Since we’re only a few days from St. Patrick’s Day, the timing is right to get into the world of Irish whiskey. But if March is the only time of the year when you crack open a bottle of Teeling, Redbreast, or Green Spot, you’re really missing out on some exceptional Irish whiskeys for the remaining 11 months.
In my almost two decades of writing about alcohol, I’ve encountered whiskey from all corners of the globe. And I learned that there might be no whiskey style more underrated than Irish whiskey. There’s so much more to this geographically specific whiskey style than just Jameson, Bushmills, and Tullamore D.E.W. (although all of these brands deserve a spot on your home bar).
Not only is March a great time to embrace the world of Irish whiskey, but it’s also a great time to take a deep dive into the whiskey style itself. Below, you’ll learn the proverbial ins and outs of Irish whiskey, including how it’s made, its history, and even why it’s spelled with an “e.” Keep scrolling to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about this Irish-made spirit — and then make yourself an Irish whiskey cocktail.
What is Irish whiskey?
Honestly, if you’re drinking any kind of whiskey at all, you can thank the Irish. This is because the word whiskey comes from the Gaelic phrase “uisce beatha,” which roughly translates to “water of life.”
But what exactly is Irish whiskey? Well, in the simplest terms, it’s a whiskey made in Ireland (both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland). It’s well known for its mellow, lightly fruity, highly drinkable flavor profile. Like Scotch whisky and bourbon, there are even specific legal requirements.
The Irish Whiskey Act of 1980 defined exactly what an Irish whiskey would be. This includes that it must be made with a mash bill of malted barley (as well as optional secondary grains like corn, wheat, and more), must be distilled to no more than 94.8% ABV, matured in wooden barrels for at least three years, not have any additives or coloring, keep the characteristics of its raw materials (taste and smell like whiskey), and enter the bottle at no less than 80 proof.
There are various style of Irish whiskey and they include malt Irish whiskey (made with 100% malted barley), pot still Irish whiskey (made from a mash bill featuring a minimum 30% malted and a minimum 30% unmalted barley, with up to 5% of other grains and distilled using pot stills), grain Irish whiskey (made with a maximum of 30% malted barley with the rest being made up of other grains), and blended Irish whiskey (a blend of two or more styles of Irish whiskey).
How is it made?
Irish whiskey is made with a mash bill that includes cereal grains with barley being the main ingredient. Distillers also use wheat, corn, rye and other grains. It’s often triple distilled. This is one of the reasons the whiskey style is known for its mellow, easy-drinking flavor profile.
“The triple distillation purifies, strips out many of the hard-core flavors that you could find in double distillation,” said Alin Wagner of Cresskill, owner of three Redhead Whiskey Clubs, when he told the Bergen Record Newspaper.
As mentioned before, it’s then matured for at least three years in wooden barrels. Often distillers use ex-bourbon barrels, ex-sherry casks, and even ex-cognac barrels (among others).
What is its history?
If you think bourbon has been crafted for a long time, take a look at how long Irish whiskey has been distilled, and you’ll quickly change your mind. While bourbon’s origins can be traced to the 1700s, Irish whiskey has been produced since the 12th century. Many believe that the first Irish whiskeys were made by monks who had spent time traveling throughout Europe only to return to Ireland with their newfound distilling talents.
Why is it spelled with an “e?”
If you didn’t know it already, there are only three whiskey varieties that use the “e.” They are American whiskey, Mexican whiskey, and Irish whiskey. The rest of the world calls it whisky. Ireland uses the “e” specifically because Irish distillers in the 1800s wanted drinkers to have a clear way to tell the difference between their whiskey and Scottish whisky. At the time, Irish whiskey was believed to be superior in quality because there were so many poorly made, low-quality Scotch whiskies on the market.
What does it taste like?
While there are some peated Irish whiskeys, in general, Irish whiskey isn’t known for its smoky flavor profile. In fact, it’s well known for its smooth, mellow, velvety flavor profile. And while the flavors change based on ingredients, production techniques, and aging vessels, Irish whiskey is known for its notes of toasted vanilla beans, butterscotch, honey, and fruit flavors. Sherry aging by many brands also adds flavors like dried fruits, cherries, and sweet sherry.
