Complete Guide to Irish Whiskey 2022

One of the world’s best whiskeys is Irish whiskey, made in Ireland. Grain whiskey is commonly mixed with this spirit, that’s often distilled from unmalted barley. However, there are also single-malt versions as well. Due to its outstanding smoothness, it’s a popular globally, notably in the United Kingdom and the United States. Sales of Irish whiskey are increasing, as are the brands available, so now is the ideal moment to have a sip or create an Irish whiskey cocktail.

Scotch vs Whiskey

In terms of distilled spirits, Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky are two of the oldest. The question of who came up with the idea initially has been debated throughout history. For starters, Irish whiskey always has a “e” in the term “whiskey,” but scotch always spells it with a “s.”

Each style has its own set of conventions when it comes to making music. There are certain whiskeys that adopt techniques from the other, which might lead to misunderstandings. Scotch whiskey and Irish whiskey are both made from barley, and the grain whiskey that is used in their blends may come from any country. Irish whiskey is often triple-distilled, while scotch is typically only distilled twice.

Scotch is best known for its Single malt whisky. Whiskeys from Scotland and Ireland are often distinguished by their peaty smokiness and their smoothness, respectively. Peated and double-distilled Irish whiskies as well as nonpeated scotch whiskies may be found, but so can nonpeated and triple-distilled scotch whiskies.

How Irish Whiskey is Made?

One of the world’s most popular whiskeys is made in the Republic of Ireland. Since 1880, there have only been restrictions governing the manufacturing of Irish whiskey in the country where it was invented. Both of these elements are included in the Irish Whiskey Act of 1950:

• To be called Irish whiskey, a mash of malt and cereal grains must be distilled in Ireland.
• Whiskey from Irish pot stills can only be made using locally sourced cereal grains and pot stills located in Ireland.

However, a small percentage of Irish whiskey may be produced from malted barley. The malt is dried in enclosed kilns, which expose it solely to heated air, not smoke, throughout the process. Enzymes that help ferment the starches into alcohol may be added throughout this process. Copper pot stills are used for the third and final distillation, whereas grain whiskeys are distilled in continuous column stills.

What Does Irish Whiskey Taste Like?

The taste of Irish whiskey may be characterized as fruity and light, with hints of cereal grain. Oak and caramel flavors are also a result of ageing.

Types

• The majority (90 percent) of Ireland’s whiskey output is blended.
• A single distillery uses a pot still to create this whiskey, which is made entirely of malted barley.
• Malted and unmalted barley are combined in a pot still to create Single Pot Still Whiskey, which was formerly known as “Pure Pot Still.” Whiskey made in Ireland has a distinct flavor.
• Whiskey created from maize or wheat is known as grain Irish whiskey, and it is often distilled in column stills rather than the traditional pot stills used in Ireland.
• Unlike grain whiskey, which is made from a blend of many grains, single-grain Irish whiskey is made from a single grain.
• This Irish moonshine, often known as poitn or poteen, does not fulfil the minimum age requirement to be considered Irish whiskey. It’s a new-make spirit, much like American white dog, that hasn’t spent much time in the barrel.

How to Drink Irish Whiskey?

Since Single Malt Irish Whisky is so smooth and drinkable, it may be prepared in a variety of ways. As a beverage, many like it straight or on the rocks, and it’s a great accompaniment to traditional Irish cuisine.