Irish whiskey has been increasing in popularity since the late 90’s. If you have never tried a good Irish whiskey there is probably no better time than the next couple of days. Over the weekend there will be several local bars offering ridiculous Irish whiskey specials. To get started we offer some tasting notes on a few of our favorite Irish whiskies.
Clontarf Classic Blend – This blended whiskey is a great place to start. It has a milder flavor up front with just enough bite and body at the end and is generally priced mildly as well.
Redbreast 12 Year Old Pure Pot Still Whiskey – Without a doubt my favorite Irish whiskey at its price point. Redbreast is known for its musky nose, smooth texture and light finish.
Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey – A delicious flavor for a whiskey on the younger side, Bushmills single malt offers a contrast between bright acidity and sweet barley.
Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve – Going from 10-year whiskey to 18-year whiskey causes a noticeable jump in price. But also offers a noticeable jump in flavor, incorporating sweet nutty notes with a velvety texture.
In Ireland, whiskies like these are commonly referred to as “moreish”, meaning that one leaves you wanting more. My research has confirmed this. I think that these Irish whiskies are quite a refined group of hooligans, sure to impress your drinking companions, but with just enough bite to keep you on your toes. Cheers!