Irish Whiskey

While myth would have it that Saint Patrick himself invented whiskey, it is likely that the art of distillation made its way to Ireland with Irish missionaries over a thousand years ago having been invented by the Moors.

Water
One thing that is essential for whiskey production is a plentiful supply of water. Anyone who has visited Ireland will likely know that it is something that is not lacking. Even in the purest natural water there are always dissolved minerals. It is not clear to what extent the differing types of water influence the flavor of the whiskey.

Barley
Barley is the grain of choice of Irish distilleries. By allowing the barley to germinate, a process known as malting, starches in the barley are broken down into fermentable sugars. Generally it is malted barley that is used in making Irish whiskies however Midelton Distillery also uses a mixture of malted and unmalted barley. In addition Cooley distillery uses "peated" malt which is obtained by drying the malt over a peat fire (a process which is popular in Scotch whiskies and which is said to give them their "peaty" taste) as opposed to a natural gas-fired closed kiln favoured by the other Irish distilleries.

Yeast
Yeast breaks down the sugar from the grain into alcohol, carbon dioxide and heat. Although its principle function is to produce alcohol, the yeast does however produce a small amount of other compounds which can impact on the finished whiskey and which vary from one variety of yeast to the next.

Time
Irish whiskey must be matured for at least three years in oak casks however the finest whiskies are generally aged for much longer. The maturation process allows for the "magical" interaction between the whiskey and the wooden casks which enhances and transforms the whiskey. It can therefore be said that of all the elements that make up whiskey it is time that is the most important in the making up the flavor.

Jameson Irish Whiskey An even blend of pot still whiskey and grain whiskey this is probably the best selling Irish Whiskey and it is certainly an excellent introduction to Irish whiskey.

Bushmills Black Bush A blended whiskey made of around 80% malt whiskey blended with grain whiskey which is matured in former sherry casks, with its spicy undertones this is one of the finest and most popular blended whiskies on the market.

Bushmills Malt 10-year-old A 100% malt whiskey which is aged for 10 years in former American bourbon casks which gives it its rich vanilla flavor.

Jameson 12-year-old Special Reserve ("1780") A blend of about 80% post still whiskey and 20% grain whiskey aged for twelve years in former sherry casks and American bourbon casks this well balanced whiskey is a fantastic blend.

Bushmills Malt 16-year-old Another 100% malt whiskey which is aged for 16 years in a combination of former American bourbon casks and Spanish sherry casks before being transferred finally to former port casks. Each of the different types of cask lends its own flavor to the whiskey making it incredibly complex.

Redbreast Pure Pot Still 12-year-old A pure pot still whiskey made using malted and unmalted barley it is then aged for at least twelve years in former sherry casks and American bourbon casks. It has a slightly oily taste with sherry and spicy undertones. This has been called the best whiskey in the world.