The first records of distilled grains spirits appeared in Ireland and Scotland in the 1400’s. Over time, these spirits became known as whiskey, which is the anglicized version of the Gaelic word uisce beatha (Ish-ca Baa-ha) which means water of life. English colonization spread whiskey making it to both Canada and the United States and the types of whiskey they made evolved based on the grains that grew well in those climates and soils. Before the 1800’s, whiskey was largely stored in barrels simply for transportation. But, around the turn of the 19th century, people noticed that whiskey stored in barrels had a better flavor and aroma and so began purposefully aging whiskey before selling it. As distilling technology improved, it expanded the variety of whiskey styles that could be made to match the preferences of the drinking public.
Irish whiskey can be made anywhere on the island of Ireland, which includes both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Irish whiskey is prized for its sweeter profile and subtle complexity. The addition of unmalted barley gives the whiskey a spice character different from rye, and adds complexity to the spirit. Because Irish whiskey has three standard styles, Blended Irish whiskeys have more options to draw upon.
A spirit fermented from a mash of 100% malted barley, double or triple distilled at one distillery in a pot still, and aged for a minimum of three years in a wooden cask on the island of Ireland.
A spirit fermented from a mash of malted barley (max 30%), and other unmalted grains, distilled at one distillery with a continuous column still and aged for a minimum of three years in a wooden cask on the island of Ireland.
A spirit fermented from a mash of a combination of malted barley (min 30%), unmalted barley (min 30%) and other unmalted grains. Double or triple distilled at one distillery in a pot still, and aged for a minimum of three years in a wooden cask on the island of Ireland.
A mixture of two or three styles of Irish whiskey. These include Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Single Grain Irish Whiskey, and Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.