So, you’re a bourbon drinker curious about what’s happening across the pond. Let’s talk about Irish Whiskey, the spirit that was once the most popular kid in the global liquor school before, well, things happened. It’s a whole different world from Kentucky, but one worth exploring, if only to appreciate your bourbon more.

Definition

Irish Whiskey is, shocker, whiskey that must be made on the island of Ireland. That means both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland get to join the party. It’s typically distilled from a mash of malted cereals, but they can and do throw in other whole grains just to keep things interesting. And yes, they insist on spelling it with an “e,” unlike their Scottish neighbors. It’s a point of pride, or maybe just a way to make sure you know you’re not drinking Scotch.

Why does it matter?

For a bourbon lover, Irish whiskey offers a fascinating contrast. While bourbon is legally bound to new charred oak barrels, giving it those signature vanilla, caramel, and spice notes, Irish whiskey has more flexible aging rules. It’s often triple-distilled, which is one more distillation than most bourbons go through. The result? A spirit that’s exceptionally smooth, often lighter, and less sweet than what you’re used to. You’ll find more floral, fruity, and grainy notes. Trying it won’t make you abandon your beloved bourbon, but it will give your palate a new perspective and help you pinpoint what you truly love about that corn-forward American spirit.

How OAKR helps

Wondering if you’ll taste notes of green apple and honey or just, you know, whiskey? Everyone’s palate is different. Instead of guessing, you can use the OAKR app. We do the hard work of aggregating tasting notes from blind-tasting panelists, so you can see a whiskey’s likely flavor profile before you even spend a dime. Explore the OAKR app to discover in-depth profiles and get personalized recommendations that match your tastes, whether you’re sticking to bourbon or venturing into the land of the Irish.