Whisky or whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Various grains (which may be malted) are used for different varieties, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Whisky is typically aged in wooden casks, which are often old sherry casks or may also be made of charred white oak.
Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky are the oldest styles of the dark distilled spirit. Both are fermented with barley, Scotch is often malted and Irish whiskey usually unmalted. Both styles include blended and single malts, though scotch has more single malts. Generally, Irish whiskey is considered more “smooth”, while Scotch whisky is more smoky and peaty.
Another obvious difference is that Irish whiskey is always spelled with an “e”; and scotch always uses the spelling “whisky.”
Irish Whiskey is solely a product of Ireland, and the rules for the production of Irish whiskey date back to 1880. There are two major components of the Irish Whiskey Act of 1950:
- Irish whiskey needs to be distilled in Ireland, made from a mash of malt and cereal grains.
- Irish pot still whiskey can only be distilled in pot stills within Ireland from a mash of cereal grains that are ordinarily grown in Ireland.
In addition, by Irish law, all whiskeys must be aged a minimum of three years in barrels. Barrels can be new or previously used which housed sherry, bourbon, or rum. The majority are blended whiskeys that include grain whiskey after barreling. Single malt whiskeys can be found in premium whiskies.
Types of Irish Whiskey
- Blended Irish Whiskey – Blends account for 90 percent of Irish whiskey production.
- Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Made from 100 percent malted barley produced by a single distillery in a pot still.
- Single Pot Still Whiskey – called a “pure pot still,” this whiskey is a blend of both malted and unmalted barley distilled in a pot still. Unique to Ireland.
- Poitin: This is Irish moonshine, because the distilled spirit doesn’t meet the age requirement to be labeled Irish whiskey. Similar to American moonshine, it’s a new spirit that has seen little to no time in barrel
Some notable examples of great Irish Whiskey
Roe & Co.
Faintly reminiscent of bourbon (it’s aged in bourbon casks) this blended Irish whiskey is full of caramel and vanilla notes with a hint of core fruit and a lush, creamy palate that will have you coming back for more.
Sexton Single Malt
Made from 100% malted barley, this light Irish whiskey is aged in oloroso sherry casks which brings out the honey and dried fruit notes that set off its toasty finish.
Slane
Slane is extremely approachable and great for mixing. For a blend it’s quite complex, having three different cask components (virgin, seasoned, and sherry casks). Because of this, it makes great friends with other spirits when making drinks.
Paddy’s
Fruity bouquet with hints of honey on the nose. Sweet entry with grain notes dominating the palate, with subtle hints of vanilla and butterscotch. Finish is dry and peppery.