Collection: Irish whisky

Since the 1990s, Ireland has seen an impressive revival of its whisky culture. Whereas there were only a handful of active distilleries 30 years ago, there are now over 40 across the country – with further growth on the horizon. The new brands are breathing new life into the scene, often with a focus on sustainability, transparency and innovation.

Irish whiskey is versatile and is divided into four main categories:

• Single Malt Whiskey– made from 100% malted barley, produced in a single distillery.
• Pot Still Whiskey – an Irish speciality, made from malted and unmalted barley in traditional copper stills. Intense, spicy and unique.
• Single Grain Whiskey – made from other grains such as maize or wheat, lighter in character.
• Blended whiskey – the most common category, in which several types of whiskey are harmoniously blended together.

This variety offers the right style for every taste – from elegant and light to full-bodied and spicy.

Irish whiskey is made from a combination of water, malted and/or unmalted barley, and yeast. After mashing and fermentation , the spirit is distilled three times in copper stills, followed by maturation in oak casks – often former bourbon, sherry or wine casks. This process results in well-rounded flavours and a characteristically smooth finish.

Irish whiskey captivates with its aromatic diversity. Sweet notes such as vanilla, honey and caramel blend with fruity elements like apple, pear and citrus. Spicy aromas of pepper, nutmeg and toasted grains round off the profile. Tasting notes in our shop will help you to better appreciate the nuances of each whiskey.

Irish whiskey boasts one of the oldest whiskey traditions in the world. Distillation was already taking place in Ireland as far back as the Middle Ages, initially by monks, and later by farmers and craftsmen. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Irish whiskey was considered the most popular in the world, but due to political and economic upheavals, prohibitions and competition from Scotland, the industry experienced a severe crisis in the 20th century. Since the 1990s, however, Irish whiskey has been enjoying an impressive renaissance – with rising export figures, new distilleries and growing popularity on the international stage.

Ireland is home to a number of traditional and up-and-coming distilleries that impress with their high quality:

• Jameson– The world’s best-known brand. Triple-distilled, smooth, well-rounded and versatile.
• Bushmills– One of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world, famous for classic single malts and well-balanced blends.
• Redbreast –A specialist in single pot still whiskies with depth, body and a spicy character.
• Teeling– A modern craft distillery in Dublin with innovative cask maturations and creative limited editions.
• Tullamore D.E.W. –Harmonious, smooth and traditional – a mainstay of Irish whiskey culture.

One striking difference lies in the distillation method: whilst Scotch whisky is often distilled only twice, triple distillation is standard in Ireland. The choice of ingredients also varies – in Ireland, unmalted barley is frequently used, particularly in pot still whiskies, whereas in Scotland, malted barley is the preferred choice. Even the spelling differs: in Ireland, it is spelled ‘whiskey’ – with an ‘e’.

A hallmark of Irish whiskey is its triple distillation, which gives it a particularly smooth, mellow character. Unlike many Scotch whiskies, it is usually made from unpeated malt, resulting in a milder, more approachable flavour. The focus is on balance, fruitiness and subtle spice, making Irish whiskey ideal for beginners as well as seasoned connoisseurs.

Our online shop offers a user-friendly interface with detailed product information, customer reviews, special offers and fast delivery. Find your favourite whisky quickly and easily at delicando.

Would you like to explore Irish whiskey at your leisure? Our tasting sets and sample bottles offer a great way to compare different styles and brands – and they make ideal gifts too.