Whisky from Ireland

This page compares UK prices on the Irish whiskeys we track: blends, single pot still, single malt and single grain, all distilled and matured on the island of Ireland. The list runs from Jameson, Bushmills and Tullamore D.E.W. to Redbreast, Green Spot and Powers John’s Lane, and newer distilleries such as Teeling, Slane and Waterford.

Single pot still, made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley in a pot still, is the distinctively Irish style; triple distillation is common but not universal. Distilling spans the island, from Bushmills in County Antrim to Midleton in County Cork, home of Jameson and Redbreast.

For the history in two parts on this site, read The rise of Irish whiskey and The downfall of Irish whiskey. Whiskipedia’s Ireland section has the distillery directory and the legal definition. Prices are the best current in-stock offer from the UK retailers we check (how we compare prices).

111 bottles in stock, with the best current price from the UK retailers we check.

Questions

What is the cheapest whisky from Ireland?
The cheapest whisky from Ireland is Paddy Blended Irish Whisky 40% 70cl (40% ABV, 70cl), at £21.24 from Master of Malt. That is £26.19 delivered to the UK mainland for one bottle. Next cheapest: Kilbeggan Traditional (£21.50) and Jameson Irish Whiskey (£23.40).
How much does whisky from Ireland cost?
Whisky from Ireland costs from £21.24 to £1,784.95, with a median of £54.95 for a full-size bottle. The dearest is Bushmills Single Malt Rare Irish 30 year old Whiskey.
What is the oldest whisky from Ireland you can buy?
Bushmills Single Malt Rare Irish 30 year old Whiskey, at 30 years old, from £1,784.95.
What makes Irish whiskey Irish?
Irish whiskey must be distilled and matured on the island of Ireland. It must be produced from a mash of malted cereals (with or without other whole cereals), distilled at below 94.8% ABV, matured for at least three years in wooden casks of no more than 700 litres, and bottled at 40% ABV or more. It may be bottled abroad, but only after being shipped in inert bulk containers.
Is whiskey from Northern Ireland Irish whiskey?
Yes. The Irish whiskey geographical indication covers the whole island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland. That is why Bushmills in County Antrim sells Irish whiskey.
Does Irish whiskey have to be triple distilled?
No. Triple distillation is traditional and common, but double distillation is also permitted. Bushmills and much of Midleton’s output are triple distilled, while Cooley double distils its single malts.
What is the difference between Irish whiskey and Scotch?
Where it is made and how. Irish whiskey is distilled and matured on the island of Ireland, Scotch in Scotland. Ireland has the single pot still style, made from malted and unmalted barley, and triple distillation is common; peat is used less often than in Scotland. Our history covers the rise and the downfall of Irish whiskey.