What is The Best Irish Whiskey To Drink Straight? (2023)

Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Lydia Martin

Over the years, the popularity of Irish whiskey has been on the rise, making it one of the most loved alcoholic beverages today. There are a lot of good Irish whiskeys with a blend of the finest golden grains and single malt.

But, what is the best Irish whiskey to drink straight? 

Top 15 Irish Whiskeys To Drink Straight 

1. Redbreast 12-Year-Old Irish Whiskey

As one of the best-selling Irish whiskey on the market, it’s not hard to understand why. Aged in American ex-Bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks, this whiskey features a balance of creamy and spicy flavors. Besides, it has a dry, clean finish with a complex flavor that stays on the mouth. 

You’ll enjoy this drink neat because of its lovely and smooth palate. Made from malted and unmalted barley, this one is really one of the best Irish whiskeys– recommended by experts. 

2. Jameson Irish Whiskey

Jameson is also one most popular Irish whiskeys available. This is a triple-distilled whiskey that’s aged in both sherry and bourbon casks for a minimum of four years. Its smooth and creamy texture ensures the perfect blend of spices, nuts, and vanilla. The main ingredients of this whiskey are Irish water, unmalted barley, and maize.

This is an excellent whiskey for anyone looking for a smooth and classic Irish whiskey. No gimmicks here, just a good old-fashioned Irish whiskey that will keep you coming back for more.

Read: Jameson vs Bushmills Whiskey

3. Powers Gold Label

Powers Gold Label is a traditional Irish whiskey made by John Power & Son. It’s smooth and approachable, and it’s aged from American oak barrels. This blended whiskey gives a bold and spicy character. It’s also made with the finest grain whiskey, adding to its flavor.

The nose is filled with honey, lemon, and then a hint of hazelnuts. On the palate, you get a whiff of butterscotch. This is an excellent intro to Irish whiskey. The price of this drink is very reasonable, and it offers a delicious classic taste.

4. Bushmills Irish Whiskey

One of the most popular Irish whiskeys is Bushmills, and it can be found in most pubs. It is known for its honeyed and mellow taste, which remains one of the best on the market. Bushmills is a traditional blended Irish whiskey aged for five years. It’s incredibly smooth and triple-distilled.

This medium-bodied Irish whiskey has a pleasant and earthy scent with hints of honey and apple. It’s also light and easy to drink. Its smooth and creamy finish is complemented by a mildly spicy biscuit taste.

5. Connemara 12-Year-Old Peated Single Malt Whiskey

This superb single malt whisky from Ireland, made by the renowned Cooley distillery, is a winner of international awards. This 12-year-old single malt has a complex and full-bodied flavor complemented by the smoke. In fact, we recommend this as a great alternative to Scotch whisky and is ideal for those who are passionate about Irish whiskey.

The nose is fresh and lively, featuring lemon and orange zest with a touch of creamy vanilla. You should definitely keep this on hand for any occasion!

6. Connemara Original Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Another Connemara variant that’s best served neat is the Original Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey. While there is some smoke in this whiskey, it is not the brand’s star. Its 40% alcohol by volume doesn’t allow it to be too powerful. 

At first sip, you’ll notice the smoky peat. It also has a soft and delicate undertone of barley and charred wood, which gives it hints of honey and smoke. The flavors of chocolate and smoked honey linger on the palate, while smoke and sea salt add to the experience – really a must-try! 

7. Glendalough 13-Year-Old Whiskey

The smooth and creamy taste of this Irish grain whiskey made by Glendalough Distillery is due to the right amount of sweetness. This 13-year-old is made from a first-fill bourbon drum, which imparts its flavors of vanilla and caramel. The aroma is filled with drastic notes of chocolate and fruits, and it’s got a long way to go before it gets better.

The first thing you’ll notice is the creamy texture and the rich flavors of the fudge. After that, you’ll get some warm spices and a lovely creamy mouthfeel.

Read: Popular Cheap Irish Whiskeys

8. Glendalough Double-Barrel Irish Whiskey

This single grain Irish whiskey matured in the American Bourbon drum before being transferred to sherry barrels. As one of the best single grain whiskeys, this is a rather tasty release that features a variety of notes such as Christmas spices, dried fruit, and vanilla. 

You’ll get a creamy, malty aroma with rich vanilla, buttery fudge, and white chocolate. It has notes of apples, and white grapes, with a touch of toasted oak. Then the palate features flavors of caramel, melted butter, and creme Anglaise with polished oak and a hint of spice on the finish. 

9. Jameson Black Barrel

The Black Barrel version of Jameson’s whiskey is a significant improvement over their original. It’s a classic Irish blend of single pot still whiskeys and small-batch grain, with a powerful flavor. Aged in double bourbon barrels, it has a creamy toffee and a long toasted wood finish.

The nose features a creamy and grassy malt with a hint of fruit. It’s also got a citrus and spice flavor, with a smooth finish. Some of these flavors continue to emerge, and the finish is a rich and complex blend of fruit, honey, and spices, perfect for sipping neat. 

Read: Jameson vs Proper 12 Whiskey

10. Knappogue Castle 12 Years Old

Knappogue Castle’s signature whiskey is made from triple distilled copper pot stills and aged in American barrels for 12 years. This is a refreshing and incredibly drinkable Irish whiskey nuanced with hints of cinnamon and apples.

This is a sophisticated and lighter drink that can be enjoyed best in summer. It can be used as a foundation or a light drink in a long cocktail. Its delicate and spice-filled flavor combination makes it ideal for any occasion.

11. Redbreast 15 Year

A balanced blend of first-fill and refill casks contributes to the complexity of Redbreast’s 15 Year flavor. The nose is full and rich, featuring a complex yet balanced mix of aromatic oils and berries. You’ll love its flavor profile, delivering a wholly round and mellow taste with hints of fleshy fruits, spices, and toasted wood.  

Whiskey drinkers will surely love this whiskey’s long and sophisticated finish. With its exceptionally smooth characteristics, it is best served straight, or you may want to add just a few drops of water. 

Read: Popular Liquors To Drink Straight

12. Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey

One of the best whiskey, the Sexton is an innovative and balanced single-malt spirit. Its rich and complex flavor is complemented by its smooth finish. Alex Thomas, a renowned master blender, created The Sexton from triple-distilled 100% Irish malted barley [1]. It’s then aged in ex-sherry casks. In fact, this unique spirit was made using the finest ingredients from Spain.

Distilled in single pot stills, it creates an exceptional smoothness imparting unusual complexity and flavor richness. You’ll get the notes of dried fruit, honeycomb, and nuts, followed by apricots, lemon zest, oak spices, and prunes on the palate. 

Read: Green Spot Irish Whiskey

13. The Tyroconnell 15-Year-Old Madeira Cask Finish

This 15-year-old single-malt whiskey is made from the traditional ex-bourbon drum and is finished in Portugal’s Madeira casks. This gives it a unique and complex flavor. The blend was aged in traditional pot stills and then double-distilled.

The nose is filled with sweet and floral notes complemented by a touch of spice. The finish is also complex and full of stone fruit and vanilla notes. 

14. Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey

The smooth and accessible quality of this Irish blend Tullamore D.E.W. is known to be a perfect alternative to the more expensive bottles. This whiskey, aged in rum barrels, is made from three different types of spirits: pot still whiskey, grain whiskeys, and malt whiskey. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a good value for money.

This whiskey has a complex aroma that includes hints of honey, banana chips, and red apples. On the palate, it’s smooth and sweet, with a touch of woodiness. It’s a great buy and is best for drinking neat. 

15. Writers’ Tears Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Writers’ Tears is a blend of single-malt and aged single-pot still whiskey produced by Walsh Whiskey Distillery. While technically a blend, this isn’t actually a grain whiskey. Its aromatic and oily essence makes this whiskey stand out. 

This whiskey has a light and smooth flavor profile. It’s aged in American bourbon barrels, which adds character and a bit of floral to the finish. You’ll notice a faint ginger ale spice on the first sip, followed by hints of cocoa and charred wood. This is an excellent drink if you’re looking for a simple yet elegant whiskey. Here’s our list of the best sipping whiskeys for beginners. 

How To Drink Irish Whiskeys Straight

The key to drinking Irish whiskey straight is adding some drops of water. Doing so can release more exciting aromas and flavors, adding a tastier effect. 

Also, we recommend starting with a small amount first. Take things easy and savor the flavor profiles of the whiskey. That way, you can appreciate its character more and enjoy the drink as you go forward. 

FAQs 

What is the most popular Irish whiskey to drink straight?

Redbreast 12-Year-Old is the most popular Irish whiskey to drink straight. Not only is it the best Irish whiskey to drink straight, but it’s also one of the best Irish whiskies available. Redbreast 12-Year-Old is an award-winning spirit [2], bagging recognitions from various international wine and spirits competitions.     

Is it better to drink Irish whiskey straight or on the rocks?

Irish whiskey is best served straight if you’re a serious drinker wanting to get the most out of a whiskey’s flavor. Irish whiskies served on the rocks are recommended if you want a refreshing drinking moment. But, either way, both have their place at the table. 

In Conclusion

Overall, our team concludes that the Redbreast whiskey (particularly the 12-Year-Old) is the best Irish whiskey for drinking straight up. But, we got a lot of other options for you to enjoy. 

Irish Distilleries have come a long way, providing the best Irish whiskey to drink straight up. If you’re a fan of Irish whiskies, you better try all those spirits on our list. Not only on St. Patrick’s Day but this list of the best Irish whiskey is also perfect to be enjoyed all year round! 

References: 

1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2019/02/03/the-sexton-irish-malt-whiskey-is-well-worth-a-taste/
2. https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/food-drink/redbreast-whiskey-named-best-world