Top 12 Irish Whiskeys Every Whiskey Lover Try

Over the past 20 years, Irish whisky has had an incredible rebound, evolving from an industry dominated by just a couple of brands to a sophisticated and varied spirit category that can compete with Scotland's best.

Whether you're exploring options to buy Irish whisky online or searching for the best Irish whiskey Australia has to offer, understanding the distinct styles and standout expressions will help you navigate this exciting world. From traditional single pot still expressions to innovative grain whiskeys, Ireland's distilleries are producing some of the most compelling spirits available today. Ireland's distilleries are creating some of the most impressive spirits on the market today, from innovative grain whiskies to classic single pot still expressions.

Understanding Irish Whiskey Styles

Before diving into specific bottles, it’s essential to understand what makes Irish whiskey unique. Unlike Scotch, Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled, resulting in a smoother, lighter character. The spirit must be aged for at least three years in wooden casks and produced on the island of Ireland. The main categories include single pot still (made from malted and unmalted barley), single malt (made exclusively from malted barley), single grain (made from grains other than malted barley), and blended whiskeys that combine different styles.

Single Pot Still: Rich & Spicy

Single pot still whiskey represents Ireland’s most distinctive contribution to the whiskey world. This style, which combines malted and unmalted barley distilled in traditional copper pot stills, delivers a creamy texture with characteristic spicy notes.

1. Redbreast 15 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

People usually say the Redbreast 15 is the standard for those rich, complicated single pot still whiskeys, and it shows off exactly what makes these whiskeys so good. It hangs out in bourbon and sherry barrels, so you get tastes of dried fruit, toasted wood, and those spices you'd use when baking. The taste lasts with spicy pot still notes and nutty sherry. If you want some really good Irish whiskey, the Redbreast 15 is always up there with the tops and is expensive because it's so well-made.

2. Mitchell & Son Green Spot Irish Whiskey

Green Spot is a classic pot still whiskey that’s easy to like, with fresh, fruity flavours. It's a great way to learn about single pot still whiskeys. It ages in bourbon, sherry, and Malaga barrels, giving it a cheerful flavour with green apple, vanilla, and a little spice. It's easier to start with than the older whiskeys, but it still has that good pot still flavour that people want. Lots of people think this is a good Irish whiskey, whether you’re new to it or know your stuff. It’s complicated, but not too much.

3. Red Spot 15-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Think of Red Spot 15 Year Old as the grown-up sibling in the Spot whiskey family. It nicely bridges the gap between the younger, zestier Green Spot and the more profound, aged Yellow Spot. This one spends time finishing in Sicilian Marsala casks, Oloroso sherry casks, and good old bourbon barrels. What you get is a whiskey that tastes like rich fruitcake, has a sweet honey touch, and finishes with a spicy kick. The longer it ages, the more depth it gets, but it still keeps that fresh, lively vibe that the Spot series is all about.

Blended: Smooth & Versatile

Blended Irish whiskeys combine different whiskey styles to create balanced, approachable expressions that appeal to a broad audience. These whiskeys often serve as excellent daily drinkers and mixing spirits.

4. Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve Irish Whiskey

If you’re looking to try something better than the usual Tullamore D.E.W., the 12-Year-Old Special Reserve is a good move. It’s well-balanced, mixing spice and fruit notes. The fact that it's triple distilled really makes it smooth. Plus, it’s made with all three types of Irish whiskey – pot still, malt, and grain – which makes it more interesting and complex. You’ll probably pick up hints of caramel, toasted wood, and dried fruit. All in all, it’s a solid pick if you want to explore some quality Irish whiskey without spending too much.

5. Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey

Jameson Black Barrel is basically the fancier version of regular Jameson, and most folks seem to dig it. What's neat is they char the bourbon barrels twice before the whiskey ages in them. It's like grilling – the more char, the more flavour! So, Black Barrel gives you a bigger hit of vanilla, that toasty wood vibe, and a sweet spice the regular stuff doesn't have as much of. It's a solid pick if you're into bourbon but want to check out Irish whiskey. It has that familiar oaky, vanilla thing bourbon fans like, but with a distinctly Irish twist. Plus, if you're looking for a good Irish whiskey online, this one's usually easy to find, and you get a good drink for what you pay. It's generally a safe bet.

6. Writers Tears Double Oak Blended Irish Whiskey

This one's a little different. They mix single pot still and single malt whiskeys – two different Irish whiskey-making styles – and age them in both American and French oak. Ageing in oak is key because that's where a lot of the flavour comes from. American oak gives you vanilla and caramel notes, like honey. It tastes kinda sweet and fruity. French oak brings a mellow taste and some tannins. Using both oaks creates an interesting flavour mix. You'll get a honey sweetness, some fruit like apples or pears, and a little spice. The name is a nod to famous Irish writers like James Joyce. The whiskey represents Irish whiskey history and how they're still trying new things but keeping the product methods good.

Single Malt & Grain: Unique & Modern

These categories showcase Ireland’s innovation and diversity, with distillers experimenting with different cask finishes, production methods, and ageing techniques.

7. Bushmills 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Ireland's oldest distillery produces excellent single malt whiskies that showcase the region's expertise in this category of whiskey. The 10 Year offers easy-to-enjoy honey and vanilla flavours and has very subtle amounts of fruit that come through, making it one of the finest examples of Irish whisky available, with amazing depth that has developed by being aged for a long period of time in sherry and Madeira casks. The newer release has a rich flavour profile with a fine balance of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and warming spices that beautifully accentuate and support each other, making it worthy of its high price in the market.

8. Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey

A modern grain whiskey often finished in different casks, Teeling Single Grain challenges preconceptions about this category. Distilled from 95% corn and 5% malted barley, then finished in California Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks, this expression delivers unexpected complexity with notes of red berries, vanilla, and gentle spice. It’s lighter and more delicate than pot still or malt whiskeys, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer gentler spirits or creative cocktails.

9. Glendalough 7-Year Single Malt Mizunara Finish

A unique Japanese oak finish for a single malt, this expression from Glendalough demonstrates Irish distillers’ willingness to experiment with international influences. Mizunara oak, prized in Japanese whisky production, imparts sandalwood, coconut, and exotic spice notes that distinguish this whiskey from traditional Irish expressions. It’s a fascinating choice for adventurous drinkers seeking something different from the best Irish whiskeys Australia typically offers.

Premium & Limited Editions

For special occasions or serious collectors, these premium expressions represent the pinnacle of Irish whiskey craftsmanship.

10. Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey

Midleton Very Rare is like the best Irish blended whiskey you can get. Every year, the Master Distiller, Brian Nation, picks out some awesome barrels. While each year is a bit different, they're all super smooth, complicated, and well-balanced. Think dried fruit, toasted wood, vanilla with a little spice. It's a best Irish whiskey, but it can be tricky to find in stores.

11. Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Then there's Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. It's a new distillery that's got people talking. They're putting a fresh spin on making traditional Irish whiskey. The single pot still stuff is spicy, but made with care. They're still pretty new, but their stuff is quality and will get bigger soon. Good luck finding it, though.

12. Natterjack Cask Strength Irish Whiskey

Finally, if you want something strong, check out Natterjack Cask Strength Irish Whiskey. This stuff is bottled at like, 55-60% alcohol, so it packs a punch. It's got all those whiskey flavours. A splash of water really brings out the flavour, in a way that lighter whiskeys just can't.

How to Choose Your Irish Whiskey

• For Beginners: Find something easy like Green Spot or Jameson Black Barrel before trying stronger whiskeys like Redbreast 15 and Natterjack Cask Strength.

• For Cocktails: Tullamore D.E.W. or Teeling Single Grain make great cocktails; neither will overpower the other ingredients.

• For Sipping Neat: Midleton Very Rare, Bushmills 21 Year Old, or Redbreast 15 are examples of quality premium offerings that can be appreciated straight up or by adding a couple of drops of water.

• Budget Considerations: When shopping through an online alcohol store Australia, consider purchasing smaller bottles first to explore different styles before committing to full-size bottles of expensive expressions.

• Sample Sets: Many retailers offer tasting sets that allow you to compare multiple whiskeys side by side, invaluable for developing your palate.

• For Daily Drinking: Quality options like Writers’ Tears Double Oak or standard Jameson for everyday enjoyment are affordable prices that don’t break the bank.

• For Special Occasions: Events such as weddings or graduations should be celebrated with these ultra-premium whiskies, including Midleton Very Rare and Bushmills 21 Year.

• For Gift-Giving: Well-known brands with nice bottles, like Redbreast or best Irish whiskey like Jameson, are great ways to show appreciation or gratitude.

How to Serve and Tasting Tips

• To maximise aroma when tasting whisky, use a tulip-shaped glass (a Glencairn). This shape directs the vapours and concentrates the aromas into one place at the top of the glass.

• Drink whisky when it is slightly colder than room temperature (weather permitting), at 60°-65°F (15°-18°C) and avoid putting ice into the whisky during the first 30 minutes after pouring.

• Pour about 25ml-35ml, and hold onto the base of the glass with one hand so that you do not warm up the whisky at all.

• Smell your whisky with your mouth slightly open, taking short breaths in and out, about three times, when you do.

• If you are tasting a higher-proof whisky (over 46% ABV), put 2 or 3 drops of water in it to help enhance its flavour.

• Feel the whisky coating all parts of your palate, and how the flavours continue to grow and develop through each sip up until they finish on your tongue.

• Wait at least thirty seconds between sips of whisky to allow your palate time to recuperate.

• Pair full-bodied pot-still whiskies with dark chocolate or some form of aged cheese, while you can pair lighter expressions with seafood or nuts.

• Once opened, whisky bottles should be stored upright in a cool, dark location and consumed within one to two years of being opened.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Rich, spicy pot stills like Redbreast pair beautifully with dark chocolate or aged cheese.

• Lighter expressions like Teeling Single Grain complement seafood or light desserts.

• Smooth blends work well with nuts, dried fruits, or charcuterie.

• Avoid overpowering foods that will mask the whiskey’s subtle flavours.

Storage Tips:

• Store bottles upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

• Keep bottles away from temperature fluctuations and strong odours.

• Once opened, consume within 1-2 years for optimal freshness, though whiskey won’t spoil.

• Ensure caps are tightly sealed after each pour to minimise oxidation.

The Future of Irish Whiskey in Australia

Irish whiskey is evolving at a fast pace. Loads of new and emerging distilleries are coming forward with the best Irish whiskeys in the world, and the old ones are trying out crazy stuff with barrels, how they age the whiskey, and how it tastes. It's a cool time to check out what's coming from Ireland.

So if you're collecting, looking for a gift, or just want to buy Irish whisky, these twelve bottles show off how varied, good, and new Irish whiskey can be. From classic pot still whiskeys such as Redbreast to new names such as Glendalough, there's an Irish whiskey for everyone.

With Liquor Loot, you can buy Irish whiskey online in Australia. So getting your hands on top-notch bottles is pretty easy, even if you're far away. Begin by grabbing a bottle or two from different types, and you'll get why Irish whisky is a hit with drinkers across the globe.