Don't reserve Irish Whiskey just for St. Patrick's Day; with more and more accessible on US shelves, you may enjoy the light and smooth tipple whenever you choose.
As the name implies, Irish whiskeys are produced in Ireland and are renowned for their trademark smooth and oaky taste, which is typically owing to the use of both malted and unmalted barley. It's lighter and more approachable than Scotch. It is also available in several varieties, including "single pot still," "single malt," "single grain," and "blended."
Often with good spirits, you might expect to spend a fortune, but you really don't have to. The spirits listed here are some of the best Irish whiskey under 30.
Now on to the list of some of the best Irish whiskeys, and as they say, "Sláinte!" or "good health" and basically, cheers!
Irish Whiskey Under $20
Paddy’s Old Irish Whiskey $19.95
Paddy's Old Irish is a multi-award-winning whiskey that is well-loved in Ireland but relatively uncommon in the United States. From the awards alone, you might say this is the best Irish whiskey. It is very Irish, approachable, and inexpensive.
A little distinct from typical Irish whiskeys, Paddy's blend has an exceptionally high amount of malt whiskey. It’s still an approachable Irish whiskey made of a triple-distilled combination of the best grain, barley, malt, and pot-still. It’s produced with water from County Cork's Irish countryside and is aged for years in three types of oaken barrels. This gives it its characteristically rich and golden hue.
Smooth and easy on the palate, Paddy’s is the perfect bottle for good times spent with friends. If you spot this at your local bar, definitely give it a try.
Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey $19.95
It's an Irish Whiskey that's well-known across the world for its smooth and mild complexity. The 'D.E.W.' in Tullamore D.E.W. stems from the initials of a General Manager of the Tullamore distillery in the later 19th Century, named Daniel E. Williams.
It’s meticulously aged in a blend of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, giving it a distinct smoothness. Being a blended Irish whiskey with three types of whiskey in it allows it to offer a delicate complexity. The use of malt and pot still whiskey in Tullamore DEW gives it citrus and spicy undertones. Expect gritty flavors with caramel and sweet toffee and lots of peels. Good body with aromas of sherried peels and spice, granary toast with butter and honey, grains, and vanilla cream. With a lengthy finish of caramel and toffee, Tullamore DEW makes for a tasty sip.
Irish Whiskey Under $25
Proper 12 Irish Whiskey $23.95
Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey is an ultra-smooth blend of fine grain and single malt with undertones of vanilla, honey, and toasted oak. This is a triple-distilled blended whiskey that has been aged in ex-bourbon barrels.
This is UFC champion Conor McGregor's first foray into whiskey, and it’s quite controversial, receiving mixed reviews from critics. Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey pays tribute to his hometown of Crumlin, a Dublin neighborhood with the postal code Dublin 12. He chose Irish Whiskey because it is the "real" whiskey. Working with Master Distiller David Elder (formerly of Guinness), they decided on the final blend from over 100 selections. This is your standard, smooth Irish Whiskey produced in Ireland, made with maize and barely, bottled at 80 proof, then matured in ex-bourbon barrels for a minimum of three years.
On the palate, it’s very light, but you get that smooth, rich taste thanks to the bourbon casks along with vanilla and a hint of smokiness. It’s very easy to drink and hits all the right notes.
Bushmills Red Bush $23.95
If you're looking for a whiskey that goes down incredibly smooth, this is your best bet. Bushmills Red Bush is one of the latest releases from the renowned Irish distillery, the second largest and the oldest Irish whiskey producer. The whiskey is made out of a blend of single malt and Irish grain whiskey, which is then aged in first-fill bourbon barrels to impart all of the buttery vanilla cask flavors.
Bushmill's Red Bush is balanced and packed with layers of luscious fruit drizzled with honey and just a hint of caramel grain. It's uncomplicated and priced just right. You get vanilla and pears on the nose while the palate gives a touch more of an oak-driven taste, warm baking spice, and a pleasant mild sweet vanilla. With a medium body and a soft mouthfeel, Red Bush is exceptionally well-balanced.
Jameson Cold Brew $24.95
If you're feeling a little adventurous, there’s Jameson Cold Brew, a blended Irish whiskey with the flavor of cold brew coffee. When you think about it, this is a natural progression given that the most famous coffee-whiskey drink is, of course, Irish coffee.
For years, Jameson fans have been asking for a limited-edition product like this, and now that it is here, you too can enjoy it at a very affordable price.
You get the smooth, rich taste of the original, triple-distilled Jameson whiskey blended with the flavor of real cold brew coffee in just one bottle. Try it chilled, on the rocks, combined with cola, or in a cocktail.
Irish Whiskey Under $30
The Sexton Single Malt $27.95
The Sexton, created by Alex Thomas, one of the industry's few female master blenders, is a beautifully bottled spirit made from 100% Irish malted barley and thrice distilled in copper pot stills for smoothness.
Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey has a sherry cask finish, which is usually only seen in far more premium expressions. It was carefully matured for four years in old oloroso Sherry butts to produce a depth of flavor from the wine-imbued barrel that transcends its years, inspired by the historical tradition of whiskey production on Ireland's North Coast. Surprisingly for a young single malt, The Sexton has a perfect balance of rich, dried fruits and mild oak flavors, with a silky finish that leaves you wanting more.
Whiskey lovers will find it enjoyable and quite decadent. It gives you a wonderful experience that you typically have to pay more for at its price point. At a price tag of less than $30, it's definitely one of the best Irish whiskey there is.
Jameson Irish Whiskey $29.95
One of the classics, you can easily spot this iconic green bottle from faraway. The legendary Jameson Irish Whiskey is a crisp, sippable drink that has withstood the test of time. Today, it is the world’s best-selling whiskey, with more and more new drinkers discovering its remarkable smoothness.
Boasting flavors of vanilla, cream, and freshly cut grass with a hint of sweetness and spice, Jameson Whiskey is aged for a minimum of four years, producing a classic triple-distilled whiskey that is smooth and flexible. Jameson's malt whiskey is mixed with grain whiskey as a blended Irish whiskey, further softening the flavor and texture.
Featuring a delicate floral and spicy aroma, this is one of the most approachable whiskeys available right now. Enjoy it straight, on the rocks, with a bit of water or blended with club soda, ginger ale, or in cocktails. This is a delicious whiskey that everyone will love.
Irish Whiskey Just a Bit Over $30
Bushmills Black Bush S30.95
Under the same distillery as the previous one, Bushmill’s Black Bush Blended Irish Whiskey has a more intriguing flavor and stands out from the others. It's a single malt Irish whiskey with 80% malt aged for up to seven years in a combination of oloroso sherry and bourbon casks. Compared to the others on this list, this one is a lot more like Scotch than others. With no harsh aftertaste but a slight scorching feel on the tongue, it's a delightful drink to sip.
Most bars stock Bushmills Black Bush, one of the most well-known blended Irish whiskey there is. It's an excellent choice for sipping straight or with a single ice cube to cool it down. It's also an ideal ingredient in whiskey cocktails that call for a little sweet dark fruit. You should give it a whirl if you haven't already. Nothing short of perfection awaits you here.
Special mention:
Black Irish by Mariah Carey $27.95
World-renowned diva Mariah Carey's Black Irish whiskey is one of the newer additions in the Irish whiskey market, having only been released earlier this year. The liqueur's name honors Carey's mixed ancestry: her mother, Patricia Hickey, who is descended from Irish immigrants, and her father, Alfred Carey, who is a black Venezuelan.
Black Irish is made with aged Irish whiskey and comes in three flavors: Original Irish Cream, Salted Caramel, and White Chocolate.
Carey said that she wanted to create something that encapsulates the holidays and gives everyone a cause for celebration all year round. Coffee, milk chocolate, and toasty spices fill the nose and palate of this decadent liqueur, so is reminiscent of the holidays. Drink it straight or use it to flavor your favorite drinks.
Bottle Haus has a wide assortment of Irish whiskeys to choose from at a variety of pricing points, making it much easier to find a fantastic bottle.
If you didn't already know, triple distillation is the secret to Irish whiskey's light, smooth flavor. When it was at its peak, it was the most popular whiskey in the world, but it has since faded away owing to several critical historical events. However, it's making a comeback and attracting a growing number of devotees.
All of the bottles we've presented are top-notch Irish tipples. Each is pleasant to sip and unique in its own way but tasting it yourself is a different experience. Take advantage of Bottle Haus' speedy delivery service and get a bottle or two for yourself today.