Scottish or Irish Whiskey... What is the best ?

Answer 1

In a head-to-head battle of the whiskeys, you'll find that both are winners.

In Scotland, it's whisky. In Ireland, ifs whiskey. But the differences--and similarities-between two of the finest whiskeys in the world are greater than whether they spell their names with or without an "e."

For one, there are their highly distinctive tastes--the gentle, light and delicate taste of Irish; the clean, gusty, smoky and peaty taste of Scotch. Different from other whiskeys, with birth dates that stretch back into the dim recesses of history, Irish and Scotch are civilized, sophisticated drinks to be enjoyed slowly and pondered as one might a well-aged Cognac.

Both whiskeys, Irish and single malt Scotch, are distilled, by the centuries-old, slow, traditional pot still method. Most blended Scotch is done by the more modern and faster continuous still method. Both whiskeys are made from two of the same basic ingredients--barley and water. But after that, Scotch and irish go their separate ways.

The differences between the two are reflected in their individual aromas and tastes and the way each is made. While both use barley and water, irish is distilled from a combination of malted and unmalted barley if it is a single malt, and from a combination of malted barley and other grains if it is a blend.

Answer 2

Impossible to answer, like most questions of taste. Also there's such a huge variety within each - there are said to be somewhere over 300 different single malt Scotches, for a start. My own favourite is the Orkney malt Highland Park, but there are some great ones from the Hebridean island of Islay - Lagavulin or Bunnahabhain, for a start.

Irish whiskies, in so far as you can generalise, tend to be smoother than Scottish. Try Tullamore Dew, if you can get hold of it - it's well worth tracking down.

The only thing you can say for certain is that 'whiskey' is Irish and 'whisky' (no 'e') is Scotch.

Answer 3

Technically the main difference is the fact that Irish is triple distilled as a norm, whereas outside of "Auchentoshan"' Scotch Whisky is not. From there it really separates into what you like and don't. Being Scottish I have tried more Scotch than Irish, but I have been known to get just as drunk on either and seemingly enjoyed it.
Personally Ardbeg 17 Y.O Islay Malt truly is the Deity of all whiskies and all others merely bask in its omnipotence and glory.

Answer 4

I don't like Whisky, so can't help but I'd be biased and say Scottish. I prefer the other less well known Scottish beveridge, a lovely dark rum made with Demerara sugar O.V.D (Old Vatted Demerara). This is the dogs b*llocks drunk with Coke!! Not always easy to get outside of Tayside! Originally made in Dundee and Montrose.

Answer 5

There only is Irish Whiskey

The Scottish stuff is called Whisky.

Answer 6

I love both. For my Birthday I was given a bottle of Irish and it is only available in Ireland. My friends went on holiday there.
For christmas I have been given a bottle of Macallan scotch a very delicious and round flavoured Speyside Malt. It's all based on individual taste.

Answer 7

well on my best advise id have to say the scot if you dont want to get drunk fast but the flavor of the irish is like your first ice cream flavor you cant put it down and for that the irish gets my vote and no im not irish im spanish amercan

Answer 8

Scottish are known for their whiskey,,,Irish are for their Guinness

Answer 9

Scottish Whisky doesn't have the 'e' in it but Irish does !!!!

Answer 10

I prefer Scotch, but I have had some spectacular Irish whisky also.