Irish whiskey has captivated drinkers for centuries, and with good reason. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly bottle or a rare collector’s gem, there’s something for everyone. Jameson and Bushmills have long been the pillars of Irish whiskey, but today, a wealth of distilleries and independent bottlers are adding their own weight to the category. Some names may already be familiar, while others might be brand new to you—but with St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore fresh additions to your whiskey shelf.
For the past three decades, Irish whiskey has been the fastest-growing whiskey category in the world. Its surging popularity is a testament to both quality and innovation, making it an exciting time to discover new expressions. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your journey, this list covers standout Irish whiskeys from $25 to $5,000—each offering something unique to explore.
The Busker Irish Single Pot Still
BUY NOW: $25
The Royal Oak Distillery boasts an impressive depth of talent and expertise in Irish whiskey. Producing single grain, single pot still, and single malt whiskey under one roof provides unmatched flexibility, allowing for a wide range of styles. If there’s one thing today’s whiskey drinkers value, it’s versatility.
Here, we’re highlighting their single pot still offering, The Busker Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey—one of the most surprising whiskeys I’ve encountered this year. It embodies the classic Irish style but with a higher ABV than many of its more well-known counterparts, though it leans slightly younger in profile. Expect a warming, buttery sweetness balanced by gentle peppery spice, hallmarks of the single pot still tradition.
For those unfamiliar, single pot still whiskey is a uniquely Irish style that combines malted and unmalted barley in the same distillation. This process creates a whiskey with a richer texture and a subtle spiciness, sometimes reminiscent of rye whiskey.
Two Stacks – The First Cut Irish Whiskey
BUY NOW: $36
Here’s one for the adventurous whiskey drinkers—without a hefty price tag. Two Stacks delivers their signature blended style here, packing in every flavor profile you could want from Irish whiskey—including two that are less commonly found.
Let’s start with the grain whiskey component: classic Irish grain matured in virgin oak and ex-bourbon casks, bringing notes of caramel, vanilla, and subtle woodiness. Next, there’s single pot still whiskey aged in ex-Oloroso sherry casks, adding layers of raisin, chocolate, Christmas spices, and red fruits.
Then comes the double-distilled single malt, matured in ex-bourbon casks for depth and balance, alongside a touch of peated malt, also aged in ex-bourbon casks, lending a whisper of smoke.
That’s an incredible amount of flavor for the price. If you’re looking for a new Irish whiskey to replace an empty bottle, this is a fantastic all-rounder for any occasion.
Tullamore D.E.W. 18 Year Old Single Malt
BUY NOW: $100
A personal favorite of mine. I loved Tullamore’s 14 Year Old expression of this malt, but this slightly older release brings added complexity and oakiness—perfect for those who appreciate the depth that age imparts to a whiskey.
Matured primarily in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in a mix of ex-Oloroso, ex-Port, and ex-Madeira casks, this whiskey is a vibrant medley of tropical fruit, sweet wood notes, classic Irish whiskey honey, and a touch of nuttiness from its time in fortified wine casks.
This is where we start edging into the more premium price range, but at nearly two decades old, Irish whiskey of this age is a rarity. For me, it still offers solid value for its maturity. Tullamore D.E.W. remains an underrated brand compared to some of its Irish counterparts, consistently producing high-quality whiskey at every price point—but this one stands out as the star.
Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey
BUY NOW: $200 (2023 Release)
Now we’re getting into the heavyweights. Midleton Very Rare is the benchmark for well-crafted, high-end Irish whiskey—a blend that brings together the finest single pot still and grain whiskeys from across Midleton’s vast warehouses.
Though it doesn’t carry an age statement, the whiskey’s age varies significantly. Generally, it consists predominantly of well-aged teenage spirits (18–19 years old), with select barrels ranging from 20 to 24 years. This, of course, depends on what the master blender deems ready, but every Midleton Very Rare release carries its signature profile.
Expect aromas of pencil shavings, mango, and vanilla cream, leading into a beautifully balanced palate of oak spice, apricot, coconut, pineapple, and green apple. Despite its 40% ABV, it delivers impressive depth, length, and complexity.
Often likened to an Irish equivalent of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Midleton Very Rare offers a similarly smooth and luxurious experience—without any peat. If you prefer a whiskey without smoke, this is the one to choose.
Redbreast 21 Year Old
BUY NOW: $260
Sticking with Midleton for a moment, we come to Redbreast 21 Year Old—arguably one of the most indulgent and comforting whiskeys I’ve ever tasted. The Redbreast range is beloved worldwide, especially the 12 Year Old expression, but when it comes to well-aged stocks, few Irish distilleries have the depth that Midleton does.
With a minimum of 21 years in cask, this whiskey delivers layers of butter, sultana, and sugary pastry, alongside tropical notes of mango and pineapple. On the palate, expect rich brioche, more tropical fruit, and a subtle oak influence. The finish? Pure dessert in a glass—white chocolate, lime, and delicate oak, wrapped in a lingering warmth.
This is a whiskey you’ll never forget once you’ve tried it.
Teeling 1991 24 Year Old Single Malt
BUY NOW: $788
Peated Irish whiskey is a rarity—especially at this age. This 24 Year Old Teeling was primarily matured in ex-bourbon casks before spending a short finishing period in ex-Sauternes casks. This combination typically brings notes of sweet honey, almonds, vanilla, caramel, and toffee, with a delicate wisp of smoke adding remarkable depth to the final whiskey.
As peated whiskey ages, the influence of smoke softens, allowing the cask to take on a greater role in shaping the flavor. If you prefer bold, heavy smoke, younger peated whiskeys are the way to go. Here, the peat lingers subtly beneath layers of sweetness, evoking flavors reminiscent of barbecued meats glazed with honey and brown sugar.
It’s an absolute delight—distilled at the dawn of the modern Irish whiskey resurgence, and a testament to just how extraordinary aged peated Irish whiskey can be.
Jameson’s Rarest Vintage 2007 Release
BUY NOW: $1,562
We’re still at the Midleton Distillery—home to some of the oldest and most expensive bottles of Irish whiskey. Here, we have a now-discontinued gem: Jameson’s Rarest Vintage.
This expression blends some of Midleton’s oldest grain whiskeys with select single pot still stocks. Its cask maturation is particularly noteworthy. Part of the whiskey was aged in ex-Ruby Port casks, which isn’t unheard of but is always a welcome addition, bringing rich notes of honey, raspberry, and strawberry. The rest matured in second-fill ex-bourbon casks—a choice that might not seem unusual, but it’s rare to hear a distillery highlight it.
Think of casks like tea bags—the more you use them, the less they impart. But sometimes, less is more. Aging whiskey for extended periods in first-fill casks can eventually overpower the spirit, throwing off its balance. Using second-fill casks, either from the start or later in the process, allows for a more gradual, refined maturation, creating a lighter, more nuanced profile—whether the whiskey is young or well-aged.
Teeling 33 Year Old Single Malt Single Cask
BUY NOW: $3,419
Another well-aged Teeling makes the list! Teeling is a powerhouse in modern Irish whiskey, playing a crucial role in its resurgence. Here, we have one of the oldest releases from their Very Rare Casks range.
This whiskey spent most of its life maturing in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in a Pineau des Charentes barrel—a choice that introduces a more herbal, subtly salty dimension to Irish whiskey.
Pineau des Charentes is a regional French aperitif made by blending unfermented grape juice with Cognac eau-de-vie before aging it in casks. While it carries a natural sweetness, it also imparts green, herbal, and slightly saline notes. Many distilleries, including Old Pulteney and Nc’Nean, have experimented with these casks, but pairing them with exceptionally old Irish whiskey has given this sweet, layered single malt added complexity, balancing rich depth with an intriguing savory edge.
Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais
BUY NOW: $5,000
We return to Midleton for the grand finale of our Irish whiskey price adventure. This Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais release is a unique blend that brings together Irish and French influences, centered around a finishing process in Troncais oak. This particular type of French oak is known for imparting notes of hazelnut, soft spice, ginger, and peach—flavors that complement Midleton’s signature style beautifully.
Bottled at 48% ABV and presented in a stunning display case, this is the whiskey you want on your shelf for both its story and its flavor experience. Several batches exist, but the core profile remains sweet. Batch 1 leans heavily into honey and hazelnuts, while Batch 2 highlights boiled sweets, peaches, and ice cream. Both are similarly priced, so whichever you choose, you’re getting something truly special.
