The World’s Best Irish Whiskey—According To The Experts
Irish whiskey: it’s what’s for dinner. Not just on and around St. Patrick’s Day, but all year long. According to data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the US, “the Emerald Spirit” is among the fastest growing liquor categories on American shelves. And why wouldn’t it be? Encompassing a wide range of production styles, it is dynamic yet entirely approachable.
You’ve got your well-rounded blends, often comprising triple-distilled spirit; then there’s the lighter single grains, and a fuller-bodied subcategory unique to the region: single pot still, made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley. In the stubbornly traditional single malt space, this part of the world is exercising an exciting degree of innovation. Yet those liquids remain a relative bargain compared to their counterparts in Scotland or Japan.
Bushmills 21 exists as a sterling example. Featuring malt whiskey matured in both Oloroso sherry casks, as well as Madeira-seasoned ex-bourbon barrels, it is a stunningly complex pour that can easily be yours for under $200 a bottle. Though if you don’t mind an upcharge, be on the lookout for the Northern Irish producer’s new Rare Cask series—showcasing the oldest stock they’ve ever commercially released. The first edition (pictured above) arrived in late 2020: a 28-year-old gem that spent 11 years in sherry cask before a 17-year “finish” in cognac barrels. It flew off shelves at $500 a piece. pg slot
