Which Irish Whiskey do you recommend?

Question

I happened to grab a bottle of Michael Collins single malt, and it's quite good.

Does anyone have any favorites? How do I compare them? How do YOU compare them? Price, a particular flavor, what?

Thanks, in advance.

Answer 1

There are several which I enjoy but the one I have as an "everyday" Irish Whiskey is Jameson:

"BOTTOM LINE

Jameson is a well known Irish Whiskey that is well liked for its gentle sweetness. Many that shy away from drinking whiskey neat or on the rocks will find that Jameson’s light honey taste appeals to them and make a great Irish Coffee.

My last review on Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey compares these two whiskies because I find them to be very similar and about the same price if you can find both on a liquor store shelf.

NOTE: This is my 100th Review, so I think it is fitting considering it is about a Scotsman that founded a great whiskey company.

THE HISTORY

John Jameson, a Scot (god bless ‘em), moved to Dublin in the 1770s and soon acquired a local distillery. He went on to found one of the first legal distilleries in Ireland in 1780. He continued to acquire more and more distilleries throughout Ireland and once claimed to have well over a million gallons of whiskey aging under the streets of Dublin.

John Jameson & Son merged with rivals John Power & Son and Cork Distillers Company. The Irish Distillers Group was later acquired in 1989 by Pernod Ricard against other companies (Gilbey’s and Guinness). Ricard also owns the Bushmills Distillery.

THE POUR

Jameson, aged for at least 3 years in Ireland, pours gold in color. This whiskey is triple distilled so it is very pure and clear.

THE NOSE

Jameson blends traditional pot still whiskey with grain whiskey, so you will note malty and woody aromas from your glass. Jameson’s nose is misleading to its taste as the alcohol will temporarily burn your sense if you get to anxious. I first thought Jameson was going to taste like American whiskey because of the smell.

THE TASTE

Much to my surprise, and my relief, Jameson turned out to be a very smooth and sweet drink. Jameson is not sugary by any means, however, there is always a light taste of honey or caramel. There is no “dark” attributes to the taste of this whiskey as it will consistently present a gentle fruity sweetness from glass to glass.

THE AFTERTASTE

A honey-like, warm sensation will linger with you shortly after your sip your whiskey. Jameson will not quickly overcome your senses with its 40%ABV, but your will warm with each additional sip. There is nothing overpowering about this whiskey and it is simply a smooth drink from first to last sip.

OVERALL

Jameson is readily available in the US and I have never had too much difficulty located a bottle or two. Jameson has been creating excellent whiskies for over two centuries and, hopefully, it will never stop. Regular Jameson will make your wallet about $20 lighter, which is not bad at all considering that’s the going rate for Jack Daniels and the like.

There are more varieties of Jameson from longer aged to single malts. I will most likely have to go to the UK to find their best offerings.

Jameson is a good whiskey to sip neat of over the rocks. I once committed a severe sin and added Coke to my Jameson. I was young and I found it too sweet. A beginner in the whiskey department will most likely find Jameson growing on them.

Because of the price of this Irish import and the overall quality, I have to rank this whiskey a 5-star ***** "

Tasting is the only way to compare and find your favorite or favorites, many times flavors will go with your mood or time of day or food...

Here is a bit on Irish Whiskey:

"Though sharing a common Celtic heritage in the art of whiskey (note the Irish spelling) making, pronounced differences in taste and style distinguish Irish Whiskeys from their Scottish counterparts. We'll never know who invented the "water of life" but what is known is that Ireland and Scotland each developed their own interpretations of the art of distilling long before the first Roman ever trod on British soil.


Irish whiskey differs from Scotch whisky from its very inception—the malting stage. The barley used for Scotch whisky is dried over open peat fires. The process allows the smoke to penetrate the barley malt and gives Scotch its distinctive smoky flavor.

The malt in Irish whiskey is dried in sealed ovens, keeping only the pure malt flavor. Irish whiskey is then distilled three times (as opposed to twice for Scottish whisky), which further adds to the smoothness of its taste. To be called Irish, the whiskey has to be distilled from native grains in Ireland and stored in wooden casks for at least three years. Distillers avoid using new oak casks because they believe the wood imparts a rough taste to the whiskey. Instead, many distillers select used barrels that once held the contents of another type of liquor, such as bourbon or rum. This practice accounts for subtle differences in whiskies that may originate from the same distillery.

The rise of Irish whiskey occurred during the 16th century. Elizabeth I was said to be very fond of it, although she never took the opportunity to turn a profit on it. In fact it wasn't until Christmas Day 1661 that a tax was first levied on the brew and by 1815, this tithe had increased to a crippling six shillings per gallon of whiskey. Ironically, this was also the zenith of Irish whiskey making with over 2000 stills believed to be in existence at the time. Many of these, however, produced "Poitien" or poteen as it was known; just as fiery as the Irish spirit itself, but illegal, since no tax was paid to the crown.

What led to the decline of Irish whiskey making? Like its true origins, this, too, is a mystery. The economic policies of the new independent republic, the unhappy history of civil unrest, and social complacency have resulted in the survival of only three active distilleries in Ireland with three others open only as museum. However, the industry is growing again with two more distilleries projected to open soon."

Answer 2

Middletons, period.

It's a little hard to find and about 100 a bottle, but it's fantastic whiskey. It's made by Jameson in the County Cork at the Middleton distillery.

I have 2 bottles and it makes Jameson 12 year taste like kerosene...

Answer 3

Jamesons always worked for me. It is reasonably priced and decent flavor.

Answer 4

Jamesons. I dont compare I just drink

Answer 5

Power's

Answer 6

That was my first question when i went to ireland 2 years ago..

Most everyone recommended Paddy's..And second was Bushmills Black

Answer 7

Tilamore Dew - Awesome, price not a reason NOT to buy, you will enjoy immensely.