Irish whiskey is made from grains grown in Ireland, distilled three times, and aged in old oak barrels. It has a smooth, rich flavor and a long history dating back to the 8th century. Scottish whiskey is typically double distilled and has a smoky, earthy flavor.
Irish whiskey is an alcoholic beverage distilled from grain. Traditionally, whiskey made in the Irish style is written as “whisky”, while Scottish products are known as “whiskey”. There are several key differences between the Scottish and Irish versions of this popular drink, and many consumers have acquired a specific taste for one or the other. Many large markets and drink shops sell Irish whiskey, usually with several different brands and styles on offer.
A true Irish whiskey will be made from grains grown in Ireland, although people may use the term more generally to refer to a specific style of whiskey making. Barley is the traditional base, although oats, rye, wheat, or even corn may be used. Once malted, the grain is dried in sealed kilns before being fermented and distilled to create the final product. Irish whiskey is distilled three times, so it has a smooth, rich flavor that is very distinctive.
After distillation, the Irish whiskey is aged in oak barrels. Traditionally, these casks are old and have previously been used to age alcohols such as rum or bourbon. Because the oak is old, it lends a sweeter, more subtle flavor to the finished product, with overtones of the alcohol that was previously fermented in that barrel. This can lead to subtle differences between whiskeys from the same distillery. Typically, Irish whiskey is between seven and eight years old, although four-year-old whiskeys can sometimes be found for sale.
The history of whiskey making in Ireland is quite long. The Irish are believed to have started fermenting grains around the 8th century, with many monks making whiskey for medicinal purposes. The Irish perfected the recipe and the Scots probably acquired the technique from Ireland. By the 1500s, Ireland was becoming famous for its whisky; Elizabeth I of Her is said to have greatly enjoyed whiskey from Ireland during her reign. After a series of distillery closures in the 20th century, the Irish whiskey industry eventually recovered and several companies now produce traditional Irish whiskey.
In Ireland, whiskey was known as uisce beatha, or “water of life,” after the Latin aqua vitae, with the same meaning. The original Gaelic was probably corrupted into the modern word “whiskey”. Scotch whiskey is typically only double distilled, so it can have a more tart flavour. Also, the grain is dried over open peat fires. This gives Scotch whiskey a smoky, earthy flavor that is very distinctive.
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