted barley. The brand is well-known for its luxurious taste, which includes hints of fruit, spice, and sherry.
Redbreast has several whiskies available, including the 12-Year-Old, the 15-Year-Old, and the Lustau, which is finished in sherry casks that have previously held Lustau sherry. Because of their dedication to age-old methods of distillation and their emphasis on quality and flavor, this brand is widely regarded as the gold standard in the whiskey industry.
8. Green Spot Whiskey
View this post on Instagram
In the early 1900s, the Mitchell family of Dublin, who operated a wine and spirits business, began producing what would become known as Green Spot Whiskey.
The whiskey is triple-distilled after being aged in a combination of former bourbon and sherry casks, and it contains a blend of malted and unmalted barley. Honey, vanilla, and fruity undertones are hallmarks of the brand’s flavor profile.
Green Spot is known for producing a variety of whiskies, including the popular Green Spot Single Pot Still and the Green Spot Château Léoville Barton, which is aged in Bordeaux wine-filled French oak casks. Due to its long history and dedication to quality, it has become a popular choice among Irish whiskey drinkers.
9. Yellow Spot Whiskey
View this post on Instagram
In the early 1900s, the Mitchell family, who also made Green Spot Whiskey, began producing Yellow Spot Whiskey, an Irish whiskey brand.
The whiskey is triple-distilled after being matured in a variety of used casks, including those that previously held bourbon, sherry, and Malaga wine. The brand’s signature taste combines apricot, peach, and vanilla for a sophisticated and delicious profile.
One of the few Irish whiskeys matured in Malaga wine casks, Yellow Spot sells a 12-year-old single-pot-still whiskey. Because of their dedication to age-old methods of distillation and their emphasis on quality and flavor, this brand is widely regarded as the gold standard in the whiskey industry.
10. Midleton Very Rare Whiskey
View this post on Instagram
The Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland, crafts the exquisite Midleton Very Rare Whiskey, a renowned Irish whiskey brand. This exquisitely blended whiskey is crafted from a carefully curated blend of single pot still and single grain whiskeys, each aged for a minimum of 12 years. Its production is limited, making it a rare and sought-after libation.
This whiskey boasts a velvety and intricate flavor profile, featuring hints of luscious vanilla, tantalizing spice, and succulent fruit notes. Midleton Very Rare stands tall as one of the most esteemed Irish whiskey brands, with each bottle being meticulously numbered and personally signed by the master distiller. The unwavering dedication to excellence and artistry has established it as a beloved choice for whiskey aficionados and enthusiasts.
11. Writer’s Tears Whiskey
View this post on Instagram
The Walsh Whiskey Distillery, nestled in the picturesque County Carlow of Ireland, crafts the exquisite Writer’s Tears Whiskey. This exquisite whiskey is a harmonious blend of single pot still and single malt whiskeys, aged to perfection in American oak casks. Its flavor profile is a testament to its smoothness and elegance, boasting delightful notes of honey, fruit, and spice.
The brand draws its inspiration from the rich Irish literary tradition and takes its name from the euphoric feeling that writers are said to experience upon witnessing the initial trickles of whiskey flowing from the still.
Writer’s Tears take pride in its exquisite selection of whiskies, featuring our renowned Writer’s Tears Copper Pot. This particular blend has garnered countless accolades for its exceptional flavor and superior quality.
12. Powers Whiskey
View this post on Instagram
In 1791, the illustrious James Power, a prominent merchant in Dublin, crafted the first batch of Powers Whiskey, an esteemed Irish whiskey brand that has since captured the hearts of many.
This exquisite whiskey is a harmonious blend of meticulously crafted pot still and grain whiskeys, triple-distilled to perfection. The resulting spirit is then aged in ex-bourbon casks, imparting a rich and complex flavor profile that is sure to delight the senses.
The flavor profile of Powers is renowned for its velvety and zesty taste, boasting hints of luscious honey, creamy vanilla, and robust oak. The brand boasts an impressive selection of whiskies, featuring its renowned Powers Gold Label, Powers Three Swallow, and Powers John’s Lane, paying homage to the original distillery’s Dublin roots.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.