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Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With These Best Irish Whiskey Brands
There's no shortage of celebrations when it comes to St. Patrick's Day—from the parades and corned beef dinner to the lucky Irish desserts. Some people even go so far as to drink green-tinted beer to celebrate the holiday. But if you really want to embrace the spirit (and flavor) of Ireland, pour yourself a glass of Irish whiskey. Not sure where to begin? Don't fret! In honor of St. Paddy's Day, we've rounded up the best Irish whiskey brands.
Our Top Picks
What's an Irish whiskey you might ask? Well, for one thing, it's made in Ireland. Another thing to note is that Irish whiskey is always spelled with an "e." That's the case for both Ireland and the United States, but in other countries (like Scotland and Japan), you'll find it is often spelled "whisky." Now that we've had our spelling lesson, let's get back to the good stuff! A distinguishing characteristic of Irish whiskey is that it's always aged in a wooden cask for a minimum of three years, but there are four different types: malt, pot still, grain, and blended. It's also incredibly smooth, easy to drink, and can be used in classic cocktail recipes and Irish coffee.
Now that you know a little more about Irish whiskey, the only thing left to do pick up some whiskey glasses and a bottle to try for yourself. But don't wait until March 17—these Irish whiskeys can (and should) be enjoyed all year long.
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1) Jameson Irish Whiskey
Jameson
drizly.com
$31.49
This might just be the best-know Irish whiskey on this list—and for good reason! It has notes of vanilla and spice that make it easy to sip. Plus, it's one of the more affordable and readily available options around.
Drizly - 3/14
2) Proper No. Twelve
drizly.com
$29.89
Proper No. Twelve has quickly become a new favorite on the bar scene for its straightforward drinkability. This single malt is bourbon-barrel-aged for four years and is great on the rocks or mixed with ginger ale.
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3) Powers Gold Label
drizly.com
$33.25
The most popular Irish whiskey brand in Ireland is Powers. It's been around since 1791! The gold label is a blend of pot-still and grain, and because a finer cut is bottled, that means it is smooth enough to drink neat.
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4) Bushmills Irish Whiskey
Bushmills
drizly.com
$36.00
As one of the oldest whiskey distilleries in the world, Bushmills has more than 400 years of whiskey making experience. Their light, smooth, triple-distilled variety is perfect for anyone who wants a taste of Northern Ireland. The recipe hasn't changed since the 1800s!
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5) Writers Tears
drizly.com
$43.00
Ireland isn't just known for whiskey, but for its famous writers, like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde. Inspired by the great Irish writers' of the 19th century, Walsh Whiskey produced this pot still and single malt blend.
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6) Knappogue Castle
Knappogue
totalwine.com
$51.99
If you've been on the hunt for a single malt whiskey, look no further. Knappogue’s well-rounded, delicate flavor is worth the price.
Total Wine - 8/14
7) Slane Irish Whiskey
Slane
totalwine.com
$29.99
This whiskey gets its complex flavor from being aged in three different casks. It’s spicy at first but mellows out with flavors of caramel, butterscotch, and hints of dried fruit.
Total Wine - 9/14
8) The Sexton Single Malt
totalwine.com
$30.99
Made with 100% Irish malted barley, this whiskey is aged in sherry casks that gives it a smooth, nutty flavor. It’ll stand out on your bar cart thanks to the distinct black and gold bottle.
Total Wine - 10/14
9) Paddy's
Paddy's
totalwine.com
$23.99
From Ireland’s County Cork, this award-winning whiskey is known for being approachable, mild, and crisp. It’s the perfect drink too share with friends.
Total Wine - 11/14
10) Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
drizly.com
$39.99
Teeling is known for being one of the first distilleries to open in Dublin in over 125 years. Their blended grain and malt whiskey is uniquely smooth, sweet, and woody.
Drizly - 12/14
11) The Irishman Founder's Reserve
The Irishman
totalwine.com
$37.49
Despite being aged in American oak bourbon barrels, this whiskey is full-on Irish (hence the name). It’s a blend of single malt and single pot still which results in a flavorful whiskey.
Total Wine - 13/14
12) Roe & Co Blended Irish Whiskey
drizly.com
$34.99
This modern Irish whiskey comes straight from Dublin’s distilling quarter. The blend of malt and grain whiskey has notes of spiced pear that make it perfect for mixing in your St. Patrick's Day drinks.
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13) Tullamore D.E.W.
drizly.com
$28.92
This popular whiskey brand has been around since 1829. It isn't fancy but it's perfect for anyone who's just starting out as a whiskey drinker.
Drizly
