Best Irish Spirit/Liqueur Types
This acclaimed cream liqueur is produced with a combination of neutral alcohol, triple distilled Irish whiskey, and cream, which is supplied by small, local Irish family farms. The base of the liqueur is additionally enriched with vanilla, cocoa, and caramel, to create the distinctive toffee flavor.
The drink was invented in Dublin, in the 1970s and it still remains an entirely Irish product and one of the most prominent Irish brands. Baileys is usually served neat, over ice, but it also perfectly blends in coffee or hot chocolate, or in a wide array of cream-based cocktails.
Hailing from Dublin, this coffee cream liqueur comes packed in a double-sided bottle. One part consists of a light liqueur that combines fresh Irish cream and vanilla flavoring and comes at 15.5% ABV, while the other side consists of a chocolate-flavored, whiskey-based dark coffee liqueur that comes at 37.6% ABV.
It was first launched in 1994 and is produced by the distiller Thomas Sheridan & Sons. The drink should be skillfully poured into a glass to create an eye-catching layered drink, with coffee liqueur at the bottom and the cream on top. Sheridan’s should always be served chilled, preferably over ice.
Ireland was presumably the first country that introduced distillation, primarily to produce a clear distillate known as uisge beatha—which is generally considered to be a predecessor of modern-day whiskey. Only produced and matured in the distilleries located in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Irish whiskey is distinguished from other varieties for its smooth texture and flavor that is mainly achieved with triple distillation, though some distilleries nowadays opt for double distilled whiskey.
Official guidelines stipulate that Irish whiskey can be made from malted cereals with or without whole grains of other cereals, while the basic classification divides them into single pot still (mixture of malted and unmalted barley completely distilled in a pot still within a single distillery), single malt (made from malted barley distilled in a pot still within a single distillery), single grain (produced from various grains by continuous distillation in a column or Coffey still), and the most common variety - blended Irish whiskey (a combination of various styles).
THE BEST Irish Whiskey Spirits
Redbreast
Redbreast 27 Years Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Knappogue Castle
21 Years Old Single Malt Whiskey
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Redbreast
Redbreast Lustau Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Method and Madness
Rye and Malt
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Poitín is an Irish spirit that is believed to be the predecessor of all distilled beverages in Ireland. Often dubbed as Irish moonshine, the spirit was traditionally distilled from malted grains, usually barley, wheat, oats, or rye, but through history, many other base ingredients were used such as beets or sugar, and in the 19th century many farmers distilled poitín from potatoes.
However, the best versions are mostly made from grains. Poitín is a clear and potent spirit that may display a wide array of aromas, but it is always has a long-lasting, warming, and subtly spicy finish. Monks were the first who distilled the spirit, sometime in the 6th century, and the production was mostly done in small pot stills named pota.
This Irish liqueur is based on a combination of whiskey, honey, and various botanicals. It is believed to stem from a century-old recipe for heather wine, but it was officially launched in 1947. The liqueur is characterized by its deep amber color and complex flavor that is typically smooth and displays warm honey aromas, with underlying notes of spices and fruit. Irish Mist is usually served neat over ice, but it also blends well with soda, soft drinks, or coffee.
Best Irish Spirit/Liqueur Producers
Redbreast is a brand of single pot still Irish Whiskey produced by the Irish Distillers subsidiary of Pernod Ricard. It was originally bottled by Gilbey's, a Dublin spirits merchant using distillate sourced from Jameson's Bow Street Distillery.[1] In the 1980s, the brand was purchased by Irish Distillers, the producer of Jameson.
It is the largest selling single pot still Irish whiskey in the world.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2021, 2020
Midleton Very Rare is a prestigious series of Irish whiskeys produced by the Midleton Distillery, located in County Cork. The Midleton Very Rare series, launched in 1984 by Master Distiller Barry Crockett, is an annual release of carefully selected and blended vintages.
Each edition reflects a unique flavor profile, continuing a legacy of quality under current Master Distiller Kevin O'Gorman.
AWARDS
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2020, 2019
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
BEST Midleton Very Rare Spirits
Waterford Whisky is an Irish distillery renowned for its terroir-driven single malt whiskies. Founded in 2016 by Mark Reynier, the distillery emphasizes the influence of soil, microclimate, and location on barley, the primary ingredient in whisky.
By collaborating with over 100 Irish barley growers, Waterford produces distinct Single Farm Origin whiskies, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its source farm.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
Bartender Spirits Awards - Gold
2023
BEST Waterford Distillery Spirits
Teeling Whiskey Distillery, established in 2015, is the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years, reviving the city's rich whiskey-making heritage. Located in the historic Liberties area, it offers visitors a comprehensive experience of the whiskey production process, from grain to glass.
The distillery produces a range of award-winning Irish whiskeys, including Small Batch, Single Grain, Single Malt, and Single Pot Still expressions.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST Teeling Whiskey Company Spirits
The Dublin Liberties Distillery offers an immersive experience into the world of whiskey production, blending rich history with contemporary craft. Located in the Liberties district of Dublin, Ireland, it is known for its distinctive whiskeys such as Oak Devil, Copper Alley, and Murder Lane.
The distillery also offers guided tours, whiskey tastings, and venue hire for events.
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2019
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
BEST The Dublin Liberties Distillery Spirits
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
World's Best Grain Spirit - Winner
2022
BEST Micil Distillery Spirits
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2020
The Irish Whiskey Masters - Gold
2023
BEST Kinsale Spirit Company Spirits
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
The Irish Whiskey Masters - Gold
2022
BEST Kinsale Spirit Spirits
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2022
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2022
BEST J.J. Corry Spirits
Sailor's Home Irish Whiskey is a brand that honors the legacy of the Sailor's Home, established in Limerick in 1856 to provide sanctuary for seafarers. Guided by Master Distiller Jack O'Se, who brings over 40 years of experience, the brand is dedicated to crafting unique and innovative whiskey expressions.
Their offerings, such as The Journey, The Haven, and The Horizon, are distinguished by distinctive cask maturations and finishes, reflecting a commitment to quality and a spirit of exploration.
AWARDS
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2023
BEST Sailor’s Home Spirits
Best Irish Spirits and Liqueurs
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2021
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2021
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024, 2023, 2022
Knappogue Castle offers a distinguished range of limited-edition single malt Irish whiskeys, each showcasing unique aging processes and cask finishes. Notably, the Knappogue Castle 21 Year Old Single Malt is a marriage of two single malts—one aged 23 years and the other 21 years—both matured in ex-bourbon casks.
This expression is non-chill filtered and bottled at 92 proof, delivering a soft and mellow taste with malty richness throughout.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
METHOD AND MADNESS Rye & Malt – the first aged experimental distillate release created at the Micro Distillery in Midleton. Innovation is nothing new to Midleton, but the micro distillery has provided the copper canvas for experimentation to run free.
Masterfully created by our next generation of innovative whiskey makers, METHOD AND MADNESS Rye & Malt is a distillate-driven whiskey, bursting with floral notes and a spicy character. The combination of rye with malted barley brightens the whiskey’s naturally wide spectrum of flavours and aromas to evoke notes of lemon balm, white pepper, chili flakes and toasted wood with a lingering finish of spiced fruit.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy is a distinguished single pot still Irish whiskey crafted in honor of Barry Crockett, the second-generation Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery. This exceptional whiskey is a blend of pot still whiskeys matured exclusively in American bourbon barrels, with a subtle contribution from a pot still distillate aged in an unseasoned American barrel.
Bottled at 46% ABV, it offers an elegant aroma of vanilla and toasted oak, complemented by hints of lime, succulent green berries, pears, and green sweet pepper. The palate reveals light pepper notes alongside fresh citrus flavors, including limes and mandarin orange sweetness, with a touch of cinnamon, vanilla, and oak, reflecting its years spent in American oak.
AWARDS
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
The Irish Whiskey Masters - Gold
2023
Green Spot Chateau Montelena has been finished for 12 months in French oak Zinfandel from the prestigious Chateau Montelena in Napa Valley, California. Zinfandel casks are adding an exciting new dimension to this Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey already renowned for its excellent quality.
This rare cask finish contributes pomegranate, cranberry and maraschino cherry on the nose, a dry note to the silky mouthfeel and the finish combines classic long pot still spice flavours with a delicate wine influence, all in perfect harmony.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
The Irish Whiskey Masters - Gold
2022
The Irish Whiskey Masters - Master
2023
The Dublin Liberties Copper Alley is a whiskey offered by The Dublin Liberties Distillery, known for its rich heritage and bold character. The whiskey is crafted in small batches, delivering a smooth and refined taste with hints of vanilla, oak, and spice.
It offers a unique experience, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship of Irish whiskey.
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2019
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
Cuvée Gaia stands as a celebration of Ireland’s original and only certified organic single malt. This Single Malt is a testament to the spirit of maverick growers, embracing the ethos of respecting the land and honouring age-old traditions to prioritise natural flavour over yield.
This single malt whiskey brings together organic distillations from six distinct Single Farm Origins for extra body, boldness, and wholesome flavour as well as two diverse harvests for harmony.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2022
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2022
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