What is the best kind of Irish Whiskey?

Question

What is the best kind of Irish Whiskey?

Answer 1

For the cash: I second Black Bush. My all time favorite is Midleton, which is the top of the Jameson line, but it's too expensive. Jameson 12 is a bit harsh, but the 18 is nice. Same with Bushmills, the white label is harsh, the 10YO single is nice. Redbreast is good as well, but it's a lot of green malt flavor that some people don't really enjoy.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I would say Redbreast 12, or better still, Redbreast 15, if you can get it. These are what Irish whiskey is all about, in the traditional sense. They are pure pot still, unblended whiskeys. They are the essence of what goes into big brands like Jameson.

I also think the Jameson brands are great.

For your guide, there are three Irish distilleries with whiskey on the market. Firstly, the Midleton distillery produces Midleton, Jameson, Tullamore, Powers and Paddy whiskey.

Contrary to the previously expressed opinion, Midleton also used to produce a component of the Black Bush whiskey, which is a Bushmills brand. Bushmills and Midleton were owned by the same people up to a couple of years ago.

Also, John Jameson, who founded the Jameson label, was a protestant Scot. And the master blender at Bushmills is a catholic.

The second distillery operational is Bushmills, and the third is Cooley. There's another one going now, but it has yet to release any matured whiskey.

If you can afford it, the Jameson Rarest Vintage is as good a whiskey as I've tasted. Available for about $250.  

Answer 3

Inishowen, but you can't get it in the US.  A friend of mine just left on a two week trip to Ireland and will be bringing me back another bottle.

Answer 4

This is a matter of taste so its hard to say.   There are really the big three Irish Whiskey brands..  Bushmills, Jameson, and Tullamore Dew.

Bushmills is the protestant Irish Whiskey, full bodied, quite a heavy oak flavor.  Not expensive really.  Black Bush, is there aged and blended version, smoother than the regular, deeper taste, obviously a bit more expensive.

Jamesons...the Catholic Irish Whiskey.  Similar to bushmills but a tast all in its own.  A bit brighter in palette, slightly muted fruit hints.  Jameson also comes is 12, 15 and 25 year old increments.  Jameson 1780 which is 12 year old, is very nice, great full bodied, nice oak undertones.

Tullamore Dew-  Didn't particularly enjoy this whiskey, it has its fans, my Uncle being one of them.  According to him, its softer on the oak flavor, a bit smoother than the others, but not as defining in taste.

Hope it helps....

Slainte Mhath

Answer 5

Black Bush