Irish whiskey is having a moment — and it is well deserved. Once the most popular spirit in the world, Irish whiskey nearly disappeared in the 20th century before staging one of the greatest comebacks in drinks history. Today, it is the fastest-growing spirits category on the planet, and new distilleries are opening across Ireland at a pace not seen in over a century.
Whether you are a complete newcomer or a bourbon drinker looking to branch out, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Irish whiskey — what makes it different, which brands to try, and how to enjoy it.
What Makes Irish Whiskey Unique
Irish whiskey stands apart from Scotch, bourbon, and other whiskies in several key ways:
Triple Distillation
Most Irish whiskeys are triple-distilled, compared to the double distillation used for most Scotch whiskies. That extra pass through the copper pot still strips away more of the heavier congeners and fusel oils, resulting in a spirit that is exceptionally smooth, clean, and approachable. This is the single biggest reason Irish whiskey has such broad appeal — it is simply easier to drink, especially for beginners.
No Peat, No Smoke
Unlike many Scotch whiskies, Irish whiskey is typically made with unpeated malted barley. That means you will not encounter the smoky, medicinal flavors that characterize Islay Scotches. Instead, Irish whiskey tends to showcase vanilla, honey, fruit, and cereal grain flavors. It is warm and inviting rather than challenging.
Single Pot Still — Uniquely Irish
Ireland has a whiskey style found nowhere else in the world: single pot still whiskey. Made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley distilled in copper pot stills, this style produces a distinctively creamy, spicy, full-bodied whiskey. It originated because of a historical tax on malted barley — Irish distillers added unmalted barley to reduce their tax burden and accidentally created something wonderful.
A Brief History of Irish Whiskey
Ireland has a strong claim to being the birthplace of whiskey. Irish monks are believed to have brought the art of distillation back from their travels in the Mediterranean around the 6th century, and the Old Bushmills Distillery, founded in 1608, holds one of the oldest distilling licenses in the world.
By the 19th century, Irish whiskey was the most popular spirit on earth. Dublin alone had 37 distilleries, and Irish whiskey outsold Scotch by a factor of five to one. But a devastating combination of factors — Irish independence and the loss of British Empire markets, American Prohibition wiping out their biggest export market, and two World Wars — brought the industry to its knees. By the 1980s, only two distilleries remained in all of Ireland.
The revival began slowly in the 1990s and has accelerated dramatically since 2010. Today, there are over 40 operational distilleries in Ireland, and the world has fallen in love with Irish whiskey all over again.
Key Brands to Know
Here are the essential Irish whiskey brands that every whiskey drinker should be familiar with:
Jameson
The world's best-selling Irish whiskey, and for good reason. Jameson is a blended whiskey that is smooth, accessible, and versatile. You will taste vanilla, toasted wood, and a hint of sherry sweetness. It is the perfect starting point for anyone new to Irish whiskey, and it works beautifully neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Jameson Black Barrel, aged in double-charred bourbon barrels, adds deeper caramel and toffee notes for those ready to explore further.
Redbreast
If you want to understand what makes Irish whiskey truly special, try Redbreast 12. It is a single pot still whiskey — that uniquely Irish style — and it is magnificent. Rich, full-bodied, and complex, with notes of dried fruit, toasted oak, sherry, and baking spice. Redbreast 12 is widely considered one of the finest whiskeys in the world at its price point. The 15-year and 21-year expressions are even more extraordinary.
Powers
Powers Gold Label has been the bartender's choice in Ireland for generations. It is a bit spicier and more robust than Jameson, with notes of honey, cinnamon, and toasted grain. Powers John's Lane Release is a single pot still expression that punches well above its weight — rich, oily, and deeply satisfying. If you see an Irish bartender pouring themselves a whiskey, chances are it is Powers.
Tullamore Dew
Tullamore D.E.W. is a triple-distilled, triple-blend whiskey — meaning it combines pot still, malt, and grain whiskeys. The result is approachable, light, and gently sweet, with notes of citrus, vanilla, and toasted almond. It is an excellent gateway whiskey and one of the smoothest Irish whiskeys you will find.
Green Spot
Green Spot is a single pot still whiskey that was once only available from a single shop in Dublin. It has a fruity, orchard-fresh character — think green apple, pear, and a touch of toasted oak — that makes it utterly distinctive. Its sibling, Yellow Spot, is aged longer and adds layers of honey, marzipan, and gentle spice.
Teeling
Teeling represents the new wave of Irish whiskey. Dublin's first new distillery in over 125 years when it opened in 2015, Teeling has earned a reputation for innovation. Their Small Batch is finished in rum barrels, giving it a unique tropical sweetness, while the Single Grain is aged in Californian red wine barrels for a fruity, wine-like character. Teeling proves that Irish whiskey's future is just as exciting as its past.
How to Drink Irish Whiskey
There is no wrong way to enjoy Irish whiskey, but here are the most popular approaches:
Neat
The purist's choice. Pour your whiskey into a glass at room temperature and sip slowly. This is the best way to appreciate the full range of flavors, especially with premium expressions like Redbreast or Green Spot. Let it sit in the glass for a minute before your first sip — the aromas will open up beautifully.
With a Splash of Water
Adding a few drops of room-temperature water to your whiskey is not sacrilege — it is science. Water breaks the surface tension and releases volatile aroma compounds, revealing flavors you might miss when drinking neat. Many distillers and blenders evaluate their whiskey this way. Start with just a few drops and see how the flavors change.
In Cocktails
Irish whiskey's smooth, versatile character makes it a superb cocktail base. The Irish Coffee — hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a float of lightly whipped cream — is perhaps the most iconic Irish whiskey cocktail, and a perfect after-dinner drink. An Irish Whiskey Sour (whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white) showcases the spirit's fruity side. And a simple Whiskey Ginger (Irish whiskey and ginger ale over ice) is one of the most refreshing long drinks you can make — perfect for a Miami afternoon.
Experience It at The Leinster
At The Leinster, we carry a carefully curated selection of Irish whiskeys that spans the full range — from accessible everyday pours to rare single pot still expressions. Our bartenders know Irish whiskey inside and out and are always happy to guide you through a tasting or recommend the perfect dram for your palate.
Better still, visit during our Happy Hour (Tue–Sun, 4–7 PM) for special pricing on Irish whiskey pours. It is the best way to explore the category without breaking the bank. Pair your whiskey with something from our kitchen — a plate of Shepherd's Pie or Bangers & Mash alongside a dram of Redbreast is one of life's great pleasures.
Whether you are a seasoned whiskey lover or pouring your very first glass, The Leinster is your home for Irish whiskey in Miami. Come in, pull up a stool, and let us introduce you to the smoothest spirit in the world.
Sláinte!
Explore our Irish whiskey selection during Happy Hour or check out the full menu.
Happy Hour Specials