The 11 Best Irish Whiskey Brands to Buy Now in 2026
What is Irish whiskey?
There are some key requirements for a whiskey to be called Irish whiskey. It must be made in either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland from a mash of cereal grains, be aged at least three years in casks, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. The main styles of Irish whiskey are blended, single malt (made from 100 percent malted barley), pot still (made from malted and unmalted barley), and grain whiskey (made from malted barley and another cereal grain).
How should you drink Irish whiskey?
The short answer is however you like it. There is no wrong or right way to enjoy Irish whiskey. If you prefer cocktails, there are plenty of options to consider, and certain whiskeys go well with other ingredients. But consider trying Irish whiskey on its own as well to explore the flavors. A Glencairn glass is a good way to nose and taste it neat, and some people like to add a splash of water. A tumbler works just fine if you’d like to add some ice. Just remember to drink it in the way that you like best.
How did we choose the whiskeys on this list?
We considered different factors when picking these whiskies, with the emphasis being on taste. Because after all, despite a bottle’s availability or the hype surrounding it, that is the most important thing. Tasting Irish whiskey involves a combination of sensations, including the nose, palate, mouthfeel, and finish. And each category has different characteristics, so part of the process is to consider how an individual pick fits into its style overall. The bottles on this list represent the best Irish whiskeys based on all of these options, providing a good overview of selections you can easily purchase in person or online that are good examples of each individual category.
Why should you trust us?
Jonah Flicker has been writing about whiskey and other spirits for more than a decade, visiting distilleries around the world to meet the people behind the bottles and find out more about their stories. He is a judge for the John Barleycorn Awards and the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, and his work has appeared in many national other lifestyle outlets besides Robb Report, including Esquire, Food & Wine, Men’s Journal, CNN, USA Today, and more.
