Irish Whiskey 101: A History and Tasting Guide

  
Irish Whiskey 101: A History and Tasting Guide

A Buyer’s Guide:

For Newcomers to Whiskey: Clontarf, Jameson. “For the novice Irish whiskey drinker, [Clontarf” is very palatable,” Baker observes. “It’s not overwhelming.” Jameson, Baker says, “is the most accessible whiskey for the non-whiskey drinker.” If Jameson is everywhere, then it’s widespread for a reason – and that reason is not just public relations.

For Newcomers to Irish Whiskey: Tullamore. Its single malt component “adds a citrus, floral lightness to the whiskey. This is a well-balanced whiskey,” Baker says, “and, I would argue that this is also a very good one for an introductory whiskey drinker, because it is very smooth and balanced. It doesn’t have a lot of burn.”

For Scotch Whisky Lovers: Bushmill’s Black Bush and Kilbeggan. The latter “is a blend, but it is double-distilled and it has a heavy single-malt component.” Baker says, “It’s lighter, it’s fresher . . . The single malt brings floral and citrus notes, whereas the pot still brings the honey, the cream and the fatty notes, and then grain is just sweetness. In comparison with scotch, Black Bush “is not on that smoky level . . . but as a blended scotch drinker, this would really appeal.”

For a Bourbon Drinker: Jameson’s Black Barrel “is the perfect introduction to Irish whiskey . . . It’s a much more intense flavor” than the usual Irish whiskey.

For a Person who Thinks There is Nothing Missing from the Home Irish Whiskey Collection: Powers. “Stepping up, they have a one-hundred percent pot still: the John’s Lane release and the Signature release are gorgeous whiskies.”

For Single-Malt Drinkers: Connemara peated. “It is a single malt. It is peated. Not very many Irish whiskies are peated. It’s nowhere near something like a Laphroaig.” If you look at the chemistry – and you can smell and taste it, so you might as well look at it, too – then peat smoke contains phenols. During the kilning process, the malted barley absorbs some of those phenols. Voila: smoke in a glass. For comparison’s sake, Bunnahabhain has between one and two percent phenols per million; Laphroaig, around forty to forty-five percent. Whiskies come peatier than that– but only a couple. Ardberg and Longrow come in at fifty-five percent. Don’t seek that level of peatiness in Connemarra, which “is around fourteen to sixteen ppms.” That’s approximately a quarter of the smoke in Laphroaig.

For a Drinker who Wants to Get to Know Irish Pot Stills: Green Spot. “It’s world-renowned. It’s won multiple awards.” Baker describes Green Spot as having a “lovely, smooth, creamy, spicy flavor.” Back to history: “This was the first relaunch of pure, pot-still Irish whiskey that hit the American market. It’s just fantastic.”

8/8

Photo via Flickr

 

Recent Articles
The History of The Boulevardier Cocktail - and How You Can Make it at Home
Inside Look: Campari's Stylish North American Headquarters in New York
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Whether it's on warm summer nights or with the briskness of spring and fall evenings, drinking is often at its best when it's al fresco. ...read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Whether it's on the waterfront with seafood and crushes or on a dog-friendly deck with whiskey, outdoor drinking is a staple in this city....read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera May 14, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close