Last Updated on: 22nd April 2024, 09:20 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the top-selling whiskeys in Ireland with my guide.
Explore what the Irish drink according to SuperValu, the largest chain of supermarkets in the Emerald Isle.
Written by: J Highland
Key Takeaways
- Jameson: The top-selling whiskey in Ireland, suitable for cocktails but not ideal for sipping due to a metallic note.
- Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey: Offers good value with fruity, spicy, and toasty cereal notes.
- Paddy Irish Whiskey: Known for its caramel, cereal, and vanilla notes; good for cocktails.
- Various Whiskeys Reviewed: The post includes reviews of several other whiskeys like Dunphys, Kilbeggan, and Tullamore D.E.W., each with unique tasting notes and suggested ways of drinking.
Quick Look at the Best-Selling Whiskeys in Ireland
Prices are approximate and stated in Euros:
A Well-Rounded Blend: Proclamation Irish Whiskey
- Nose: Pear, apricot, oats, coffee
- Palate: Toasted bread, pineapple, sherry, oak spice
- Finish: Medium, oak spice, toasted cereal
- Alcohol content: 82 proof (41% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Proclamation Irish Whiskey combines triple-distilled grain whiskeys for a smooth base. Aged in new American oak, bourbon, and sherry casks, it offers a complex profile.
Expect fruity aromas with a hint of coffee, followed by toasted bread, pineapple, and subtle spice on the palate. The finish lingers with toasted cereal and oak, making it a great value.
Paddy’s: A Sweet & Spirited Blend
- Nose: Caramel, cereal, metal
- Palate: Caramel, cereal, vanilla, oak spice
- Finish: Short, orange, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Paddy Irish Whiskey is a triple-distilled blend, offering a classic Irish experience. Sweet aromas of caramel and cereal mingle with a touch of spice. The taste delivers a warming wave of vanilla, honey, and malt, softened by oak. Enjoy the short, citrusy finish with a lingering warmth.
Surprisingly rewarding for its price, Paddy’s is perfect neat over ice for a straightforward and enjoyable whiskey experience.
Dunphys: Unpretentious Irish Enjoyment
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, chocolate, oak spice
- Finish: Short, caramel, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Dunphy’s Irish Whiskey is a budget-friendly choice that delivers. Light vanilla and caramel aromas give way to a smooth palate with hints of chocolate and spice. The finish is brief but pleasant, echoing the vanilla and caramel notes.
While simple, Dunphys offers a reliable and affordable Irish whiskey experience.
Jameson: Ireland’s Top Choice
- Nose: Floral, marmalade, caramel
- Palate: Ripe fruit, vanilla
- Finish: Medium, caramel, spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
Jameson’s reign as the world’s best-selling Irish whiskey makes it a cocktail go-to, particularly with ginger ale. Sipping it neat, however, can be a mixed bag. While the nose is pleasant with floral notes, orange marmalade, and caramel, a metallic hint emerges on the palate, dividing some whiskey enthusiasts.
An easy-drinking whiskey that mixes incredibly well in any cocktail recipe making it a favorite among bartenders.
Kilbeggan: Ideal for Mixing, Tricky Sipping
- Nose: Orange, coconut, lemon, alcohol
- Palate: Caramel, lemon, orange, baking spice, oak spice
- Finish: Medium, cinnamon, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
Kilbeggan’s double-distilled Irish whiskey shines in cocktails like a ginger ale highball. While a touch rough for sipping neat, its aromas are intriguing.
The initial alcohol sting gives way to orange, coconut, and lemon. The taste starts with citrus and caramel, transitioning to oak and baking spices that can turn slightly bitter. The finish is warm with hints of cinnamon and citrus, making it a great mixing whiskey.
Jack Daniel’s: A Tennessee Favorite
- Nose: Banana, oak, wood polish
- Palate: Caramel, banana, oak char
- Finish: Citrus, black pepper, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Coke
While not Irish whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey is a popular choice in Ireland. It’s known for its distinct flavor profile.
- Aroma: Jack Daniel’s has a unique nose with notes of banana, brown sugar, oak, and a hint of wood polish.
- Palate: On the palate, it’s thin-bodied with an initial sweetness that transitions to a strong oak char flavor.
- Finish: The finish is short and spicy, with hints of citrus and oak spice.
Mixing Note: Jack Daniel’s is a popular choice for cocktails due to its bold flavor profile.
Slane: Bold Oak for Budget-Minded Whiskey Fans
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, oak
- Palate: Caramel, vanilla, oak, ginger
- Finish: Sherry, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Slane Irish Whiskey skips the typical Irish profile for a richer oak punch. Aged in virgin, seasoned oak, and oloroso sherry casks, it offers a unique flavor at an attractive price.
Expect light caramel and vanilla aromas with toasty oak. The taste is medium-bodied with bourbon notes and a touch of ginger spice, leading to a lingering sherry and oak finish. Adding water elevates the caramel and oak, making it a great budget-friendly twist on Irish whiskey.
The Dubliner: Smooth & Affordable Irish Blend
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, grass, apple
- Palate: Honey, caramel, black pepper, vanilla
- Finish: Medium, caramel, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 84 proof (42% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
The Dubliner is a 3-year-old blend aged in bourbon casks, offering a pleasant and easy-drinking experience at a budget-friendly price.
The nose hits with caramel, vanilla, and hints of apple and grass. On the palate, honey and caramel lead the way, followed by a touch of black pepper and vanilla. The finish lingers with familiar caramel, vanilla, and a hint of peppery spice. Overall, a great choice for an affordable and enjoyable nightcap.
Tullamore DEW: Mixology Marvel, Not a Sipping Star
- Nose: Caramel, ripe fruit, citrus
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, pepper
- Finish: Short, caramel, bitter note
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
While Tullamore DEW might not be the smoothest choice for sipping neat, its sweet and spicy profile makes it a great mixing Irish whiskey.
The aroma is inviting with caramel, ripe fruit, and a hint of alcohol. The taste is light-bodied with initial vanilla and caramel, giving way to a burst of pepper. The finish is brief with warmth, bitterness, and a lingering caramel touch. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly base for your next cocktail, Tullamore DEW is a solid option.
Roe & Co: Flavorful Blend by a Pioneering Woman Distiller
- Nose: Honey, pear, brown sugar
- Palate: Honey, baking spice, vanilla, caramel
- Finish: Baking spice, oak spice, citrus
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Roe & Co goes beyond the typical Irish profile. Bottled at 45% ABV and unfiltered for richer flavor, this blend by Caroline Martin (one of Ireland’s few female distillers) is a delight.
Honey, pear, and brown sugar greet your nose. The medium-bodied palate showcases honey, baking spice, vanilla, and caramel, with a bourbon-like smoothness. The finish lingers with warmth, baking spice, citrus, and a touch of oak. A flavorful and interesting Irish whiskey for those seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Bushmills: A Basic But Balanced Budget Option
- Nose: Apple, grape, alcohol
- Palate: Apple, toasted cereal, sugar, vanilla, oak
- Finish: Short, oak spice, caramel
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
This budget-friendly whiskey offers a simple but balanced profile. Expect aromas of apple, grape, and a touch of alcohol. The taste is light-bodied with apple juice notes, hints of toasted cereal, sugar, vanilla, and oak. The finish is short, featuring oak spice balanced by a touch of charred caramel.
While not remarkable, Bushmills Original is a dependable choice for those seeking a no-frills Irish whiskey experience.
Jim Beam: A Bourbon Powerhouse, But Does It Shine Neat?
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, hay, corn
- Palate: Toasty oak, peanut, vanilla, black pepper, oak spice
- Finish: Short-lived, caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
The nose offers corn, vanilla, and butterscotch with a touch of alcohol. The taste is thin and light, featuring sweet corn, vanilla, black pepper. The finish is brief and warm, leaving sweetness with a touch of oak and black pepper bitterness.
If you’re new to bourbon, Jim Beam offers a good starting point, but for experienced drinkers, it might be better suited for cocktails.
Bushmills Black Bush: Budget-Friendly Speyside Sipper
- Nose: Sherry, dried fruit, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, ripe fruit, baking spice
- Finish: Long, ripe fruit, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
Bushmills Black Bush punches above its weight. Aged in bourbon and sherry casks, it offers a Speyside-like profile rivaling some Scotches, at a great price.
Expect an initial alcohol hint on the nose, giving way to rich sherry, dried fruit, and a touch of oak. The palate is light-bodied but leans sweet and smooth, with notes of ripe fruit, vanilla, and warming cinnamon spice. The finish lingers surprisingly long, showcasing sweet fruit and gentle oak.
Dunville’s 1808: A Smoky Twist on Irish Whiskey Tradition
- Nose: Vanilla, apple, pear, caramel, malt
- Palate: Cookie dough, orange, lemon, oak char
- Finish: Medium, smoke, caramel, pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
Dunville’s 1808 commemorates the brand’s founding year with a unique blend of malt, grain, and pot still whiskeys. This whiskey stands out from the classic Irish profile with a hint of smoke on the finish, making it a favorite in this roundup.
The aroma is light and inviting, offering vanilla, fruit (apple, pear), caramel, and toasty malt. The taste starts with a surprising note of cookie dough, transitioning to citrus (orange, lemon) and oak char for a satisfying bitter touch. The finish lingers with a pleasant smokiness, balanced by caramel and a hint of black pepper.
If you enjoy a touch of smoke in your Irish whiskey, Dunville’s 1808 is definitely worth exploring.
Powers Gold Label: Smooth Satisfaction on a Budget
- Nose: Floral, vanilla, caramel, butter
- Palate: Vanilla, orange zest, caramel
- Finish: Medium, spice, caramel
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Powers Gold Label is a crowd-pleaser. Smooth and approachable, it boasts no harsh notes, making it a great budget-friendly nightcap or base for homemade cocktails. This higher-proof whiskey offers good value for the money.
The aroma is floral and inviting, with vanilla, caramel, and buttery notes. The taste is equally smooth on the palate, offering mild sweetness with hints of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of orange zest for balance. The finish lingers with a touch of oak spice, caramel, and minimal heat. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks, perhaps with a splash of water to enhance the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ will answer all your Irish Whiskey related doubts:
What is Irish whiskey?
Irish whiskey is a type of whiskey that is distilled and aged in Ireland. It is made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley and other grains.
How is Irish whiskey different from other types of whiskey?
Irish whiskey is usually distilled three times, while other types, such as Scotch and American whiskey, are distilled twice.
This gives Irish whiskey a smoother and more delicate flavor.
What is the legal definition of Irish whiskey?
According to Irish law, Irish whiskey must be distilled and aged in Ireland, made from a mash of cereal grains, and aged for at least three years in wooden casks.
What are the most popular brands?
Some popular Irish whiskey brands include Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore Dew, and Redbreast.
How to drink it?
Irish whiskey can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.
Many prefer to drink it neat or on the rocks to savor the flavor.
What are some classic Irish whiskey cocktails?
Some classic Irish whiskey cocktails include Irish coffee, made with coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream, and the whiskey sour, made with Irish whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Is it gluten-free?
Irish whiskey is typically made from gluten-containing grains, but distillation removes most gluten.
However, if you have a gluten intolerance or allergy, it’s best to check with the specific whiskey brand to ensure it’s safe to consume.
Can it be used for cooking?
Yes, Irish whiskey can be used in cooking to add flavor to sauces, marinades, and desserts.
It is trendy in Irish cuisine and often used in Irish stew and whiskey cake dishes.
How to store it?
It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Once opened, it could last forever, but once it reaches 25% of the content, I suggest you drink it ASAP as it starts developing a funky taste.