10 Best Irish Whiskeys To Fall For This Winter

It’s wintertime, and we can’t think of a better spirit to sip on than Irish whiskey. Perfect for an evening spent fireside or mixed into a warming winter cocktail, Irish whiskeys are an excellent option for shorter days and cooler nights. With so many delicious options to choose from, selecting the right one isn’t easy. That’s why we’ve put together our shortlist of the 10 best Irish whiskeys to fall for this winter.

Read on to get the inside word on all things Irish whiskey, and explore our top picks to add to your cart this winter.

What is Irish Whiskey?

Whiskey is made all over the world. Irish whiskeys, as the name suggests, are made exclusively in Ireland, which is actually where the word ‘whiskey’ comes from. Known for their distinctively smooth texture, floral and fruity aromas and spicy vanilla character, Irish whiskeys are loved for their approachability and versatile flavour profile.

What is Irish Whiskey Made From?

Irish whiskeys are typically made from grains like corn, wheat and barley. Grains are ground into a mash before being fermented and distilled, with some varieties going through a process called ‘malting’. According to law, Irish whiskey must be aged in wooden casks for a minimum of three years before it can be termed ‘Irish whiskey’.

10 Best Irish Whiskies Worth Purchasing This Winter

Here's the list of Irish whiskies you must try out this winter. Just choose your favourite, and you are good to go.

1. Jameson Blended Irish Whiskey

Jameson is one of the world’s, let alone Ireland’s, most popular whiskeys. It’s unmalted, blended, and barrel-aged for between 4 and 7 years to create a definitively smooth, spicy flavour. Jameson is a top pick for cocktails – try it in a Boilermaker – and tastes great near or on the rocks as well. A perfect match for smokey flavours, this whiskey loves a good cheese board or charcuterie.

$53.90 each

2. Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey

Looking for premium Irish whiskey? Nothing epitomises top-shelf like Redbreast 12 Year Old. This historic whiskey is crafted with a blend of malted and unmalted barley and is aged for twelve years on a combination of old sherry and port casks. It’s super smooth and luxuriously rich, perfect for special occasions when you need something a cut above the rest—pedigree and prestige in one.

Member Offer

$120 per bottle Non-Member: $135.99 each

3. Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey

The DEW in Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey stands for Daniel E. Williams, the influential figure behind the meteoric rise of the Old Tullamore Distillery in the late nineteenth century. We can thank him for this iconic whiskey which boasts complex, spicy flavours and a wonderfully creamy body. It’s a little bit luxe, making it a great pick for special occasions and gifting.

$59.99 each

4. Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Love a big, smoky Islay-style Scotch? Then you’ll love Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey. Crafted according to ancient Irish tradition, the award-winning whiskey is as classy as it is bold. Smooth, smokey and endlessly aromatic, Connemara is one for the purists. Best enjoyed neat with a slash of water, it makes for a great gift and a wonderful addition to any bar cart.

$104.99 each

5. Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Irish Whiskey

What do you get when you put Jameson’s head distiller in a room with the brewers from Cork’s Franciscan Well Brewery? An ultra-modern, ingenious whiskey! Jameson Caskmates builds upon the distillery’s famous Irish whiskey with a stint on stout-season beer barrels to finish. The result is a cocoa, coffee and butterscotch-driven dram sure to impress traditionalists and newcomers alike.

Member Offer

$60 per bottle Non-Member: $74.99 each

6. Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

This 100% malted barley single malt comes from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery – Old Bushmills on Ireland’s northern coast. Triple distilled and aged for at least 10 years in old bourbon and sherry casks, Bushmills’ youngest single malt leaves nothing to be desired. Brimming with honey, vanilla and chocolate flavours, this whiskey is a formidable introduction to the top end of Irish whiskey.

Member Offer

$73 per bottle Non-Member: $75.99 each

7. Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey

Named for the childhood suburb of its illustrious founder, Connor Mcgregor, Proper No. Twelve is one of Ireland’s newest whiskeys. But don’t underestimate its historic cred. Crafted at Ireland’s oldest distillery, Old Bushmills, Proper No. Twelve is an impressive option to say the least. Featuring notes of baked green apple, gingerbread, toasted wood and honey, it’s great for mixing and just as delicious neat or on the rocks.

Member Offer

$58 per bottle Non-Member: $62.99 each

8. Dubliner Irish Whiskey

No prizes for guessing where this whiskey comes from… the heart of Dublin! A quintessential Irish whiskey, Dubliner’s biggest strength is its almost unmatched versatility. Earning itself an ‘essential’ status for any self-respecting bar cart, it’s aged on old bourbon casks for a minimum of three years and works just as wonderfully in cocktails as it does neat or over ice. As warm and welcoming as the city it wears on its label.

Member Offer

$59 per bottle Non-Member: $65.99 each

9. Slane Blended Irish Whiskey

It takes three different types of cask to make Slane Blended Irish Whiskey. There are new casks, seasoned casks, and old Oloroso sherry casks. Brought together for what Slane calls their ‘signature Triple Casked process’, they deliver a smooth yet complex whiskey featuring notes of vanilla, spice and shortbread. Sort of like Christmas pudding; it’s ideal for cool nights by the fire.

$69 each

10. Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey

There’s a lot to love about Teeling’s Small Batch Irish Whiskey, and it’s got plenty of awards to prove it. Teeling’s flagship label is a masterful blend of malt and grain whiskeys made in Dublin. Aged in old bourbon barrels before being finished in rum casks, this whiskey is brimming with spice. Fresh, fruity and wonderfully creamy, it doesn’t get much better than this.

$81.99 each

How to Drink Irish Whiskey?

Irish whiskey is a versatile spirit that lends itself well to a variety of occasions. Delicious when served simply – either neat or on the rocks – Irish whiskey is also a great addition to a huge range of cocktails and mixed drinks. No matter how you choose to enjoy yours, you’ll find a great selection of premium Irish whiskey and more online and in Dan Murphy’s online liquor store.