The 11 Best Irish Whiskeys
Under $100
Sometimes, the words don’t flow quite as easily as the whiskey…”
What Makes Irish Whiskey Different?
For those familiar with the broad scope of the whiskey world, variants include Irish whiskey, scotch, rye, bourbon, and others. As you know, scotch and bourbon, though enjoyable in their own right, do boast a stiffer, more acquired taste.
Irish whiskey on the other hand, is smooth, making it an incredible option for newbies and connoisseurs alike.
Other than its origins being made in Ireland, and besides its distinct smoothness as mentioned above, Irish whiskey also differentiates itself with a unique distillation and fermentation process, as well as maturation process. While we won’t go into detail regarding how its made in this article, you can understand that the process in which its made largely contributes to its unique smoothness and flavour.
Is Irish Whiskey the Best?
I’m a big bourbon fan, don’t get me wrong…However, have I joined the Irish whiskey bandwagon as of late? I just might have! Look, there’s no doubt that the likes of bourbon and scotch have their time and place. Aside from its delicious but acquired taste, they also elicit a type of exclusivity; a luxury that Irish whiskey might not.
Related: Best Irish Whiskeys Under $50
however, the smoothness and accessibility of Irish whiskey is simply undeniable. With four distinct types, and varying price ranges suitable for all consumers, It’s hard to bet against it.
Irish whiskey sits atop the list in my books, and if you’ve joined the bandwagon, you know what I’m talking about! If you haven’t, hopefully this list of the 11 best Irish whiskeys under $100 will encourage you to try!
The 11 Best Irish Whiskeys Under $100
From Redbreast and Bushmills, to Jameson and Tullamore D.E.W, among others, Irish whiskey puts up a fight for the best overall category of whiskey out there.
While some of the best Irish whiskeys land under the $50 price range (great news for those who are wanting to see if they like it before breaking the bank) there also happen to be some incredible steals at the $100-150 price range.
Related: Best Whiskey Cocktails
If you are interested in ‘leveling up’ your Irish whiskey game, don’t want to go crazy, but still want to treat yourself or your loved one to a nice bottle, this list of the best Irish whiskeys under $100 is for you!
Below are the top 11 Irish whiskeys under $100
- Redbreast 15-Year
- Tyrconnell 10-Year Reserve
- Green Spot
- Teeling Single Malt
- Connemara Peated 12-Year
- Knappogue Castle 16-Year
- Yellow Spot 12-Year
- Dingle Single Pot
- J.J. Corry
- Lagavulin 16-Year
- Powers John’s Lane Release
Redbreast 15-Year
The Whiskey: Single Pot Still
Distillery: Midleton Distillery
ABV: 46%
Price Range: $88.99-109.99
Redbreast is a staple in any Irish Whiskey top 10 list, and a must in any whiskey-lovers cabinet. The Redbreast 15 is a decadently balanced cask that elicit an aromatic array of spices that precede a compellingly complex yet smooth taste. Undergoing an all but perfect maturation process, the Redbreast 15 sits atop this list for a reason. For the value, the price isn’t to shabby, either!
Tasting Notes:
As far as the aromas and notes that are experienced from this decadent Irish Whiskey, you can expect a full bodied yet balanced aroma of fruity berries, a taste of toasted wood, and a finish both sophisticated and smooth.
Tyrconnell 10-Year Reserve
The Whiskey: Single Malt
Distillery: Cooley Distillery
ABV: 46%
Price Range: $70-80
While this particular variant of Irish Whiskey boasts a 46% ABV; on the high side for a whiskey, Tyrconnell’s 10-year Reserve tastes quite smooth and simple. In fact, some find it difficult to decipher any specific notes and instead just enjoy it for what it is. Coming from the Cooley Distillery, you can expect quite the safe choice. Not too rich, not too drab; just right.
Tasting Notes:
With an appearance of light gold and honey, a nose of floral and herbs, a palate boasting roasted nuts and chocolate, and a finish both soft and smooth, what more could you ask for in a whiskey. Take each sip as it comes, for you’ll want to indulge in every morsel.
Green Spot
The Whiskey: Single Pot Still
Distillery: Midleton Distillery
ABV: 40%
Price Range: $69.99-79.99
Thanks to the famous Mitchells family, today we’re delighted by the Spot whiskey’s of the world. One of those delightful options is Green Spot Irish Whiskey from Midleton Distillery. Matured in a variety of casks and barrels, notably old bourbon barrels and refill bourbon casks, the final product is one of full body flavors both sweet and spicy. Unique in its own right, Green Spot is all but a delicacy. Raise a glass of Green Spot and you raise a glass to a good evening.
Tasting Notes:
As mentioned, the uniqueness of the body is truly one-of-a-kind. With aromas of fresh oil and spice, and a palate of fruit and barley, you’ll feel like your sipping on smooth luxury.
Teeling Single Malt
The Whiskey: Single Malt
Distillery: Teeling Distillery
ABV: 46%
Price Range: $59.99-64.99
With a 46% ABV, you may prepare your palate for a bitter, strong taste. However, quite the opposite, believe it or not! Unlike most bourbons and Scotches, Irish whiskeys, however high their ABV, still persists to provide consumers with a smooth finish. Teeling Single Malt is no different. An award-winning whiskey and for good reason.
Tasting Notes:
Described as a symphony of flavors, you can only begin to imagine what you’re in for when drinking a neat glass of Teeling Single Malt, however, I’ll do my best to explain…The first unique aroma is that of citrus. Next, you’ll get hit with a note of toffee. Last, you’ll be welcomed with familiar notes of oak, vanilla, and toasted wood.
Connemara Peated 12-Year
The Whiskey: Single Malt
Distillery: Cooley Distillery
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $89.99
The rarest, and evidently the oldest of the Connemara line is the Peated 12-year. Similar to that of their single malt, the peated 12-year is somewhat of an acquired taste due to its peaty palate. This, however, doesn’t define its quality of enjoyment. In fact, it has won several awards internationally. What sets it apart is the contrast between citrus and earth, sweet and smokey, light but moderately peaty.
Tasting Notes:
Earthy, rustic, smokey, oaky, toasted; just some adjectives used to describe this contrastingly elegant flavour. Even with its peaty taste, the Connemara Peated 12-year ends with a soft note that lubricates the throat.
Knappogue Castle 16-Year
The Whiskey: Single Malt
Distillery: Old Tullamore Distillery
ABV: 40%
Price Range: $80-100
Aged for 16 years in old bourbon barrels, then completed in sherry casks, Knappogue Castle 16-year is a nutty, complex, and aromatic malt Irish whiskey. For a 16-year aged whiskey, the price is more than affordable; just another reason to give it a try!
Tasting Notes:
Before taking a lasting taste, be sure to smell its aroma of fruit and malt. Once it hits the palate, your tastebuds will be introduced to a complex, deep note of fruit and malt. While its complexity is unique, its smoothness is familiar, making it a great options for all whiskey drinkers.
Yellow Spot 12-Year
The Whiskey: Single Pot Still
Distillery: Midleton Distillery
ABV: 46%
Price Range: $79.99-89.99
Proceeding Green Spot, Yellow Spot is just as decadent of an Irish Whiskey, matured across three separate casks; bourbon, sherry, and malaga casks to give it that sweet flavour that brings you back for more.
Tasting Notes:
Unlike its predecessor, Green Spot, the notes recognized in Yellow Spot 12-year is sweet and candy-like, yet still providing familiarity of fruit and firmness.
Dingle Single Pot
The Whiskey: Single Pot Still
Distillery: Dingle Distillery
ABV: 46.5%
Price Range: $94.99-99.99
Another small batch release by Dingle Distillery, the Dingle Single Pot provides consumers with a different flavour of whiskey that you might be used to. Still smooth, of course, yet with a surprising hit of spice and intensity on the palate. The Dingle Single Pot has the highest ABV on the list, so buyer beware!
Tasting Notes:
Transitioning from the intensity of spice is a welcomed aroma of candy-like toffee and chocolate, finishing with a subtle note of toasted wood and nut.
J.J. Corry The Gael
The Whiskey: Blended
Distillery: N/A
ABV: 46%
Average Price: $80
An idyllic blend of Irish whiskeys, the Gael balances the old with the new, the sweet with the spicy, and the smooth with the stiff. An affordable, high ABV, high value whiskey; great for a nightcap or celebratory toast.
Tasting Notes:
As all classic whiskeys do, the J.J. Corry the Gael presents notes of honey, nut, malt, fruit, and spice, all blended and balanced resulting in a vanilla-like finish.
Lagavulin 16-Year
The Whiskey: Single Malt
Distillery: Lagavulin Distillery
ABV: 43%
Price Range: $69.99-76.99
One of two 16-year Irish whiskeys on the list, the Lagavulin 16 is a classic representation of smokey and sweet. As mentioned on several review sites, the Lagavulin isn’t for the faint of heart, however, one that can still be enjoyed by most.
Tasting Notes:
With notes of peaty smoke that makes it too stiff for some, however, accompanied by notes of familiar fruit sweetness, the Lagavulin 16 is arguably the most complex on the list. If your one for challenging your palate, this one is for you.
Powers John’s Lane Release
The Whiskey: Single Pot Still
Distillery: Midleton Distillery
ABV: 46%
Price Range: $69.99-74.99
A gold standard of Irish whiskey, Powers John Lane Release is a traditional single pot still whiskey. Aged in oak barrels and mashed with both malted and unmalted barley, this gentle and sweet whiskey will be enjoyed by all.
Tasting Notes: Earth, spice, and all that is nice; tobacco, wood, and all that is good. With notes of dark chocolate, toffee, and honey, then finishing with vanilla, apricot, and oak.
There you have the list of, in my opinion, the 11 best Irish whiskeys under $100.
How many on this list of the best Irish whiskeys under $100 have you had?
Which ones are on your bucket list?
Related: Best Rye Whiskey Under $50
If you haven’t tried all of them yet, well, what are you waiting for?
Stay Gold & Cheers.
