Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey is one of the world’s oldest distilled spirits, with a history that stretches back over six centuries. Known for its smooth character, triple distillation, and wide range of styles, it has long been a staple of pubs, cocktail bars, and home collections alike. In recent decades, a revival in distilling has brought both heritage brands and innovative newcomers to the fore, making Irish whiskey one of the fastest-growing categories globally.

Origins & Early History

The earliest written record of whiskey production in Ireland dates to 1405, predating references in Scotland by almost 90 years. Distilling knowledge was likely brought by monks returning from travels in continental Europe, where they had encountered techniques for producing medicinal spirits. Over time, the Irish refined these methods, creating a spirit prized for its purity and palatability. By the 19th century, Irish whiskey was the most popular spirit in the world, exported to markets across Europe, North America, and beyond.

Triple Distillation & Maturation

Traditional Irish whiskey is often associated with triple distillation in copper pot stills. This additional distillation run tends to produce a lighter, smoother spirit with refined flavours, one of the hallmarks of the category. While many distilleries continue this practice, some use double distillation for a fuller body. Maturation takes place in oak casks — often ex-bourbon barrels from the United States, sherry casks from Spain, or wine casks — each adding their own nuances of vanilla, dried fruit, spice, or toasted oak.

Legal Definition & Styles

Irish whiskey is legally defined under EU and Irish law as being distilled and matured on the island of Ireland for at least three years. It encompasses several styles:

Single Malt: 100% malted barley, distilled in pot stills.  
Single Pot Still: A uniquely Irish style made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley, giving a creamy texture and peppery spice.  
Grain Whiskey: Made from corn, wheat, or unmalted barley in column stills, producing a lighter, sweeter spirit.  
Blended Whiskey: A combination of two or more of the above styles, offering versatility and balance.

Decline & Resurgence

The 20th century saw a dramatic contraction in the industry, with only a handful of distilleries surviving into the 1980s. However, the last 30 years have brought an extraordinary resurgence. Iconic names like Jameson, Bushmills, and Redbreast have been joined by newer distilleries such as Teeling, Dingle, and Waterford, each contributing fresh ideas and regional character. This new wave has embraced cask experimentation, higher bottling strengths, and limited releases, while respecting the traditions that made Irish whiskey famous.

Flavour Profiles

Flavour profiles vary widely. Single pot still whiskeys such as Redbreast deliver rich orchard fruit, spice, and creamy malt. Light, grain-led blends like Jameson offer easy-drinking smoothness, perfect for highballs or cocktails. Peated expressions from producers like Connemara add a smoky twist, while cask-strength and single cask releases cater to enthusiasts seeking intensity and depth.

Our Irish Whiskey Selection

Our Irish whiskey range covers the spectrum, from approachable blends to rare age-statement single malts and pot still bottlings. Whether you are exploring the category for the first time or adding to an established collection, each bottle is chosen for its quality, authenticity, and ability to showcase the best of Ireland’s distilling tradition. Raise a glass to one of the world’s great spirits — an enduring symbol of Irish craftsmanship and hospitality.