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Top 10 best value for money Irish whiskeys

The Irish whiskey industry sold 9.7 million cases globally in 2017 – an indication that the category shows no signs of slowing. We present the best value for money expressions on the market.

SB reveals the best value for money Irish whiskeys

The Spirits Business held its annual Irish Whiskey Masters last month, where an experienced panel of judges recognised the best bottlings in the business.

Looking across multiple categories, from blended to single grain, single pot still to poitín, a wide range of whiskeys were awarded the top accolades of Master and Gold medals for their quality.

The individual scores of each entrant have not been revealed, however these are 10 of the highest rated medalists in the competition, in no particular order.

While some expressions are not standard priced, our judges have given each Irish whiskey listed here the seal of approval for offering excellent quality within their respective price categories.

Click through to the following pages to view the top 10 best value for money Irish whiskeys of 2018.

Redbreast 15 Year Old

Price: £69.95

Redbreast 15 Year Old grabbed a Master medal in the Single Pot Still – Ultra Premium round for its “big and rich” character, which offered “great texture and rancio”.

Originally released as a limited edition offering, the 15-year-old is now part of the brand’s permanent range. It is said to have a “more mellow taste” than it’s younger sibling, Redbreast 12 Year Old.

Teeling Whiskey Single Grain

Price: £45

Teeling Whiskey Single Grain was given the Master accolade in the Single Grain – Premium flight. One judge praised the whiskey’s “crème brûlée gorgeousness”, while another said it had an “unremitting” aroma and “palate that goes on forever – everything you want in a single grain”.

Released in 2013, Teeling’s Single Grain Whiskey has been matured in Californian Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels.

Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy

Price: £150

Master medallist Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy was said to “taste like golden fruit, laden with honey”.

Introduced by Irish Distillers in 2011 as part of the relaunched range of pot still whiskies, Barry Crockett Legacy is named after the Midleton master distiller and combines Bourbon cask matured whisky with liquid from a new American oak barrel. 

Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old

Price: £47.35

In the Single Pot Still – Premium round, a master was given to Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old, which stood out with its “custard and crème patisserie” aroma, “fruity and spicy” flavour of apple strudel and “long, sweet, smooth finish”.

The expression has been matured for 12 years in a combination of Bourbon and oloroso Sherry casks. 

Slane Irish Whiskey

Price: £26.75

In the Blended – Standard flight, Brown-Forman’s Slane Irish Whiskey brand was bestowed with a Gold medal. The expression uses triple cask maturation with virgin oak, seasoned oak and Sherry casks.

In September last year, Brown-Forman opened its Slane Irish whiskey distillery and visitor centre in County Meath – the company’s first distillery based outside of the US.

The Irishman Single Malt

Price: £39.95

Walsh Whiskey Distillery’s The Irishman Single Malt was given a Gold medal in the Single Malt – Premium round. It has been triple distilled and aged in oak Bourbon and oloroso Sherry casks.

In June this year, Walsh Whiskey Distillery launched the second bottling in The Irishman Founder’s Reserve Cask Series, finished for six months in ex-Chairman’s Reserve rum casks.

Jameson Black Barrel

Price: £38.45

Jameson Black Barrel was described as a “perfect” example of the Blended – Premium category with an “outstanding mouthfeel”. One judge said: “This is just a great product and something that could be used to introduce people to the category.”

The expression, created by Irish Distillers, has been triple distilled and twice charred.

Teeling Whiskey Brabazon Volume 1

Price: €78.00 

A second Master was given to Teeling Whiskey for its Brabazon Volume 1 bottling in the Single Malt – Super Premium round.

Judges enjoyed the expression’s “complex” notes of raisin, hazelnut and honey.

The release is made from a series of vintages, sizes and styles of Sherry cask-matured expressions and is said to “capture all the layers and aspects of flavour” imparted by the wine.

Ballykeefe Irish Poitín

Price: €47.50

A diminutive flight of Poitín saw a Master bestowed upon Ballykeefe Irish Poitín. One judge said: “I’d suggest this to any vodka or gin drinker if they’re looking to depart from that category.”

The triple-distilled expression is recommended served with ice and ginger ale, according to the distillery.

The Dublin Liberties Copper Alley

Price: €52.95

A Gold was given to Dublin Liberties Copper Alley in the Single Malt – Premium flight.

The expression has been aged for 10 years in Bourbon casks and finished in 30-year-old oloroso Sherry casks. A limited release of 31 casks of whiskey, it is non-chill-filtered and bottled at 46% abv.

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