10 Best Irish Whiskeys To Have A Shamrockin’ Good Time

Looking for a reason to celebrate this month? You’re in luck – St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner.

The Irish have been celebrating this holiday for over 1,000 years. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was March 17th, 1601. Surprisingly, it didn’t take place in Ireland – it was held in a Spanish colony that is now St. Augustine.

You don’t need to search for the end of the rainbow this St. Patrick’s Day. According to the Food Network, these Irish whiskeys may be better than that pot of gold.

Jameson

Jameson Original Irish Whiskey is probably the first Irish whiskey that comes to mind for most of us. It is a sweeter whiskey, with hints of flavors like marmalade and fudge. It is made with a combination of grain whiskeys, but no barley.

Tullamore Dew

The distillery for this whiskey has been around since 1829 in Tullamore, Ireland. This triple-distilled whiskey has notes of lemon and spice. The malted barley gives it a nutty flavor and buttery feel.

Redbreast 12 Year

Established in Dublin, Ireland, Redbreast 12 Year Irish Whiskey is made with both malted and unmalted barley. It is also made with water from the Dungourney River in Ireland. It’s smooth and slightly sweet.

Green Spot

Green Spot Irish Whiskey is a balance between the sweet and unsweet for whiskeys. Its flavor is on the floral side, with hints of plum and nectarine. However, there is a toasty aspect that balances out the sweetness.

Kilbeggan

The facility for Kilbeggan Traditional Irish Whiskey has a working water wheel and restaurant. This whiskey has a different flavor than other Irish whiskeys because it is only distilled twice, making it similar to Scotch.

Roe & Coe

Roe & Coe Irish Whiskey is a blend of grain whiskeys and malted barley. It is aged in bourbon barrels, giving it more of an American taste. It is smooth, sweet and recommended if you like caramel and spice.

Bushmills

Bushmills Irish Whiskey dates back to the 1600s and is made with only water and Irish barley. The scent and taste are floral and herbal.

Knappogue Castle 12 Year

Taste testers at liquor.com recommend this Irish whiskey and the ones to follow. Knappogue Castle Year 12 is an Irish Single Malt that is lighter than other whiskeys with hints of apple and baking spices. It is triple distilled and aged for 12 years in bourbon casks.

McConnell’s

McConnell’s Irish Whiskey has flavors like pear, cinnamon and orange zest. It was voted best for a hot toddy (to make this, just add hot water, honey and lemon with the whiskey).