Irish Whiskey
 

Best Irish Whiskey

 

The Fifty Best Irish Whiskey Tasting 2023


The Fifty Best held a “blind” tasting of 25 Irish whiskies with twelve members of our spirits judging panel. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. Strict tasting rules were applied. The Irish whiskies were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at slightly above room temperature. Only ice water, neutral unflavored unsalted crackers and chips were available to cleanse the palate.

The judges wrote down their impressions of each product on score sheets. The scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the highest. Double-Gold, Gold and Silver medals are awarded according to a set range of final point scores received from the judges. There were no Bronze medals awarded for this tasting. Medals are provided based entirely on merit and only to products judged worthy of such award.

The tasting notes that follow are summaries of the judges’ opinions, with all replicated commentary eliminated. The distilleries, locations, alcohol proofs and and other tidbits are identified for each brand. Clicking on the brands' names will link to their websites.


DOUBLE-GOLD MEDAL WINNERS


Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey
Vintage Release 2021

(Midleton Distillery, County Cork)  80° prf

Nose: Caramel, cocoa, vanilla, cooked honey, dried fruit, prune, raisins, baked apple pie, apple, orange, orange peel, pineapple husk, popcorn, roasted pumpkin, acorn squash, mincemeat,. nutmeg, cinnamon, Christmas spices.
Palate: Caramel, butterscotch, toffee, molasses, chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, dried fruit, mango, green apple, orange, orange peel, ginger, mint, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, forest, woody, dark wood, oak, smoky, sherry, very well balanced, complex, nice, rich, creamy.
Finish: Dark honey, raisins, apricot, orange, orange peel, candied fruit, candied ginger, ginger, straw, nice nutmeg, lingering spice, pepper, cedar, woody, malty, leather, sherry, balanced, complex.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal


   Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey Vintage Release 2021


Killowen Rum & Raisin 100% Single Malt Irish Whiskey
(Killowen Distillery, Killowen)  110° prf
PX Sherry & Dark Rum cask finish. Cask Strength.

Nose: Toffee, caramel, molasses, dark chocolate, café au lait, vanilla, honey, honeysuckle, candied fruit, pineapple, banana, light orange peel, green apple, ginger, malt, wet grain, mint, clove, brine, woody, oak, toasted oak, intricate.
Palate: Toffee, dark caramel, dark chocolate, mocha, honey, orange blossom honey, pineapple, raisins, pear, orange zest, citrus, mint, hay, nutty, clove, cinnamon, white pepper, peppery, earthy, peaty, smoky, woody, sherry.
Finish: Vanilla, honey, orange peel, cinnamon, clove, spice, pepper, black pepper, smoky, wood, oak, balanced alcohol, fresh, zesty, surprisingly approachable, easy drinking.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal


Killowen Rum & Raisin 100 % Single Malt Irish Whiskey


Egan's Endeavour Single Malt Irish Whiskey
(Tullamore, County Offaly)  92° prf
Non-age statement blend of virgin oak,
Oloroso sherry and Imperial stout casks.

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, toffee, molasses, chocolate, sweet vanilla cream, honey, dried apricot, mango, pineapple, pineapple husk, raspberry, red apple, green apple, orange zest, almond, licorice, anise, mint, menthol, iodine, peaty, smoke, cedar, oak.
Palate: Toffee, chocolate, light vanilla, honey, dried fruit, banana, tropical fruit, apple Jolly Rancher, orange, orange peel, floral, perfumy, wintergreen, pepper, spice, malt, black tea, tannic, leather, maritime, peat, smoky, woody, cedar, bold oak, complex, multilayered, rich, layers of flavor.
Finish: Chocolate, honey, wild berry jam, orange, floral, mint, clove, pepper, spice, malty, cedar, old oak, smoky fire, smoky, well balanced, rich, like a Highland single malt scotch.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal


Egan's Endeavour Single Malt Irish Whiskey


Waterford Single Malt Whisky The Cuvée “Koffi”
(Waterford Distillery)  100° prf
Aged 6 years in American & French oak.

Nose: Toffee, caramel, chocolate, dark chocolate, malt, honey, dried fruit, dark raisins, lemon custard, pineapple, banana, grains, wheat, walnut, macadamia nut, mint, hay, oak, pepper, white pepper, earth, briny, light oak.
Palate: Cocoa, malt, honey, candied fruit, raisins, orange peel, orange, citrus, mint, hazelnut, coffee, nutmeg, clove, spicy, black pepper notes, barnyard hay, straw, bamboo, earthy, saline, briny, smok y, bark, wood, oak, cedar, complex, deep, creamy, silky.
Finish: Honey, rooibos tea, citrus, almond, baking spice, spicy, peppery, black pepper, smoky, oak, very clean, creamy, bold.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal


Waterford Single Malt Whisky The Cuvée “Koffi”


Lir Green Crest Irish Whiskey
Triple Cask Finish

(Glens of Antrim Distillery)  86.6° prf

Nose: Caramel, chocolate, burnt sugar, honey, dried fruit, apricot, orange, orange zest, citrus, almond extract, malt, coffee, hint of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, earthy, char, oak, wine, port.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, chocolate, cocoa, malt, vanilla, dried fruit, plum, spice, orange peel, floral, grass, dried leaves, nutty, clove, spicy, pepper, peppery, maritime, smoky, toasted oak, oak, cedar, warm sherry, creamy, layers of flavor.
Finish: Toffee, treacle, caramel, butter tablet, dark chocolate, nutmeg, slight pepper, spicy, toasted, woody, cedar, complex, layered, rich, savory.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal


Lir Green Crest Irish Whiskey


Glendalough Pot Still Irish Whiskey
(Glendalough Distillery, Wicklow)  86° prf
First matured in ex-bourbon casks, then in Irish oak barrels
made from trees near the distillery.

Nose: Caramel, hint of toffee, buttery, vanilla, powdered sugar, dark honey, sweet dried fruit, raisins, apricot, orange peel, pineapple, Granny Smith apple, green apple, ginger, wheat, toasted almond, nutty, cinnamon, clove, pine, cedar, oak, wood.
Palate: Toffee, cocoa, vanilla, maple, honey comb, honey, sweet dried apricot, dried apples, citrus, orange peel, lemon zest, banana peel, ginger, almond, malty, pepper, cinnamon, clove, spice, smoky, char, cedar, oak, nice wood, aroma notes carry over.
Finish: Orange, pinot grapes, surprising coffee note, walnut, almond, nutty, peppery, oak, woody, smoky, light sherry, smooth, soft mouthfeel, flavorful, approachable, nice, easy drinking, pleasant.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal


Glendalough Pot Still Irish Whiskey


Lir Red Crest Irish Whiskey
PX Cask Finish

(Glens of Antrim Distillery)  90° prf

Nose: Toffee, caramel, dark chocolate, light molasses, nougat, vanilla, marzipan, raisin, orange, orange peel, light pepper, toast, oak.
Palate: Butterscotch, molasses, vanilla, candied fruits, dried fruit, raisins, pear, orange zest, orange oil, red pepper, walnut, nutty, nutmeg, clove, black pepper, spicy, oak, woody, sherry notes, well balanced, creamy.
Finish: Butterscotch, molasses, raisins, cantaloupe, orange, orange tincture, ginger, almond, pepper oil, spicy, briny, zesty, nice, very approachable, super interesting.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal


Lir Red Crest Irish Whiskey


Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Tawny Port Cask Edition

(Midleton)  92° prf

Nose: Caramel, molasses, chocolate, vanilla, marzipan, candied fruit, ripe banana, dried fruit, orange peel, orange zest, wheat, straw, malt, nutty, granite, perfumy, oak, cognac notes, sherry.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, butterscotch, dark chocolate, malt, vanilla, honey, orange blossom honey, apple sauce, orange, orange peel, orange zest, citrus, almond, clove, pepper, spicy, woody, oak, toasty, char, sherry, rich cognac, complex, creamy.
Finish: Vanilla, maple, orange zest, orange oil, nice citrus, citrus freshness, peppery, black pepper, spicy, peat, smoke note, oak, velvety, great.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal


Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Tawny Port Cask Edition



GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Green Spot Irish Whiskey Quails’ Gate
(Midleton Distillery, County Cork)  92° prf
Matured in American bourbon & Sherry casks.
Finished in Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir wine barrels.

Nose: Treacle, chocolate, vanilla, cream, honey, dried apricot, dried fruit, pineapple, orange peel, candied wheat, mint, smoke, new wood, pine, oak, sherry.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, butterscotch, chocolate, cocoa, mocha, vanilla, malt, sweet wheat, citrus forward, orange, orange peel, tangerine, raisins, ginger, clove, chipotle pepper, spice, wet stones, leather, smoky, oak, sherry cask, sherry, creamy.
Finish: Caramel, dark chocolate, lingering clover honey, orange peel, orange zest, dried fruit, ginger, spicy, woodsy, smoky, Old Fashioned cocktail, nice.


Gold Medal
Gold medal


Green Spot Irish Whiskey Quails' Gate


The Whistler P.X. I Love You
Single Malt Irish Whiskey

(Boann Distillery, Meath)  92° prf
Matured in Ex-Bourbon barrels, finished in PX Sherry casks.

Nose: Caramel, toffee, dark chocolate, maple, raisin, dried fruit, pineapple, banana, tropical fruit, apple Jolly Rancher, Welch’s concord grape, almond, nutmeg, hay, heather, earthy, oak, sherry, funky.
Palate: Vanilla, mocha, marzipan, maple syrup, honey, dark raisin, golden raisins, dried fruit, dried pineapple, pineapple, banana, tropical fruit, orange, orange peel, orange zest, citrus, deep red empire grape, tea, malt, pepper, black pepper, spice, maritime, briny, smoky, cedar, oak, wood, great flavor.
Finish: Caramel, toffee, mocha, dark chocolate, honey, dried fruit, pineapple, orange, orange zest, apple, berry, ginger, spices, nutty, tannic, oak, nice, creamy.


Gold Medal
Gold medal


The Whistler P.X. I Love You Single Malt Irish Whiskey


The Fighting 69th Regiment Single Malt Irish Whiskey
(Southern Coast of Ireland)  86° prf
Triple-distilled in copper pot stills.
Finished in Bourbon, Rye, Port, Sherry & Rum casks.

Nose: Caramel, dark chocolate, maple, vanilla, shortbread cookies, sweet wheat, dried fruit, raisins, cherry, ripe banana, pineapple, orange peel, pear, malt, almonds, nutmeg, leathery, earthy, smoky, oak.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, chocolate, vanilla, honey, honey comb, candied fruit, dried stone fruit, pear, apple, banana, smooth orange, orange zest, citrus, sweet grains, wheat, grain, mint, black tea, light pepper, leathery, peaty, smoky, burnt barrel, bark, cedar, sweet oak, layered.
Finish: Vanilla, powdered sugar, honey, cherry, Dole fruit cup, ginger, rye, multigrain, pepper, earth, oak, tannic, nice smoky finish, soft.


Gold Medal
Gold medal


The Fighting 69th Regiment Single Malt Irish Whiskey


Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Aged 21 Years

(Midleton)  92° prf
Triple-distilled. Matured in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks.

Nose: Toffee, caramel, butterscotch, cocoa, cacao, chocolate, candied ginger, berry, apple, nutmeg, leather, oak, wood, sherry, bourbon-like.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, cocoa, mocha, molasses, deep honey, dried fruit, raisins, dried orange peel, orange, orange peel, ginger, anise, mint, coffee, walnut, clove, maritime, woodsy, woody, oak, savory.
Finish: Chocolate, honey, late harvest vine grapes, dried raisins, orange, mint, anise, basil, nutty, slightly peppery, oak, soft, smooth.


Gold Medal
Gold medal


Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Aged 21 Years


Natterjack Irish Whiskey Cask Strength
(Gortinore Distillers & Co., Waterford)  126° prf
Finished in Virgin American oak.

Nose: Toffee, treacle, caramel, dark chocolate, vanilla, honey, coconut, banana, apricot, orange peel, citrus, ginger, allspice, malt, light wood.
Palate: Toffee, treacle, caramel, cocoa, mocha,deep vanilla, honey, candied fruit, dried fruit, orange zest, dried herbs, mint, tea, pepper, black pepper, spicy, briny, peat, smoky, earthy, woodsy, oak, creamy, big & full.
Finish: Toffee, vanilla, honey, orange blossom, ginger, black tea, tannic, malty, spicy, black pepper, peppery, rich, flavorful.


Gold Medal
Gold medal


Natterjack Irish Whiskey Cask Strength


Egan's Fortitude Single Malt Irish Whiskey
(Tullamore, County Offaly)  92° prf
Matured in Sherry casks for a minimum of 4 years.

Nose: Toffee, caramel, chocolate, heavy cream, sweet cream, vanilla, honey, deep cooked apple, red apple, pear, orange, lemon, ginger, agave, hay, malt, nutty, white pepper, iodine, earthy, oak.
Palate: Toffee, vanilla, honey, candied fruit, dried fruit, apple compote, orange peel, orange, citrus, grain, malt, baking spice, pepper, briny, peat, smoky, char, oak, perfumy, sherry notes, big & bold, rich, creamy.
Finish: Vanilla, cream, slight maple, orange, mocha, pepper, spicy, cedar, oak, char, rich, classic.


Gold Medal
Gold medal


Egan's Fortitude Single Malt Irish Whiskey


Egan’s Conviction Irish Whiskey
Aged 10 years

(P & H Egan, Tullamore)  92° prf
Blend of Single Malt & Single Grain whiskies,
each aged a minimum of 10 years.
Matured in XO Cognac casks.

Nose: Caramel, cream, vanilla, speculoos cookies, cereal grains, honey, dried fruit, raisins, banana, apple, orange zest, grass, cinnamon, pepper, toast, wood, oak.
Palate: Chocolate, cocoa, mocha, vanilla, honey, candied fruit, dried fruit, cherry, banana, orange, sweet corn, sweet candied nuts, grains, floral, cinnamon, clove, pepper, maritime, briny, smoky, woody, cedar, oak, creamy, mellow.
Finish: Chocolate, dark chocolate, vanilla, maple, citrus, toasted nuts, pepper, baking spices, spicy, wood, oaky, balanced, soft, creamy, dessert whiskey, very pretty.


Gold Medal
Gold medal


Egan’s Conviction Irish Whiskey Aged 10 years


Natterjack Irish Whiskey Blend No.1
(Gortinore Distillers & Co., Waterford)  80° prf
Finished in Virgin American oak.

Nose: Subtle caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, clover honey, honey comb, candied apple, pineapple, banana, apricot, plum, citrus, subtle cinnamon, clove, malt, woody, oak.
Palate: Light caramel, vanilla, whipped cream, honey, clover honey, apricot, grilled pineapple, dried fruit, grape notes, citrus, nutmeg, spice, peppery, smoky, dark wood, woody, cedar, oak, sweet oak, cognac, slightly creamy, soft, rich.
Finish: Toffee, Gala apple, dry moss, hay, nutmeg, spicy, pepper, tannins, smoke, heavy oak, clean, nice, soft.


Gold Medal
Gold medal


Natterjack Irish Whiskey Blend No.1


Egan's Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Aged 10 Years

(Tullamore, County Offaly)  94° prf
Aged in ex-Bourbon casks.

Nose: Honey, maple, black cherry, banana, orange, orange peel, pear, dried fruit, white flowers, anise, menthol soap, clove, oily, asphalt, earthy, soft smoke, cedar, oak, malt.
Palate: Caramel, buttery, maple, dark fruit, orange, orange peel, lemon, ginger, spearmint, kitchen herbs, endive, bitter leaves, clove, pepper, spicy bite, peaty, smoky, oak, concentrated.
Finish: Chocolate, malt, honey, citrus, white flowers, perfume, almond, pepper, peppery, smoky, heavy oak, lingering oak, super interesting.


Gold Medal
Gold medal


Egan's Single Malt Irish Whiskey Aged 10 Years


Glendalough 7 Y.O. Mizunara Finish Irish Whiskey
(Glendalough Distillery, Wicklow)  86° prf

Nose: Caramel, dark chocolate, honey, raisins, pineapple, banana, cooked apple, orange peel, almond, walnut, spice, hay, barnyard, earth, peat, deep wood, pine, oak.
Palate: Caramel, salted toffee, molasses, cocoa, mocha, shortbread, dried fruit, raisins, berry, candied fruit, orange peel, ginger, black tea, deep black coffee, clove, spicy, tannic, light peat, woody, oak.
Finish: Coffee, espresso, cocoa, dried fruit, floral, grain, hay, spicy, peat, woody, lingering oak, soft, surprisingly funky, wonderful.


Gold Medal
Gold medal


Glendalough 7 Y.O. Mizunara Finish Irish Whiskey


Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Aged 12 Years

(Midleton)  80° prf
Matured in fine oak casks.

Nose: Caramel, burnt caramel, butterscotch, toffee, dark sugar, cotton candy, candied fruit, orange peel, floral, anise, mint, clove, nutmeg, earth, peat, iodine, pine sap, oak, malt.
Palate: Caramel, bold toffee, chocolate ganache, nougat, honey, blackberry jam, raisins, orange peel, floral, wheat, malt, bamboo, dried leaves, nutmeg, spicy, earth, barrel, smoke, oak, cedar, creamy, soft.
Finish: Caramel, toffee, cherry, orange, grass, mint, wheat, malty, clove, lightly spicy, peppery, earthy, woody, oak, soft sweetness, smooth, creamy.


Gold Medal
Gold medal


Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Aged 12 Years


Hinch Irish Whiskey Double Wood
Aged 5 Years

(Hinch Distillery, County Down, No. Ireland)  86° prf
Aged in Ex-Bourbon casks & matured in Virgin American oak barrels.

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, oak, citrus, candied fruit, dried fruit, raisins, golden raisins, dried orange, orange, orange zest, citrus, light mint, cinnamon, subtle peat, new wood, birch.
Palate: Cocoa, mocha, vanilla, powdered sugar, honey, raisins, sweet corn, dried orange peel, orange, balanced pear, almond, roasted hazelnuts, black tea, tannic, clove, spicy, pepper, wood, oak, creamy mouthfeel.
Finish: Dried pear, honey, mint note, dried nuts, cinnamon, spicy, over-steeped tea, tannic, woody, savory.


Gold Medal
Gold medal


Hinch Irish Whiskey Double Wood Aged 5 Years



SILVER MEDAL WINNERS

Tullamore D.E.W. Blended Irish Whiskey
(Tullamore Distillery, County Offaly)  80° prf

Nose: Toffee, caramel, malt cake, honey, dried fruit, raisins, dried golden raisin, cherry, apricot, green apple, orange, orange zest, floral, cinnamon, straw, earth, peat, a light wisp of smoke, char, oak, wood.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, honey, candied orange, orange peel, dried fruit, lemon, lemon crème, banana, wheat, rye, nutty, nutmeg, spicy, white pepper, black pepper, toasted oak, light profile, very soft, smooth, creamy, very approachable.
Finish: Toffee, treacle, butter tablet, nougat, lingering orange, slight pepper, light pepper, black pepper, spicy, cedar, oak, woody, smooth, savory, flavorful.


Silver Medal
Silver medal


Tullamore D.E.W. Blended Irish Whiskey


Hinch Irish Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon Cask
(Hinch Distillery, County Down, No. Ireland)  86° prf
Blend of grain & single malt whiskies.
Mathured in Ex-Bourbon oak casks.

Nose: Toffee, light caramel, chocolate, mocha, honey, fig, prune, banana, pear, candied citrus, orange, grapefruit, citrus, ginger, eucalyptus, grain, oak note, briny, perfumy.
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, Confectioners’ sugar, honey, raisin, golden raisin, dried berries, banana, apricot, pear, lemon, orange peel, green apple skin, malty, clove, hint of pepper, peaty, light smoke, dried oak, velvety mouthfeel, creamy, delicate, bright.
Finish: Toffee, powdered sugar, honey, non-sweet apricot, pear, orange, orange zest, peppery, black pepper, spicy, oak, smooth, nice, creamy, rich, savory.


Silver Medal
Silver medal


Hinch Irish Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon Cask


Egan's Vintage Grain Single Grain Irish Whiskey
(Tullamore, County Offaly)  92° prf
Matuerd in Bourbon casks for a minimum of 8 years.

Nose: Cooked molasses, touch of maple, vanilla, honey, ripe banana, pear, apple, orange, orange peel, lemon, lemon zest, cinnamon, clove, spice, char note, sweet oak.
Palate: Vanilla, whipped cream, buttery, malt, marzipan, brown sugar, sweet cane, honey, pineapple, guava, orange, lime, lemon bar, dried cherry, nutmeg, spice, woody, cedar, oak, well balanced, bright, creamy.
Finish: Toffee, vanilla, honey, honey comb, candied fruit, orange, almond, walnut, peppery, spicy, tannic, woody, pine, cedar, nice, soft.


Silver Medal
Silver medal


Egan's Vintage Grain Single Grain Irish Whiskey


Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey
(Glendalough Distillery, Wicklow)  86° prf
Aged first in American oak Bourbon barrels,
then in Spanish oak Oloroso Sherry barrels.

Nose: Light caramel, molasses, brown sugar, creamy, vanilla, marzipan, fresh cut grass, subtle black tea, thyme, clove, oregano, peat, oak.
Palate: Dark chocolate, buttery, pineapple, tropical fruit, orange, orange peel, citrus, sweet wheat, malt, grain, herbal, black tea, tea tree oil, sandalwood, nutmeg, pepper, grassy, moss, earth, peaty, balsam, oak, wood, nicely balanced.
Finish: Nougat, maple, raisins, orange, mint, vegetal, slight pepper, clove, oak, sweet oak.


Silver Medal
Silver medal


Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey


Sláinte Irish Whiskey
(County Lough)  80° prf
Matured in American Bourbon oak barrels and Sherry butts.
Finished in Bourbon casks.

Nose: Toffee, vanilla, honey, dried stone fruit, red grape, floral, grain, popcorn, almond, roasted walnuts, coffee, clove, wet stones, slightly briny, tannins, oak, port.
Palate: Caramel, cocoa, mocha, vanilla, Confectioners’ sugar, honey, dried apricot, orange, grassy, almond, barley, toasted bread, clove, spicy, pepper, briny, iodine, musty, woody, oaky, soft, creamy.
Finish: Vanilla, honeycomb, orange peel, almond, nuts, coffee, pepper, light brine, tannins, sweetened bark, oak, smoky, needs a cigar, easy drinking.


Silver Medal
Silver medal


Sláinte Irish Whiskey

 

 


 

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