6 superb Irish whiskeys to toast St Patrick’s Day

One of Ireland’s lucky charms is its rich whiskey heritage.

Stretching back centuries, the Emerald Isle has clocked up more than 700 years of whiskey distilling – and St Patrick’s celebrations (March 17) the day to say Sláinte!

Marked by millions all over the world with a roster of colourful parades, performances and parties; not to mention a spirited journey of feasting and fun, now’s the time to tap into its rich flavour map.

From blends, to single malts, to single pot still; a mixture of grains (mostly unpeated), there’s lots to discover when you explore the Irish whiskey scene.

To raise a glass to the land of the shamrock, we’ve singled out some top drops to reflect their approachable style – with these smooth, fruit-filled expressions…

1. Two Stacks Single Grain Double Barrel, Single Grain Irish Whiskey, £25.50, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange

Exhibiting delightful floral aromas, with notes of baked pear, orange and citrus, Double Barrel references maturation in oloroso sherry and American oak barrels. With a smooth, elegant character, look forward to a flavoursome combination of dried fruits, creamy vanilla, sweet spice, and gentle touch of sherry lingering on the finish.

2. The Irishman The Harvest – Blended Irish Whiskey – Triple Distilled, £40.11, 70cl, Amazon

Triple distilled for Ireland’s trademark smooth, rounded flavour profile, The Harvest is aged in American oak bourbon barrels for a pronounced palate of creamy, crème caramel with hints of butterscotch, toffee, cinnamon and biscuity notes, topped with oaky spice, black pepper, hint of anise and warm honey sweetness on the finish. A blend of single malt and single pot still, a splash of water unlocks the aromas and traces of candied fruits. Rich and full bodied, it’s a little cracker in cocktails.

3. Writers’ Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey – Triple Distilled, £47.95, 70cl, Master of Malt

Appreciated for its light and slightly sweet flavour profile, Writers’ Tears is perfectly balanced and a delicious introduction to Irish whiskey with its easy-going style. Soft and very drinkable, expect honeyed, fruity aromas galore, candied fruit framed by creamy caramel notes, a sweet touch of oak and long, lingering finish. One sip and you’ll be smitten.

4. The Busker Small Batch Single Malt, £49.25, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange 

A new addition to The Busker range of whiskeys, this one’s triple distilled, double aged in bourbon and oloroso cask and non-chill filtered (bottled at 46% abv). Robust in character, it displays rich, complex, woody flavours with layers of dried fruits, nutty undertones, sherry nuances, mixed spice, tobacco and long, warming finish. Super-satisfying and worth seeking out.

5. Redbreast 12 Year Old Whiskey, Single Pot Still, Triple Distilled, £55.75, 70cl, Master of Malt

Cited as one of the world’s finest drams, a whiskey tour wouldn’t be complete without multi award-winning Redbreast in the lineup. Beautifully flavoursome with an enticing fruit cake character and delectable complexity, hints of ginger, cinnamon, nuts, citrus, creamy custard, spice and marzipan are in the mix. Triple-distilled and matured in American oak bourbon barrels and oloroso sherry casks, this 12-year-old merits the wait.

6. Saints & Sinners & Rebels & Rogues 18 Year Old Irish Blended Whiskey, £59.95, 70cl, Master of Malt

Highly enjoyable and matured for a splendid 18 years, it’s hard to find another whiskey with such a poetic label… and the celebratory Irish spirit very much in evidence with its engaging character. Smooth as smooth, ripe orchard fruits, rich oak, vanilla fudge, warm hints of creamy toffee, honeysuckle and woody spice make themselves known, with a spicy, fudgy sweetness lingering on the finish. Worth making a song and dance about.