What are The 4 Types of Irish Whisky?
Most people know that Ireland is home to some of the world’s best Irish whisky. However, most people probably don’t realize just how many different types of Irish whisky there are! From single malt to blended, and everything in between, there are a variety of different types of Irish whisky to choose from.
Even if you only have a cursory knowledge of the subject, you probably know that there is something called “Irish whiskey” which is made in Ireland. But what is the difference between single malt and blended? What are the different types of Irish whisky? Keep reading to find out more!
What is Irish Whiskey?
Whiskey is a spirit that is made from fermented grain mash. It is often distilled twice, and it must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. While whiskey is a general term that refers to any distilled beverage that is made from fermented grain mash, there are other types of whiskey that can be found around the world. For example, Scotch whisky is a type of whiskey that is made in Scotland using barley.
Irish whiskey is a particular type of whiskey that is produced in Ireland. It is a type of grain whiskey that is made from a blend of different types of grains, usually barley, corn, and rye. Irish whiskey is typically distilled three times, and it is often aged in used bourbon barrels.
Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Single malt Irish whiskey is a type of Irish whiskey that is made with 100% malted barley. The term “single malt” means that the whiskey was made from a mash that was made from only one type of grain. Single malt Irish whiskey is made by mash tun fermentation, and it is often aged in wooden barrels for up to 25 years.
Single malt whiskey is produced in very small quantities, and it is typically more expensive than blended whiskey. It is often referred to as “pure pot still whiskey” because it uses only pot stills to produce the spirit, rather than a combination of pot stills and column stills. Single malt Irish whiskey is a type of Irish whiskey that is generally enjoyed neat, or without ice, water, or other mixers.
Blended Irish Whiskey
Blended Irish whiskey is a type of Irish whiskey that is made from a blend of grain whiskeys, but it is generally not made from 100% malted barley. Most blended Irish whiskey is made from a blend of multiple grain whiskeys, such as corn, wheat, or rye. Blended Irish whiskey is often characterized by its smooth, sweet flavor. It is usually cheaper than single malt whiskey, but it can still be a very high-quality spirit.
When it comes to choosing a blended Irish whiskey, a lot of people go with Jameson, which is the most popular Irish whiskey in the world. Jameson is widely available and reasonably priced, so it is a good choice for people who are just learning about Irish whiskey and don’t want to spend a ton of money on single malt.
Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Pure pot still Irish whiskey is a type of Irish whiskey that is made from both malted and unmalted barley. Traditionally, it was made from both unmalted barley and pot stills, but many brands have switched to using both malted and unmalted barley, with the use of column stills. Pure pot still whiskey is usually aged for five years or longer, and it is often enjoyed mixed with water or diluted with other ingredients such as soda or ginger ale.
If you are looking for pure pot still Irish whiskey, you can find several high-quality brands. Red Breast is a popular blended whiskey that is bottled at cask strength, which means that it is bottled at its natural proof. Green Spot is another very high-quality pure pot still Irish whiskey that has a unique and distinct flavor.
Rye Grain Irish Whiskey
Rye grain Irish whiskey is a type of Irish whiskey that is made from a mash of at least 51% rye grain. Like pure pot, still Irish whiskey, rye grain Irish whiskey is made from both malted and unmalted barley. It is often aged in new American oak barrels, and it is sometimes finished in sherry wine casks.
Irish whiskeys made from a rye grain mash are usually spicier than other types of Irish whiskey. They are often enjoyed neat, or without ice, water, or other mixers. A lot of whiskey connoisseurs recommend trying rye grain Irish whiskey for the first time neat because it will allow you to truly appreciate its flavor.
Concluding Thoughts
Irish whiskey is a type of liquor that is made from a blend of different grains, including barley, rye, and corn. Most brands of Irish whiskey are usually either blended or single malt, with the exception of pure pot still whiskeys. The best way to enjoy any type of Irish whiskey is to try it neat, without any ice, water, or other mixers. If you are interested in exploring the world of Irish whiskey, you can start by trying a blend or a single malt, and then expand your horizons from there!