If you happen to ask one of our bartenders about Irish whiskey, be ready for a conversation. You see, at Nine Irish Brothers, we take our whiskey seriously. Taste for taste, Irish whiskeys are the purest, most distinct and memorable whiskeys produced in the world. That, of course, is not surprising, considering the fact that the Irish invented the fine stuff. If you are an uninitiated whiskey conisseur, we invite you to step up to the bar, ask a few questions, and start appreciating one of Ireland's finest exports.

Irish Whiskey Condensed to a Few Lousy Sentences:

There are three basic types of Irish whiskey (only those crazy cousins of ours, the Scots, spell whiskey without the e, as in "Scotch whisky"): Single malt (made from 100% malted barley), pure pot still (made from a mixture of malted & unmalted barley), and blended (made from a blend of malted barley and non-malted grains such as corn or wheat). Each type imparts unique flavor characteristics, and each type is favoured equally by whiskey experts. Not only were the Irish the first to make whiskey, but Irish whiskey is the oldest distilled beverage in Europe; whiskey came about when Irish monks who learned how to distill perfumes found a better use for stills.  In fact, the word whiskey is based upon the Gaelic "uisce beatha," which translates as "water of life."  The Old Bushmills Distillery lays claim to being the oldest licensed distillery in the world since gaining a license from James I in 1608. Irish whiskeys were considered to be the premium whiskeys until the American prohibition, during which time bootleggers would brew inferior whiskey and label it as Irish whiskey.  Only in the last few years has Irish whiskey begun to again gain prominence. If you're interested in learning more about Irish whiskey, shoot us an email at tastings (at) nineirishbrothers (dot) com and ask to be put on the tastings mailing list. We'll ring your bell next time we have something scheduled. In the meantime, prominently displayed at our bar is the following selection of fine Irish Whiskeys. 

Bushmills: Bushmills is the only Irish Distillers label not made in Cork. It is still made in Country Antrim (part of British-rule Ireland) as it has been since 1608, making it the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Bushmills is a classic blended whiskey and works well on the rocks or mixed.

Black Bush: Another whiskey from the Bushmill's distillery, Black Bush is distinctive for its full flavor and dark color. Black Bush is also a blended whiskey.

Bushmill's 10: A single-malt whiskey, Bushmill's 10 is the favorite of many a patron at Nine Irish Brothers. Bushmill's 10 Year is a single-malt, triple distilled whiskey aged in Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon barrels. The result is a smooth finish and delightful pallet.

Bushmill's 16: Bushmill's sixteen-year single-malt whiskey is distinctly nutty but soft and spicy. Finished with port casks, the finish is mellow and smooth.

Bushmill's 21: Bushmill's 21 year is a complex single-malt, with a sweet flavor. Like its brothers from the Jameson line, this rare whiskey should be enjoyed on the rocks or neat.

Clontarf: An entry-level whiskey from Castle Brands, Clontarf is fairly smooth compared to others at its price range.

Jameson: A much-loved entry-level Irish whiskey, Jameson is a blended malt that has distinctive vanilla flavours, making it an excellent ingredient for Irish coffee.

Red Breast: Red Breast is a single, unblended Pure Pot Still Irish whiskey. Red Breast is triple-distilled and matured in oak casks for no less than twelve years, lending it a complex, pleasing taste and finish.

Jameson 12: In the words of a famous whiskey taster, "I have died and gone to heaven." Jameson 12 year is an excellent whiskey for the price: complex, warm yet mellow in the finish.

Jameson 18: Considered by many (and many of us at the pub) to be the best Irish whiskey made today, Jameson 18 Year is a blended whiskey. Mellow and smooth, Jameson 18 should be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Midleton Very Rare: A fine whiskey, Midleton is woody and spicy, and should be enjoyed on the rocks or neat.

Knappogue: Knappogue Castle 1994 is a special reserve of Irish single malt whiskey. Like most Irish whiskeys, Knappogue is carefully aged in bourbon casts; unlike most whiskeys, Knappogue has an exceptionally light, smooth, and fruity finish, and is a truly fine Irish whiskey.

Powers: John Powers whiskey is the highest-selling whiskey in Ireland. Considered an entry-level whiskey, Powers is nonetheless an exceptionally smooth whiskey, with a distinctive grainy rather than malty flavor.

Tullamore Dew: Tullamore Dew was first distilled in 1829 in the small town of Tullamore in County Offaly in the heart of Ireland. The name derives from the initials of an early owner, Daniel E Williams - DEW. Tullamore Dew is subtle, smooth and has a pleasant maltiness combined with charred wood undertones and the natural flavour of golden barley.

Michael Collins Blended: Fruity and sweet, Michael Collins is a delicious whiskey to be enjoyed any way you choose.

Michael Collins Single Malt: A delicious, smooth whiskey.