![]() ![]() It can be blended or sold as a single malt-coming from only one distillery. Irish whiskey can be distilled in a pot still or a column still. It is then fermented and distilled to 94.8 percent ABV at most and aged in wooden casks for a minimum of three years. Irish whiskey, on the other hand, is typically very bright and crisp, but as always, there are exceptions.Īccording to the Irish Whiskey Act of 1980, Irish whiskey must be made from a mash of malted barley along with other optional cereal grains. Scotch is often (but not always) peated, leaving it with a smoky flavor and aroma. Aside from those two identifiers, there’s little official difference between the two categories, though you’ll certainly see stylistic distinctions. Irish whiskey is spelled with an “e,” while the Scots leave the “e” out and call it whisky. Of course, there’s also the spelling of the word. The primary difference between Scotch and Irish whiskey is geography: Scotch can only be made in Scotland, and Irish whiskey can only be made in Ireland (encompassing both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland). It’s a great upgrade for those looking to expand their palates beyond the usual suspects.įAQs What's the difference between Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey? Perfectly at home in a tumbler over ice, it’s also great sipped neat by a fireplace or stirred into a sophisticated cocktail. Though each of these whiskeys deserves a place on your bar, our overall favorite remains Knappogue Castle 12yr Single Malt ( view at Drizly) due to its versatility. Related: The Best Whiskey Glasses, According to Experts “The three different casks it ages in all add a little something different to be enjoyed.” Tame the spice with an ice cube or use its heft to your advantage in a cocktail like an old fashioned or a New York sour. “It works in a variety of ways,” says Alicia Yamachika, lead bartender at Nobu Honolulu. With its rich history, complex flavor, and pedigreed musical ties (Slane Castle has hosted performances from U2, David Bowie, and Queen), this affordable bottling is a steal. ![]() It’s bold and layered with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit. Distilled on the grounds housing the old Slane Castle, this Irish whiskey is aged in a selection of three different casks: virgin oak, seasoned whiskey, and Oloroso sherry. Slane hails from the Boyne River Valley, which was once home to many other distilleries, and is one of the few that has revitalized the tradition. Region: Ireland | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, dried fruit View On Drizly View On ReserveBar View On Affordable enough to be your everyday whiskey, poured into a tumbler over a big cube of ice, this bottle is also worthy of special occasions when breaking out the specialty whiskey tasting glass and savoring it neat. “It is lighter than most and also sophisticated, making it refreshing to drink in the summer months neat, on the rocks, or as a foundation in a long cocktail, where its delicate fruitiness and spice complement almost any flavor profile,” says Kenneth McCoy, chief creative officer at Ward III and The Rum House in New York City. The result is a platonic ideal of an Irish whiskey: incredibly sippable yet nuanced with layered flavors of apples and cinnamon toast. The signature, entry-level release from independent bottler Knappogue Castle is triple distilled in copper pot stills for a bright, clean start, then aged in bourbon casks for 12 years. Region: Ireland | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Apples, baking spices, toast View On ReserveBar View On Minibar Delivery View On ![]() Our top pick is the Knappogue Castle 12 Year Single Malt because it's affordable enough to be your everyday whiskey yet still luxurious enough to sip for special occasions.Īccording to our research, here are some of the top Irish whiskeys to drink right now. ![]() Of course, there’s always space on the bar for the old standbys, too. It probably wasn't too long ago that the Irish whiskey section at your liquor store was limited to just three or four big brands, but now it’s likely overflowing with bottles marked with different age statements and barrel finishes. Some are more suited for cocktailing, and others can be sipped solo just as you might a fine scotch or bourbon.Īnd, lucky for us, the category keeps growing, with more examples available in the U.S. Generally known as a lighter whiskey without heavy notes of smoke or oaky vanilla, there is nonetheless a wide and diverse range of Irish whiskeys to be sampled and enjoyed. Unburdened by the nerdery that surrounds bourbon, free of the regional knowledge requirements of Scotch, and generally more affordable than both categories, Irish whiskey is an easy-drinking spirit perfect for both whiskey beginners and experts alike. ![]()
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