Why Irish Whiskey Is a Global Favorite Again — and 5 Bottles to Use in a Cocktail

Bartender-approved and blend-friendly, these Irish whiskeys shine brightest in a well-made cocktail.

Credit: Food & Wine / Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Julia Bayless

As chief blender at Midleton Distillery, the maker of brands like Jameson, Powers, and Redbreast, Dave McCabe oversees a tradition that stretches back to the 12th century yet nearly went extinct in the early 20th. Irish whiskey was once the world’s most popular spirit, but its production dwindled to nearly nothing after Ireland’s Great Famine and War of Independence, World War I and II, and Prohibition in the United States. It took decades for the industry to revive, but it now has: Demand in the U.S. has been rising, and the spirit is taking off in new markets like South Africa, Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico, and across Southeast Asia. 

“It’s a uniquely Irish drink, but it takes the world to make it,” McCabe says. American bourbon barrels, sherry casks from Spain, port casks from Portugal, and other specialty casks from around the globe all lend different notes such as vanilla, cherry, chocolate, and toasted almonds — and that’s before the liquid matures in Ireland for a minimum of three years. What results are smooth, sippable whiskeys with silken textures and layers of flavor.

Related: It's Time to Take a Serious Look at Irish Whiskey

American bars like New York City’s The Dead Rabbit; Washington, D.C.’s Jack Rose Dining Saloon; and Tom Bergin’s in Los Angeles have been integral in reintroducing the spirit to drinkers, spotlighting Irish whiskey both on its own and as an ingredient in cocktails such as The Lost Gold. Whether you enjoy Irish whiskey neat or in a mixed drink, every sip is a storied one.

5 great Irish whiskeys to mix with

Jameson Irish Whiskey ($22) 

First made in 1780, the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey is triple-distilled and blended for smoothness and versatility. Notes of spiced nuts and vanilla come from the oak casks it ages in for a minimum of four years. 

Related: Iced Irish Coffee

Glendalough Double Barrel ($30)

Maturing first in charred American oak before it’s moved to oloroso sherry casks, this single-grain Irish whiskey is perfect on its own. It’s also great mixed into a cocktail, where its notes of honey, raisins, and spice shine. 

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve ($57)

A 12-to-15-year aging process gives this whiskey a balanced finish and a big personality, with flavors ranging from dried fruits and nuts to chocolate, cinnamon, salted caramel, and vanilla.

Related: The 7 Best Single Barrel Whiskeys, According to Bartenders

Mitchell & Son Green Spot ($61)

Using both malted and unmalted barley, this prized single-pot-still whiskey is aged in new and refilled bourbon casks (plus some sherry casks), melding its creamy softness with orchard-fruit and oak flavors.

Bushmills 16 Year Single Malt ($167)

Like single malt scotch, single malt Irish whiskeys use 100% malted barley for a distinctive texture and mouthfeel. Rather than smoky peat, Bushmills highlights the bourbon-, sherry-, and port-cask characteristics of this smooth sipper. 

* This article was originally published here