Welcome to our Irish whiskey range. Here you will find the best whiskeys from Ireland, from single malt and pot still whiskey to smooth blended Irish whiskey. Irish whiskey is known for its fruity notes and its mild flavour. You will only find smoke here in exceptional cases. Our recommendations: Get the soft Redbreast 12 years with sweet marzipan notes or the fruity Green Spot Pot Still Whiskey to get you started. In the lower section, we answer questions such as "What does Irish whiskey taste like", "How is Irish whiskey made" and "What is the difference between Irish and Scotch whiskey". You can find out everything you need to know about the history of Irish whiskey and get our Irish whiskey recommendations.

What does Irish whiskey taste like?

The flavour variety of Irish whiskey is huge. Generally speaking, however, it can be said that you will often find mild whiskeys in Ireland. Flavours of bright fruit, vanilla, caramel and sweet biscuits are typical notes of Irish whiskeys. The majority of Irish whiskey is matured in ex-bourbon casks. From the bourbon, the casks get the beautiful vanilla notes that perfectly complement the character of Irish whiskey. A typical example would be the Green Spot Pot Still Whiskey or the Writers Tears. Depending on the cask maturation, flavours of berries, red fruits and Christmas spices can also appear. Irish whiskeys get this flavour from maturing in sherry casks, port wine casks, wine casks or a cask finish (a post-maturing process), for example. Delicious examples of Irish whiskey with a proportion of sherry or wine casks include Redbreast 12 year old, Tyrconnell 10 year old Sherry Casks Finish. You will only find a smoky flavour in Ireland in the absolute exception, such as the Connemara Peated. Otherwise, Irish whiskeys are not smoky.

How is Irish whiskey made?

For a long time, almost all Irish whiskey was produced by just a few distilleries. You can read why in the history section. Most whiskey brands in Ireland were produced by Bushmills, Cooley or Midleton. Some also in co-operation with each other. But today, the Irish whiskey landscape is flourishing again and new Irish whiskey distilleries are springing up all the time. The Irish produce three types of whiskey: Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Grain Whiskey and Single Pot Still Whiskey. The blended Irish whiskeys are then created from the blend of these whiskey types. Incidentally, if a bottle only says "Irish whiskey", it is usually a blended Irish whiskey. What all Irish whiskeys have in common is that they must be produced in Ireland and matured for at least 3 years and one day in wooden casks. Every whiskey in Ireland must have at least 40% vol. Only the use of caramel to adjust the colour is permitted, other additives are not allowed.

What is single malt whiskey?

The single malt whiskey is made from a mash of 100% malted barley. Barley is considered the most flavoursome grain and therefore provides depth and flavour in single malt. Similar to Scotland, single malt whiskey in Ireland is usually distilled in the traditional copper pot stills. If you have read the history section, you will know how important the quality of their whiskey is to the Irish. One difference between Irish and Scottish single malt, however, is that the Irish are not bound by law to use pot stills. Theoretically, other distilling equipment could also be used for single malt. However, classic pot still distillation is also common for single malt in Ireland. Single malt in Ireland can be double or triple distilled. The best-known example of an Irish single malt is Bushmills. Pay close attention to the bottle label here, as Bushmills also produces blended whiskey under the brand name. Other producers of Irish single malt are Tyrconnell, Connemara (smoky), Waterford, West Cork and Dingle.

What is Pot Still Whiskey?

The Pot Still Whiskey is the sibling of the single malt, so to speak. Pot still whiskey is a special type of whiskey that is currently only available in Ireland. Pot still whiskey is produced in almost the same way as single malt Irish whiskey. There is only one difference between the two. Single malt must be made from 100% malted barley. In the middle of the 18th century, the English introduced a malt tax in Ireland. The Irish did not like this at all and so they began to experiment with a mixture of malted and unmalted barley in whiskey production. However, as this whiskey was no longer a single malt, a new name was needed. Pot still whiskey, also known as "pure pot still", was born. If the pot still whiskey comes from a distillery, it is called a single pot still, just like the term "single" in single malt. As the name suggests, pot still whiskey is also distilled on pot stills and matured for more than 3 years. The result is a full-bodied, creamy whiskey with fine grain notes and a lovely background flavour. As a classic representative of the pot still whiskey genre, we recommend the Redbreast 12 years or the Green Spot Pot Still Whiskey.

What is Irish grain whiskey?

Grain whiskey is distilled from a mash of predominantly unmalted grain. Different types of grain are used, such as barley, rye, wheat and corn. Grain whiskey is distilled on column stills in a continuous distillation process, e.g. on Coffey stills, patent stills and column stills. Grain whiskey is very light and sweet and is usually used for blending blended Irish whiskeys. However, you can also buy and enjoy some grain whiskeys as single grain whiskey. A typical example is the Kilbeggan grain whiskey.

What is Poitín?

If you talk about Irish whiskey, you have to mention Poitín at least once. In Ireland, poitín or poteen is the synonym for moonshine, usually grain-based. It is pronounced "potschien". In Ireland, moonshine is closely linked to the Irish history of resistance against England and is therefore an important cultural asset. Poitín is not a whiskey, but it has many overlaps. Historically, poitín could even be described as the predecessor of whiskey, as poitín is similar to uisce beatha, the Gaelic word for water of life, which later developed into whiskey. Poitín is an aged grain spirit that is sometimes flavoured with herbs and spices, but is often simply enjoyed on its own. The alcohol content of Poitín varies, but is often between 50 and 60% by volume. Today, Poitín is also sold legally and many of today's whiskey producers also offer Poitín as a nostalgic cultural asset alongside their whiskey.

What is blended Irish whiskey?

Blended Irish whiskey, or often simply called Irish whiskey, is a blend of single malt or pot still whiskey with light grain whiskey. The best-known example is probably Jameson Irish Whiskey. However, brands such as Paddy Irish Whiskey, Powers Irish Whiskey and Tullamore Dew are also well-known brands.

What is the difference between whisky and whiskey?

If you look closely, you will find different spellings on whisky and whiskey bottles around the world. Sometimes whisky, sometimes whiskey. Why is that? In fact, it is assumed that the spelling has developed due to the old rivalry between Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey. One hypothesis for the different spellings is the introduction of the Coffey Still in the middle of the 19th century. While the Irish stuck to their pot still whiskey, the Scots used the new distillation method to produce cheap whisky of sometimes dubious quality. One obvious theory is that the Irish wanted to differentiate themselves from this whisky and introduced the spelling "Irish whiskey". Even today, all Scotch whisky is still spelt without an "e", whereas in Ireland whiskey is always spelt with an "e". This also explains why the spelling "whiskey" dominates in the USA, but is not used exclusively. This is because millions of Irish people sought a new home in the United States during the great wave of emigration in the mid-19th century and brought their ideas and spelling with them. Today, every whisky producer outside Scotland and Ireland can choose how to spell whisky or whiskey. However, the spelling indicates which country served as inspiration.

What is the difference between Irish and Scotch whisky?

What is the difference between Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky? Even though Ireland and Scotland share the same roots when it comes to whisky, certain differences have crept into the whisky tradition of the two Celtic nations. This can be recognised by the different spelling of Scotch Whisky and Irish Whiskey. We have briefly summarised a few differences and similarities here to give you an overview:

Common features of Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky:

1. The whiskies of both countries must be based on a cereal mash. Whisky and whiskey cannot therefore be distilled from other ingredients such as potatoes or molasses.
2. The maximum alcohol content of the distillation may not exceed 94.8 per cent by volume.
3. The maturation of the whisky must be at least 3 years, only then may the product be called whisky or whiskey.
4. If the age is stated on the bottle, every cask used must have reached this age.
5. The bottling must be at a minimum of 40% vol.
6. The only additive allowed is sugar caramel E150a. Other additives are prohibited.
7. Both are predominantly matured in barrels that previously contained bourbon. Barrels that have previously contained sherry, port wine and wine are also popular.

Differences between Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky:

1. The spellings of Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey are almost always different. One exception is Irish Waterford whisky.
2. Triple distillation is common (but not mandatory) in Ireland, while double distillation is used in Scotland.
3. In Ireland, mainly non-smoky whiskey is produced without the use of peat. In Scotland, smoky whisky is often produced with peated malt.
4. In Scotland, whisky must be matured in oak casks by law. In Ireland, it only has to be wood casks, so the Irish are a little more flexible here. However, oak barrels are the most suitable, which is why oak is used almost exclusively in Ireland.
5. The distillation of single malt must take place in pot stills in Scotland. This is not specified in Ireland, but is currently the predominant practice.
6. Single pot still whiskey is a type of whiskey that only exists in Ireland.

Our Irish whiskey recommendations

Jameson

The classic Irish blended whiskey par excellence and Ireland's top export. If you are looking for a smooth, fruity blended whiskey, Jameson is the right choice for you. From the classic Jameson to variants such as the Jameson Crested or Jameson Black Barrel, you have plenty of choice.

Redbreast

The classic single pot still whiskey from Midleton. A round, smooth and aromatic whiskey with wonderful sweet notes of toffee and marzipan. Redbreast pairs perfectly with sherry casks. Our recommendation when it comes to pot still whiskey. No bar should be without Redbreast 12 year old.

Connemara

For a long time, the only smoky (peated) Irish single malt whiskey. The Connemara Peated is a delicious single malt with flavours of heather, honey and fine peat smoke. A great value for money whisky that every Ireland fan should have at home. Provided you like smoky whisky.

Tyrconnell

Like the Connemara single malt, Tyrconnell single malt is produced at the Cooley Distillery. Tyrconnell is double-distilled and is therefore somewhat closer to its Scottish siblings than other Irish whiskeys. A full-bodied single malt with strong caramel notes and a fine spiciness. A real recommendation, especially for Scotch fans who want to get closer to Irish whiskey.

Bushmills

The classic from Northern Ireland. Bushmills produces both triple-distilled single malt whiskey and blended Irish whiskey. Bushmills is the epitome of smooth whiskey. You will find no trace of smoke and sweet notes of vanilla, light-coloured fruit and malt.

Kilbeggan

Possibly the oldest whiskey distillery in the world. Today it is mainly used as a whiskey museum. The soft Kilbeggan grain whiskey is produced at the Cooley Distillery.

Dingle

A small, friendly craft distillery in the south-west of Ireland on the Dingle Peninsula. Dingle produces excellent Irish single malt and single pot still whiskey. Classic triple distillation is carried out on three copper stills.

Waterford

Perhaps one of the most exciting projects in Ireland at the moment. The former owner of Bruichladdich Mark Reynier is focussing entirely on terroir here. With the Single Farm Single Malt from Waterford, you can discover what whisky from different farms tastes like. Exciting! However, it is debatable whether Waterford is still Irish whiskey. Not only is the distillery run by a Scotsman, it also has Scottish pot stills and, to top it all off, spells its whisky without an "e"! Whether whiskey or whiskey... You should definitely try Waterford Single Malts!

West Cork

West Cork Distillers produces various Irish whiskeys, including the West Cork Single Malt. West Cork is a typical Irish whiskey. Light, fruity with notes of pears, fresh apples and vanilla, as well as caramel and sweet pastry flavours. Here you can get inexpensive single malts with a special cask finish such as bourbon, sherry, port wine and even calvados.

Writers Tears

A blend of pot still whiskey and single malt whiskey. Basically, Writers Tears is something like a blended malt, except that one component is pot still whiskey. Writers Tears is a smooth, harmonious Irish whiskey. A great, high-quality entry-level whiskey.

Green Spot

Green Spot Pot Still Whiskey is a delicious, drinkable pot still whiskey from the Midleton Distillery. Soft, fruity and pleasant. An absolute recommendation. It is also available with different wine finishes and in older versions as Yellow Spot 12 years and Red Spot 15 years.

Teeling

The legacy of John Teeling, who opened his own distillery in Dublin with the money from the sale of the Cooley Distillery. High-quality single malt, single pot still whiskey and Irish whiskey are produced here.

Dublin Liberties

A modern, progressive distillery in the legendary Dublin Liberties, a neighbourhood of Dublin that was notorious in the 18th and 19th centuries for pubs, prostitution and anything else frowned upon by the Catholic Church.

The history of Irish whiskey

Green meadows, sheep, Irish pubs, Saint Patrick's Day and whiskey. Whiskey is part of the DNA of the Emerald Isle, after all Ireland is considered by many (especially the Irish) to be the birthplace of whiskey. It is therefore almost surprising that Irish whiskey was on the brink of extinction in the middle of the 20th century. To understand how this came about, we need to take a brief historical excursion.

Irish pride - curse and blessing

In the late 18th century and early 19th century, Irish whiskey dominated the world market. There are said to have been over 1,000 distilleries at the time, including illegal distilleries there must have been well over 2,000. The most important trading partners were the USA and the countries of the British Empire. In 1830, however, the Irish made a serious strategic mistake. The new invention of continuous distillation by Aeneas Coffey, the Coffey Still, found no takers in Ireland. The Irishman had developed a distillation method that replaced the time-consuming pot still distillation with a more effective continuous distillation. The spirit was less complex, but much quicker to produce. The Irish whiskey producers were probably suspicious of the method and did not meet the current quality standard. Frustrated, Aeneas Coffey approached the Scots with his invention, who recognised the potential of the faster and more cost efficient distillation method . By the time the Irish realised their mistake, the new technology had already spread across Scotland and the cheap grain whisky was used to blend the Scottish single malts of the time. The blended Scotch whisky was born and the Irish pot still whiskey thus had a strong competitor. In 1838, a temperance society was founded in Ireland by the clergyman Theobald Mathew, which became very popular. A first dent in the Irish whiskey empire.

The Great Famine in Ireland

In the middle of the 19th century, Ireland was hit by a catastrophic famine. "The Great Famine" or "An Gorta Mór" in Irish was caused by a potato blight, which virtually wiped out the Irish population's main foodstuff. What grain was available became a valuable staple food. In addition, cholera and typhoid epidemics struck a battered Ireland. The consequences were devastating. Over 12% of Irish people died as a result of the famine, around two million sought refuge and emigrated, mainly to the USA. The market share of over 60% melted away to less than 35% by the end of the 19th century. The country slowly recovered in the course of the industrial revolution, but countless distilleries fell by the wayside.

The fall of Irish whiskey

While the beginning of the 20th century plunged Europe into a relentless world war, Ireland also had to contend with secession from the United Kingdom. Not a good time for whiskey. What began in 1916 with the Easter Rising only ended in 1923 with the establishment of the Irish Free State. This also meant the breakup of the numerous export markets in the Commonwealth. As if that wasn't enough, Prohibition had begun in the United States of America in 1920, which literally dried up the most important sales market for Irish whiskey. Whiskey consumption shifted to the black market. Smuggling and illegal blending by bootleggers and moonshiners was the order of the day. For many, making a quick buck was more important than the quality of the product, which was to cause lasting damage to the good reputation of Irish whiskey in the USA. The end of Prohibition in 1933 could not change the decline of the Irish whiskey industry, as the world was hit by a severe economic crisis. The Great Depression hit Ireland particularly hard.

The closing of ranks of the last Irish whiskeys

After the Second World War, the fate of Irish whiskey seemed sealed. As late as the 1950s, even major brands such as Tullamore and Kilbeggan had to close their doors. In 1966, just three of the once thousands of whisky distilleries were left and the market share had shrunk to 2%. The Irish whiskey industry was threatened with extinction. The remaining three producers Cork Distilleries Company, John Jameson & Sons and John Powers & Son came together in a conspiratorial meeting to avert the demise of Irish whiskey. The former fierce rivals realised that they were doomed alone and joined forces to form the Irish Distillers Group. Whiskey production was moved to the Midleton Distillery. In 1970, Bushmills also joined IDG. But the damage was irreparable and most Irish whiskey brands were history. When the French drinks group Pernod Ricard bought up the Irish Distillers Group in 1988, overnight there was not a single Irish whiskey distillery left in Irish hands.

How the French saved Irish whiskey

What must have initially come as a national shock to the patriotic Irish may have saved Irish whiskey from today's perspective. The successful company enabled the Irish whiskey brands Jameson and Paddys to remain on the market and be rebuilt with financially strong marketing. It also perhaps awakened the defiance and Irish national pride that ultimately contributed to today's Irish whiskey renaissance. The starting signal for this development was given in 1984 by a certain John Teeling with the purchase of the Cooley Distillery for around £120,000. A completely crazy purchase for the time. The mothballed Kilbeggan Distillery was also soon taken over by Cooley and converted into a barrel warehouse and whiskey museum. With Irish whiskey brands such as the smoky Connemara Peated Single Malt, Tyrconell and Locke's, Cooley became a force to be reckoned with in the Irish whiskey landscape. Its success brought Cooley to the attention of the American beverage group Beam Inc.(Jim Beam) and in 2011 John Teeling was unable to resist the company's offer and sold the independent distillery and its whiskey brands for around 70 million euros. But the Irish whiskey spirit had already been rekindled. John Teeling's sons founded the Teeling Whiskey Company in 2012 and built a new Teeling Distillery in the infamous Dublin Liberties in the former whiskey capital of Dublin. After more than 120 years, Irish whiskey returned to the Irish capital. The logo proudly emblazoned above the distillery gates is, how could it be otherwise, a Phoenix. The young distillery could not have chosen a more fitting heraldic animal. The future of Irish whiskey looks bright!