Overview

Irish whiskey is one of the fastest-growing whiskey categories today. A big reason for this is it is generally lighter, milder, and altogether easier to drink than scotch or American whiskey.   This is why a shot of Jameson is the way many newcomers are introduced to the whiskey category at large.  

Irish Whiskey Basics:

• Irish whiskey utilizes barley as a dominant flavoring grain, like scotch and other malt whiskeys, but what is unique about Irish whiskey is the barely is not always malted.  

• The Irish don't traditionally use peat, so their whiskeys generally don't share scotch’s smokiness.  Though there are some peated Irish whiskeys - Connemara for example.

• Irish whiskey is often distilled three times, while scotch is only two.  But not always!  

• Irish whiskey aging laws are essentially the same as scotch.  It must be aged for a minimum of three years and any kind of oak barrel can be used.  Ex-bourbon casks are typical, but sherry and others are also used. For more in-depth details check out the aging section on the scotch page.

• The most popular and familiar Irish whiskey brands are blends - Jameson, Bushmills, Powers, etc.  But there are other categories, see across.

Mixing with Irish Whiskey

While Irish whiskey is a cornerstone whiskey category in many circles, it is not usually the first choice for cocktails.   For one, outside of the Irish Coffee, there aren’t many classics that call it (The Emerald is another, which is an Irish whiskey Manhattan with orange bitters.  I recommend using a single malt or pure pot still for that one).

Secondly,  Irish whiskey's mellowness - which is what many find appealing about it on its own - comes off a little soft in cocktails, in my opinion.  Especially when compared to American whiskey which typically has a sharp spice note.  So I prefer it served neat or maybe with some ice.  But that’s just me.  Some swear by Irish whiskey cocktails, namely the famed bar The Dead Rabbit in lower Manhattan, NYC.