Whiskey is a popular alcoholic beverage of choice in the United States. And, while some brands manufacture their whiskey within the U.S. like Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, and Evan Williams, many popular whiskey brands are distilled in other countries.
One country that is popular for its various whiskey brands is Ireland. In fact, Irish whiskey sales in the United States continue to grow. A couple of decades ago, only a few distilleries were still in operation in Ireland. Today, more than 50 distilleries exist in the country and sales have exceeded $1 billion in the U.S. according to a recent article by Market Watch. Many people note their love for Irish whiskey’s smoothness.
Additionally, there are specifications all Irish whiskey brands must adhere to to be considered official Irish whiskey. According to Spruce Eats, the Irish Whiskey Act was created in 1950 that required all brands to be distilled in Ireland, created with malt and grains, and distilled for up to 3 years. The ABV of Irish whiskey is typically 40-60% as well.
Keep in mind that our list below is subjective. What one person finds delicious another may find lacking flavor or smoothness. It’s also worth noting that the Irish whiskeys on this list aren’t necessarily “bad.” They are just a few brands that aren’t as beloved as others by reviewers. (For similar reading, check out 8 expensive bourbon brands that you don’t have to avoid.)
To compile this list of Irish whiskeys, 24/7 Tempo gathered information from various sources. These include Tasting Table, Daily Meal, and Liquor.com. We also examined several online forums with reviews including Reddit and Quora. In no particular order here are 9 Irish whisky brands to avoid.
1. Two Stacks Irish Whiskey
- Distilled by: Ireland Craft Beverages
- Distilled in: Newry, Ireland
- Founded in: 2020
A New Craft Irish Whiskey
Though Two Stacks Whiskey is relatively new to the market, the company hasn’t wasted any time building its brand or creating new products for the market. Two of the brand’s most popular varieties include Smoke & Mirrors, a whiskey made from casks that previously held imperial stout, and The Blender’s Cut which has 64% ABV.
Additionally, Two Stacks is also known for their dram in a can. These cans allow the whiskey to be sold like beer or soda while making it easier to take your beverage with you on the go. However, reviewers don’t love the aftertaste of the drink once it’s poured from a can. The Whiskey Jug also reviewed this whiskey, stating that there is “nothing to dislike about this whiskey, but there isn’t exactly anything to celebrate either.”
2. Proper No. 12
- Distilled by: Eire Born Spirits
- Distilled in: Ulster, Northern Ireland
- Founded in: 2018
Founded by Conor McGregor
Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, UFC fighter Conor McGregor went back to his roots with a team and a master distiller to bring Proper No. 12 to life in 2018. Similar to Two Stacks, this whiskey brand is relatively new to the market. However, its distillery is located in an old Bushmills building which has been in operation for many years.
While the goal of Proper No. 12 was to create a smooth whiskey for everyone to enjoy, this drink has unfortunately fallen flat with reviewers. Liquor.com reviewed the whiskey giving it just a 1.5 out of 5 for overall quality, noting that it’s affordable and available, but didn’t appear to be very high in quality.
3. Kinahan’s Blended Irish Whiskey
- Distilled by: Kinahan’s Irish Whiskey
- Distilled in: Dublin, Ireland
- Founded in 1779
“The Pioneer of Irish Whiskey”
Wine aging in oak barrels.
While the first two brands on our list are relatively new to the Irish whiskey industry, Kinahan’s has been in business for more than two centuries, giving the brand its popular nickname. However, this didn’t stop the brand from seeing hard times during the prohibition era in the U.S. and the civil war that ensued in Ireland during the 1920s.
Still, Kinahan’s managed to persevere throughout the 20th century, with each of the brand’s whiskeys made in wooden casks. You can find their traditional line of whiskey along with their special release projects and their new Kask project line. However, most reviewers say that while their line of blended whiskey is affordable, it’s “not one to write home about” according to Distiller.
4. Paddy’s Old Irish Whiskey
- Distilled by: Sazerac Company
- Distilled in: Cork, Ireland
- Founded in: 1913
An Irish Whiskey Named After its Salesman
What began as a company called “Cork Distilleries Co.” in the 1800s eventually changed its name to reflect the workmanship and personality of its top salesman. For 40 years, Patrick “Patty” J. O’Flaherty traveled through Ireland selling whiskey. Legend has it that when pubs wanted to reorder, they requested “Paddy’s whiskey.”
This Irish whiskey brand is well-known throughout Ireland and abroad for its rich history and affordability. Tasting Table reports that while it’s not the smoothest alcoholic beverage on the market, it’s a great place to start if you’re new to Irish whiskey.
5. Powers Irish Whiskey
- Distilled by: Irish Distillers International
- Distilled in: Dublin City, Ireland
- Founded in: 1791
Two Centuries of Operation
Founded by James Power in the late 1700s, Powers Irish Whiskey has withstood the test of time. James began as a simple innkeeper by day but started his own small distillery on the side. His whiskey grew in popularity and eventually turned into a full-fledged company that even made its way to the World Fair in Chicago in 1893.
Today, there are several different varieties of Powers whiskey to choose from including Gold Label, Irish Rye, and John’s Lane Cask Strength. Still, this whiskey brand receives mixed reviews. Some love the smoothness and rich history that comes with the brand. However, a few reviewers on the Master of Malt feel that the Gold Label is good, but not a premium product.
6. West Cork Blended Irish Whiskey
- Distilled by: West Cork Distillers
- Distilled in: Cork, Ireland
- Founded in: 2003
Biggest Independently Owned Distillery in Ireland
What began as an idea for three childhood friends eventually turned into West Cork Distillery in the early 2000s. West Cork began in a back room at one of the founder’s homes before moving to a full distillery and production center that now employs 140 people. It’s also available in over 70 countries around the world.
Additionally, all of West Cork’s whiskey is distilled using barley from local farms creating strong community support and connections. The whiskey is also made using new methods that don’t include chilled filtering. Reviewers also state that the whiskey is affordable, though a few note that they wish it had more flavor according to Master of Malt.
7. Bushmills
- Distilled by: The Old Bushmills Distillery Co.
- Distilled in: Bushmills, Northern Ireland
- Founded in: 1608
The Oldest Licensed Whiskey Distillery in the World
With origins that date back to the seventeenth century, Bushmills has earned its clout as the oldest whiskey distillery on the globe. The company has faced many challenges over its 400-year-long history, but that hasn’t stopped it from producing its world-famous whiskey. The company’s product lines include The Rare Casks, Private Reserve, Core Single Malt Whiskey Range, and Classic Irish Whiskey.
Even with mixed reviews online, the company’s website states that its Single Malt is Ireland’s most-awarded whiskey. Its tradition, long-standing history, and namesake make it famous worldwide, whether or not everyone agrees that it’s a premium Irish whisky.
8. Jameson Irish Whiskey
- Distilled by: Irish Distillers International Limited
- Distilled in: Dublin and County Cork, Ireland
- Founded in: 1780
A Large Line of Irish Whiskeys
Founded in the late 1700s by distiller John Jameson, Jameson Irish Whiskey is one of the most well-known Irish whiskey brands in the world according to an article by Fox News. Jameson is known for its long-standing family ownership. It’s also a company that after 200 years in service, outgrew its first facility in Dublin and later moved to County Cork.
While this brand is easy to find in the United States, many say it’s simple in nature and not the boldest Irish whiskey in the bunch. One reviewer on The Whiskey Jug explained it as “a great choice for anybody looking to get into Irish whiskey at minimal expense.”
9. Tullamore D.E.W.
- Distilled by: William Grant & Sons
- Distilled in: Tullamore, Ireland
- Founded in: 1829
A Meaning Behind the Brand Name
Tullamore D.E.W. has a strong meaning behind its name. The whiskey brand’s start was in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland. The D.E.W. in the brand name refers to the founder of the company, Daniel E. Williams. Williams got his start working for the distilling industry at the young age of 15 before going on to become a Distillery Manager at just age 25.
This whiskey brand has gone on to receive numerous awards for its line of products and is loved by many. However, a few feel that the flavor is a little bland according to reviews on Master of Malt. (For more reading, click here to learn how to tell the difference between scotch and bourbon.)