Buy Irish Whiskeys Online
Irish whiskey is celebrated worldwide for its smooth, light, and refined flavor, making it a favorite among both whiskey enthusiasts and casual drinkers. Distilled from malted and unmalted barley and aged for at least three years in wooden casks, Irish whiskey has a unique charm that sets it apart from other types of whiskey, such as bourbon or Scotch. Whether you’re new to whiskey or a seasoned connoisseur, the rich heritage and distinctive taste of Irish whiskey offer something special for every palate.
What is Irish Whiskey?
Irish whiskey is one of the oldest distilled spirits in the world, with a history that dates back to the early 12th century. To be classified as Irish whiskey, it must:
- Be produced in Ireland, either in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
- Be distilled and aged for at least three years in wooden casks, often ex-bourbon or sherry barrels, which give it its signature smoothness and subtle flavors.
- Made from malted or unmalted barley and distilled using a pot still or column still.
What sets Irish whiskey apart is its typically triple distillation process, which results in a smoother and lighter taste compared to other types of whiskey, such as Scotch, which is often double distilled.
The Flavor Profile of Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey is known for its approachable, smooth taste. While the flavor can vary depending on the type of whiskey, you can generally expect:
- Sweet and fruity notes, often with hints of vanilla, honey, and orchard fruits like apple or pear.
- Subtle spice, with a light, warming finish that makes it easy to sip.
- Mellow oak and caramel flavors, imparted from the aging process in wooden barrels.
- Clean, crisp finish, thanks to the triple distillation process, which reduces impurities and sharpness.
This lighter flavor profile makes Irish whiskey perfect for both sipping neat or mixing in cocktails.
Types of Irish Whiskey
There are several types of Irish whiskey, each offering its own unique characteristics:
- Single Malt Irish Whiskey: Made from 100% malted barley and distilled at a single distillery. It offers complex flavors and is often considered the premium style of Irish whiskey.
- Single Pot Still Whiskey: Unique to Ireland, this whiskey is made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley and is distilled in pot stills. It has a creamy texture and rich, spicy flavors.
- Blended Irish Whiskey: A combination of malt whiskey and grain whiskey, blended to create a smooth and balanced flavor. This is the most common type of Irish whiskey, known for its easy-drinking qualities.
- Grain Irish Whiskey: Made primarily from grains like corn, this type of whiskey is lighter in flavor and often used in blends.
- Single Grain Irish Whiskey: Distilled from a single grain, this whiskey is smoother and often lighter in taste than its malt-based counterparts.
Why Irish Whiskey is So Popular
The popularity of Irish whiskey has surged in recent years, and for good reason:
- Smooth and Approachable: Irish whiskey’s triple distillation process creates a smooth, light flavor, making it easy to enjoy whether you’re new to whiskey or a seasoned drinker.
- Versatile in Cocktails: Its light, clean taste makes it perfect for a wide range of cocktails. From the classic Irish Coffee to refreshing whiskey sours, Irish whiskey adds a refined touch to any drink.
- Rich History and Tradition: With a history dating back centuries, Irish whiskey is steeped in tradition, offering a taste of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage with every sip.
How to Enjoy Irish Whiskey
There’s no wrong way to enjoy Irish whiskey, but here are a few popular ways to savor its smooth flavors:
- Neat: Drinking Irish whiskey neat (without ice or mixers) allows you to experience the full range of its delicate flavors.
- On the Rocks: A bit of ice can help open up the flavors while providing a refreshing sip.
- In Cocktails: Irish whiskey shines in classic cocktails like the Irish Coffee, Whiskey Sour, or even a simple whiskey and ginger ale.
Top Irish Whiskey Brands
Some of the most iconic Irish whiskey brands include:
- Jameson: Perhaps the most famous Irish whiskey brand, Jameson is known for its smooth, approachable flavor and versatility in cocktails.
- Redbreast: A premium single pot still whiskey, Redbreast offers rich, complex flavors with a creamy mouthfeel.
- Bushmills: One of the oldest distilleries in Ireland, Bushmills produces a range of whiskeys, from smooth blends to rich single malts.
- Tullamore D.E.W.: Known for its light, fruity character, Tullamore D.E.W. is another popular choice for those seeking a smooth and balanced whiskey.
Buy Irish Whiskey Online
At Bravowhiskeyliqour, we offer a wide selection of premium Irish whiskeys, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a well-known brand like Jameson or a more unique, small-batch whiskey, we’ve got something for every taste. Browse our collection and discover the smooth, rich world of Irish whiskey.
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Bushmills 21 Year Old Three Woods Single Malt Irish Whiskey $100.99Compare
Aged for 19 years in ex-American bourbon and ex-Spanish sherry casks, this rare Irish whiskey is then married together for an additional two years in madeira-infused casks.
Bushmills has recently changed its designs, and as the original labels are being phased out, there is still a chance that you might receive a bottle different than what is in the picture. Rest assured, the liquid remains the same, regardless of the design.
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Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey $50.99Compare
Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is Shed Distillery’s flagship expression made using malted Irish barley, un-malted Irish barley, and Irish Barra oats. It is matured in a combination of Kentucky Bourbon or Oloroso Sherry casks for five years. This elegant and well-balanced whiskey is best enjoyed neat.
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Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey $34.99Compare
Aged for 12 years, this whiskey earned a score of 94 points from Wine Enthusiast.
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Jameson Orange Irish Whiskey $27.99Compare
Crafted with Jameson’s signature triple-distilled flagship Irish whiskey, this flavored expression adds a zestiness to the profile with natural orange flavor. Bottled at 60 proof, it’s a balanced and fruity expression with a solid whiskey backbone.
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Limavady Single Barrel Irish Whiskey $30.99Compare
Darryl McNally brings Single Barrel Whiskey to Ireland, reinventing the historic Limavady name. Crafted with 100% malted barley, the whiskey is triple distilled, aged in ex-bourbon barrels, and finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
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McConnell’s Irish Whisky $29.99Compare
McConnell’s was a prominent whiskey-maker and one of the oldest brands of Irish whiskey. The brand was resurrected in 2020 with this blend of malt (30%) and grain (70%) spirit that matures for 5 years in ex-bourbon casks.
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Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey $61.99Compare
An all-time Irish Whiskey classic! Aged for 12 years, this Irish whiskey earned a score of 96 points from Whisky Advocate and the Double Gold Medal at the SFWSC. In addition it was named the “Irish Whiskey of the Year” at the Irish Whiskey Awards in 2013.
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Teeling Blackpitts Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey $40.99Compare
The second expression to be distilled at Teeling’s new distillery and the first peated single malt to be distilled in Dublin, this unique Irish whiskey is aged in bourbon and Sauternes French wine casks.
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Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey $20.99Compare
Matured in traditional oak casks and finished in ex-Flor de Cana rum barrels, this Whiskey earned a score of 95 points from Drink Me Magazine.
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Waterford Single Farm Origin Rathclogh Edition 1.1 Irish Single Malt Whisky $60.99Compare
Crafted with 100% Irish barley from the farm of Richard Raftice, this expression showcases the terroir of the farm, overlooked by an old stone fort. The all-natural expression was aged in a combination of first-fill & virgin US oak, French oak, and fortified wine casks.
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Yellow Spot 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey $70.99Compare
This bonded, single pot still Irish whiskey is aged for twelve years and is one of the most eagerly-anticipated releases of 2015. It was named Whisky Advocate’s 19th Annual Irish Whiskey of the Year.