IRISH WHISKEY

Irish whiskey is one of the world’s greatest types of whiskey. It's most often triple-distilled from unmalted barley that is typically blended with grain whiskey, though there are single malts as well. Made entirely in Ireland, it's a favorite worldwide, especially in the U.K. and U.S., due to its exceptional smoothness. Irish whiskey sales are growing, as are the brands available, so it's a perfect time to pour a sipper or mix up an Irish whiskey cocktail.

Three Irish whiskeys: Knappogue Castle, Jameson, and Bushmills

What Is Irish Whiskey Made From?

Irish whiskey is one of the most popular forms of whiskey in the world. Soley a product of Ireland, the rules for the production of Irish whiskey date back to 1880. There are two major components of the Irish Whiskey Act of 1950:

• Irish whiskey needs to be distilled in the country of Ireland from a mash of malt and cereal grains.
• Irish pot still whiskey can only be distilled in pot stills within Ireland from a mash of cereal grains that are ordinarily grown in Ireland.

Irish whiskey is typically distilled from unmalted barley, though some may include malted barley. Closed kilns are used to dry the malt so it is only exposed to hot air and not smoke. Fermentation can include additional enzymes to prepare the starches for conversion to alcohol. After that, it is distilled three times in copper pot stills—some, particularly grain whiskeys, use continuous column stills.

By Irish law, all whiskeys must be aged a minimum of 3 years in barrels. They can be new or previously used and often once housed sherry, bourbon, or rum. The majority are blended whiskeys that include grain whiskey after barreling. Single malt whiskeys are found in the premium range. Irish whiskeys are typically bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 80 proof) or slightly higher; some reach 120 proof.Many of today's Irish whiskeys are defying these production norms, introducing peat, various grains, and experimenting with different types of wood casks.

Irish whiskey has a distinct flavor profile that can generally be described as light and fruity with evident cereal grain notes. The aging also imparts that signature whiskey oakiness and caramel.

Types

• Blended Irish Whiskey: Blends account for 90 percent of all Irish whiskey production.
• Single Malt Irish Whiskey: Made from 100 percent malted barley, this whiskey is produced by a single distillery in a pot still.
• Single Pot Still Whiskey: Formerly called "pure pot still," this whiskey is a blend of both malted and unmalted barley distilled in a pot still. It's a style of whiskey that is unique to Ireland.
• Grain Irish Whiskey: A particularly light style made from corn or wheat, grain whiskey is produced in column stills rather than Ireland's often preferred pot stills.
• Single Grain Irish Whiskey: This style has the same characteristics of grain whiskey, except a single grain is used in the distillate
• Potcheen: Also called poitín or poteen, this is essentially Irish moonshine because the distilled spirit doesn't meet the age requirement to be labeled as Irish whiskey. Similar to American white dog, it's a new-make spirit that has seen little to no time in the barrel.