Everything you need to know about Irish whiskey
Irish whiskey is one of the world's most traditional and versatile spirits. Whether you're just beginning your exploration of the world of whiskey or looking to expand your knowledge, here you'll find a complete introduction to its history, major distilleries, different whiskey styles, and unique production methods. Get ready to discover the allure of Irish whiskey!
The history of Irish whiskey
Irish whiskey has a long and storied history dating back to the 12th century. Here are some historical milestones that have shaped this whiskey:
Origin and first steps
The art of distilling was likely developed by Irish monks who brought their knowledge back from travels in the Middle East. Whiskey, also known as "uisce beatha" (Gaelic for "water of life"), was originally produced for medicinal purposes.
The boom of Irish whiskey
In the 19th century, the Irish whiskey industry experienced enormous growth and became the world leader in whiskey production. Irish whiskeys were considered high quality and were particularly in demand in America and Europe.
The crisis and the comeback
The whiskey industry suffered severe setbacks in the 20th century due to Prohibition in the United States, economic crises, and the rise of Scotch whisky. The number of Irish distilleries shrank dramatically. But since the 1980s, Irish whiskey has experienced an impressive revival with increasing demand and new distilleries.
Famous distilleries in Ireland
Ireland is home to some of the world's most renowned whiskey distilleries. Here are a few you should know about:
Jameson
Jameson is arguably the best-known brand of Irish whiskey. The distillery was founded in Dublin in 1780 and is known today for its smooth, slightly sweet taste.
Bushmills
Old Bushmills is located in Northern Ireland and is considered one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world (1608). Bushmills is particularly famous for its single malts.
Teeling
Teeling is one of the modern distilleries that has made a significant contribution to the renaissance of Irish whiskey. It produces innovative whiskeys and is based in the heart of Dublin.
Redbreast
This brand is known among connoisseurs for its full-bodied and complex single pot still whiskeys. Reedbreast offers a wide range of whiskeys of varying ages and matured in different casks and is considered a true Irishman with its single pot still style.
Other distilleries
Powers, Tullamore DEW, and Green Spot are also respected representatives of the Irish whiskey scene. Be enchanted by the old favorites or try some of the young, up-and-coming brands. You're sure to find what you're looking for in our selection.