by Robert Giles

Irish whiskey is starting to see a resurgence in popularity. It’s a spirit whose time in the spotlight has come; Ireland is home to fantastic whiskeys that are easily available, many from traditional distilleries that have stood the test of time.

While blended whiskeys like Jameson and Tullamore Dew are some of the most well-known Irish whiskeys, there is one category that shouldn’t be overlooked -- single pot or single malt whiskeys. Blended whiskeys may be expanding into new realms with flavored whiskeys such as Jameson Orange or Tullamore Dew Honey but the single malt expressions remain very traditional.

First, we need to get to know exactly what is meant when you see “single malt” or “single pot still” on the label. Single malt refers to a whiskey that is made entirely of malted barley at a single distillery in a single pot still. Single pot still denotes the use of malted and unmalted barley in a single pot still at a single distillery. The difference in the grain may seem slight, but it can have a huge impact on the resulting flavors. Malted barley will take on a light caramel flavor and sweetness while unmalted barley retains the pure grain, often with a hint of spice and cereal, in the resulting product. Either way you go, the philosophy is one of expressing the grain each time rather than blending to a consistent flavor profile each time.

Now, where do we start in exploring these expressive whiskeys? One easy starting point is Teeling Single Malt. This whiskey is going to naturally have a light sweetness from the malted barley which is balanced by finishing in port, Madeira, and bourbon casks. This gives a whiskey with strong mixed berry fruit flavors that lead into notes of chocolate and spice. The cask finishing is the star in this one, as it allows for rich and complex flavors.

Redbreast has been innovative in their cask finishing style as well. Using a wide array of finishes such as Missouri oak, Pedro Ximenez casks, and the Oloroso casks of Bodegas Lustau, their original aged release is a great starting point for what’s possible. Redbreast 12 Year is a single pot still whiskey that’s aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. This whiskey shows notes of spice with dried fruit and a light nuttiness. If you need an amazing first step into Irish whiskey, this is it.

Knappogue Castle 12 year is a great expression of the lightness possible within a single malt. Combining natural sweetness from the malted barley with an extensive aging in bourbon casks, this whiskey is a smooth and delicious journey of flavors. Light orchard fruits combine with baking spices and rich vanilla to give a luxurious tasting experience. The hint of grass and earth on the finish keeps the sweetness from overwhelming.

Finally, there’s Green Spot Single Pot Still. Forgoing the age statements of similar products, Green Spot opts for a blending of 7 and 10 year old single pot still whiskeys. This blending allows them to keep the essence of the single pot style while fine tuning the expressions within the aging process. As is common, bourbon and sherry casks are used for aging to give a complex profile. A full, spicy body blends with notes of clove, green apple, light caramel and vanilla. The cereal finish of barley rounds out the flavors leaving you with a fantastic experience.

It’s easy to get caught up in another glass of the usual blended Irish whiskey—after all, they are easy drinking and great for gatherings. These single pot and single malt offerings can be just as fun. They will not overwhelm but still offer enough complexity that they can be great for a whiskey tasting party. Whether it’s a cocktail party with friends or an in depth exploration of the nuances available, you can’t go wrong with a great Irish whiskey. Cheers!