Ireland is whiskey’s cradle. Really. It’s where it all started back in the 1400s. Like those from Scotland, ‘Murica, Canada and Japan, Ireland’s whiskeys have their own personality. Pure pot-still whiskey, distilled the old-fashioned way from both malted and un-malted barley, is Ireland’s generous gift to the world. Even blends usually have some sturdy, oily pot-still whiskey in the mix. But to really appreciate the Irish style, find yourself a bottle of pure pot-still and a few good friends to savour its striking grain character and luscious apple notes.
Green Spot Irish Whiskey
Rating: NNNN
Why Can the whiny “but I don’t like Irish whiskeeeeey” bullshit until you’ve tried the Green Spot. If you genuinely can’t appreciate this silky, grain-forward and delicately sherried single pot-still whiskey, then a) I’ll believe that you don’t dig Irish whiskey and b) we can never be friends.
Price $85.40/700 ml
Availability LCBO 699827
The Quiet Man 8 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Rating: NNN
Why Yes, single malt exists outside of Scotland. The term just refers to whiskey made from a single grain at a single distillery – though in the case of the Quiet Man, it’s unclear exactly which distillery that is. A proprietary still is in the works, but right now it’s produced at an undisclosed location. No matter – this is enjoyable: slick and lengthy, packed with orchard fruit notes and kissed by ex-bourbon oak.
Price $58.95/700 ml
Availability LCBO 433532
Jameson Caskmates Irish Whiskey
Rating: NNN
Why Jameson’s latest release is finished in stout-seasoned casks, which kicks its sweet chocolate fudge finish up a few notches. So here’s tonight’s game plan: a few fingers of Caskmates with a side of good, dry Irish stout.
Price $39.90/750 ml
Availability LCBO 429258
2 Gingers Irish Whiskey
Rating: NN
Why 2 Gingers reminds me why Irish whiskey sometimes gets a bad rap. It’s simulated, thin and overall pretty weak, but to be fair, it was intended as a mixing whiskey. It’s $6 off right now, so if you’re in the market for a cheap whatever whiskey, then go for it – just don’t sip it neat.
Price $25.95/750 ml on sale till March 27.
Availability LCBO 386292
Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey
Rating: NNN
Why Made at Kilbeggan, Ireland’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, this is an easygoing blend with a portion of the country’s famous pot-still whiskey in it. A delightful no-brainer of a dram.
Price $35.95/750 ml
Availability LCBO 334045
