Best Irish Whiskey

I haven't put this list in any order, however when it comes to Irish Whiskey, or Whiskey in general for me, Green Spot holds the number one spot (see what I did there). Whiskey always comes with a story, and Green Spot is the story of how I got into Whiskey. I know it was born in Dublin, but it lives in Cork in Midleton and I promise this is the last time I mention Cork. On the nose straight away you are met with the aroma of Oils and Spices with Orchard fruits and toasted wood. The taste is full bodied bringing in those classic pot still features such as candied apple and fruity sweetness. The taste lingers through spice and barley on the finish. Green Spot comes in a variety of different cask finishes, however the original is still my favourite.

There is no nicer place to try a Whiskey than down among the Wicklow Mountains in Powers Court. Such beautiful surroundings, and what better place to have a Whiskey Distillery. On my most recent visit I got to try and purchase a bottle of their Cask Select that is infused with Barley Wine and Imperial Stout Casks from Wicklow Wolf Brewery. On the nose you are hit with Toffee, Honey and Tropical Fruits. If you are a fan of Terrys Chocolate Orange then this one is for you. That first taste delivers a Chocolate Orange Candy and Lime Drizzle cake and finishing with Tropical Fruits and Milk Chocolate. I have yet to take a tour of the distillery, but if it is anything like the gift shop and bar, you will be in for a treat.

The newest addition to the Titanic Core Range, I had the pleasure of tasting this for the first time with Titanic Distillery's Master Distiller Damian Rafferty. I am a huge fan of Pot Still Whiskey, and this one did not disappoint. On the nose you get a rich infusion of Oak, Toasted Vanilla and sweet Honey. From the initial taste, my first thought was a rich infusion of Oak, Toasted Vanilla and sweet Honey. A great sipping whiskey that brought me back to my early 20's, and an even better Distillery Tour, one definitely to check out if you are in Belfast.

I may be from Belfast, but my heart truly lies in West Cork, and Clonakilty in particular has a strong family connection. Matured in ex Bourbon and ex Rhum Agricole Barrels, on the nose you are hit with Rich Orchard Aromas, Apples, Pears, that crisp Apple Cidar on a warm summer day. The first taste reveals a very balanced flavour of Honey, Vanilla and a hint of Clove finishing in a fantastic Citrus and Spice. A great Winter Warmer to enjoy around the fire sharing stories and memories.

This is a recent favourite of mine. Introduced to me by the man himself Lee Robinson, Brand Ambassador for Lír Whiskey, this is an Oloroso Sherry Cask finish made in the Glens of Antrim. On the nose you will be met with light notes of Toasted Oak, then from the taste, hit by those traditional Oloroso staples such as Peels, Sultanas and Honey. Let this sit on your palate and you will start to release that dried fruit and ginger. An incredible Whiskey that does not break the bank and sits perfectly within your collection.

I visited the Croithlí Distillery last year, again a fairly new addition to Irish Whiskey having begun distilling in late 2020. What attracts me most to this bottle is how Croithlí tried to move away from the more conventional Spirit Casks, opting for something different. Robur is mainly used for European Oak Sherry casks. It is more porous and much less sweet cask coming from Slavonia in Croatia. On the nose it produces a deep redcurrant fruitiness with rich winter spices such as ginger and clove. That rich fruit continues into that initial taste, finishing in a dry wood smoke and dark chocolate. The price is on the higher side but well worth it. If you are in Donegal, a great Tour with a rich history.

This Distillery exclusive is limited to only 295 bottles, so I am very lucky to have it in my collection. It can only be purchased in the Distillery and is part of Hinch's Warehouse 3 Collection. The cask was picked by Senior Distiller Emma Millar and what a cask to have chosen. I sat down with both Emma and William Stafford back in April this year and had the honour to try this amazing Whiskey with the experts. On the nose I really get those soft fruits such as peaches and apricots, some honey as well. On the tongue you really get the cask strength spice which once settled releases dried fruit, coffee and on the finish a lovely tiramisu and vanilla note. I am sure there are not many of these bottles left so be sure to call into the distillery to pick up a bottle.

Back to West Cork, and it won't be the last time, we venture into the lovely town of Skibbereen. West Cork Cask Strength isn't for the faint hearted at a staggering 62%. Out of all the bottles I have this one delivers a very straight up approach to marrying Grain and Malt Whiskey's in Bourbon Barrels with a brilliant finish. On the nose you get a lot of dried fruit with a well-balanced sweetness. You need to let that first sip sit for a minute as the cask strength hits, but as it settles it reveals even more of that dried fruit, orange peel and the malt starts to come through. For anyone wanting to get into cask strength, I would recommend this one to challenge the palate.

This Blended Whiskey combines 3 casks, American Bourbon, Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel Barrique totalling together to produce a very complex Whiskey for the price. It is a very recent addition to my collection and steadily working its way up the list. On the nose you are immediately hit with fresh orange zest, apple, sweet demerara sugar and a hint of Elderflower. The profile does not stop with the taste, introducing spice, orchard fruits, honey, cherries and dates. On the finish you are left with a warm spice and more of that brown sugar. One thing that I love about this bottle is the Wax seal finish, it adds another level of sophistication.

Whiskey Distilleries have a unique way of popping up in the strangest of places, and McConnell's is no exception. Set in the historic Crumlin Road Jail in Belfast, McConnel's has set itself apart from the rest. This 5 year blend has been matured in American Oak Barrels delivering a spicy whiskey. On the nose it gives a wonderful Floral note with a hint of cedar, sweet spice and Pepper. McConnell's have aptly deemed the taste similar to that of a Crunchy Bar, with Golden Syrup and Vanilla finished with a dark treacle and toasted spices, and I am totally on board with this profile which can I say makes for one of the nicest Old Fashioneds I have ever had, made kindly for me at Belfast Whiskey Social by the wonderful ambassadors.