Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is Ireland’s signature style, a uniquely Irish production method that combines tradition, versatility, and distinctive flavour. Unlike single malt whisky, which is made from 100% malted barley, single pot still whiskey uses a mash of both malted and unmalted barley, distilled in copper pot stills. This approach creates a rich, creamy mouthfeel and a complex balance of spicy, fruity, and cereal notes that is instantly recognisable to those who know the style.
Origins and History
The style developed in the 18th century, when the British government imposed a tax on malted barley. Irish distillers, ever resourceful, began adding unmalted (“green”) barley to the mash to reduce the tax burden. The unintended consequence was the creation of a new and delicious flavour profile that quickly became the hallmark of Irish whiskey.
Throughout the 19th century, single pot still whiskey dominated global markets, and Irish distilleries became famous for the style. However, economic downturns, wars, and changing tastes saw it decline in the 20th century, with only a handful of distilleries keeping the tradition alive. In recent years, the style has experienced a major revival, with both historic and new producers embracing its heritage.
Production
Single pot still whiskey must be:
• Made in a single distillery (hence “single”).
• Distilled in traditional copper pot stills — typically triple-distilled for smoothness.
• Made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley (sometimes with small amounts of other grains).
The use of unmalted barley adds a distinctive spiciness and weight to the spirit, while triple distillation refines its texture. Maturation takes place in oak casks, often a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry, to add vanilla sweetness, dried fruit depth, and subtle tannins.
Leading Producers and Bottlings
The style is most closely associated with Midleton Distillery in County Cork, which produces world-famous single pot still whiskeys under brands such as:
• Redbreast - rich, sherried, and deeply complex.
• Green Spot / Yellow Spot - fresh and vibrant, with wine-cask influences.
• Powers John’s Lane - robust and spicy.
Newer distilleries like Teeling, Dingle, and Drumshanbo are also producing notable single pot still expressions, bringing fresh interpretations to the category.
Our Selection
Our Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey range includes classic, long-aged expressions for connoisseurs, approachable younger bottlings for those discovering the style, and innovative cask finishes that show its versatility. Whether you’re seeking the sherried depth of Redbreast, the bright fruitiness of Green Spot, or a bold modern take from a craft producer, this is the definitive Irish whiskey style, rooted in history and made for the future.
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