The 11 Best Irish Whiskeys
Under $150
“What whiskey will not cure, there is no cure for.”
-Irish Proverb
What is Irish Whiskey?
If you’re reading this article, you’re likely already intimately familiar with what whiskey, and more specifically Irish whiskey, is…However, for those that don’t, Irish whiskey is simply a spirit made and distilled in Ireland.
Typically made with barely, wheat, corn, or a blend of the three, Irish whiskey boasts a unique distillation process, more often than not undergoing a triple distillation process for smoother taste.
You may be wondering, then, what makes Irish whiskey different from the rest? Other than its origins in Ireland, Irish whiskey also boasts a more elaborate distillation and fermentation process, maturation timeline, and taste (typically smoother and more welcoming to the palette). Bringing it full circle, there are for distinct types of Irish whiskey: Blended, Single Malt, Single Pot Still, and Grain!
While the debate is still out on whether or not Irish whiskey is the best whiskey, id find it hard to argue to the contrary.
If you’ve never tried it before and are willing to give it a shot, this list is for you!
The 11 Best Irish Whiskeys Under $150
Irish whiskey is a popular choice for many, whether you’re seeking a cheap $30 bottle, or an expensive $150+ bottle.
Of course, the more rare the bottle, the more you’re going to pay. However, unlike most consumer purchases, price typically dictates the quality of the whiskey (though I must say, there are some pretty spectacular options under the $50 price point!).
Related: Best Whiskey Cocktails
So, if you’re someone seeking an exclusive bottle for a special occasion, or you’re simply a whiskey head like myself, in this article, I share with you in my opinion the best Irish whiskeys under $150!
Let’s get into it, shall we?
Below are the top 11 Irish whiskeys under $150
- Redbreast 15-Year
- Redbreast 21-Year
- Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy
- Bushmills 16-Year
- Bushmills 21-Year Rare
- Red Spot Single Pot 15-Year
- Tullamore D.E.W 18-Year
- Dingles Single Pot
- Connemara Peated 12-Year
- Jameson 18-Year Reserve
- Knappogue Castle 16-Year Single Malt
Redbreast 15-Year
The Whiskey: Single Pot Still
Distillery: Midleton Distillery
ABV: 46%
Price Range: $88.99-109.99
If you come across an Irish Whiskey list and it’s complete without any mention of Redbreast, you’re studying the wrong list! From the 12-year, to the 15-year, and even the 21-year, Redbreast should sit atop any Irish Whiskey list!
Redbreast 21-Year
The Whiskey: Single Pot Still
Distillery: Midleton Distillery
ABV: 46%
Price Range: $150-250
While the Redbreast 21 is typically around the $250 price mark, it was worth adding to the list for those whiskey lovers willing to spend the extra dime for the value it so evidently provides. If you’re in the market to treat yourself or gift a special someone, you can never go wrong with a premium bottle of Redbreast 21.
Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy
The Whiskey: Single Pot Still
Distillery: Midleton Distillery
ABV: 46%
Price Range: $149.99-299.99
Similar to the Redbreast 21, the Midleton Barry Crocket legacy can be quite expensive. Luckily for you, it often sees major price drops, so keep an eye out! Commonly compared to the Redbreast Family, you can only begin to imagine the quality that which Midleton provides.
Bushmills 16-Year
The Whiskey: Single Malt
Distillery: Old Bushmills Distillery
ABV: 40%
Price Range: $100-120
One of the great whiskeys on this list, Bushmills as a whole as made its name known in recent years. This particular 16-year Single Malt is a popular choice for many, providing international palates with an easy-to-drink fruity taste, ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks!
Bushmills 21-Year Rare
The Whiskey: Single Malt
Distillery: Old Bushmills Distillery
ABV: 40%
Price Range: $120-150
Similar to that of the 16-year, Bushmills 21-year is a popular choice for many. Not only is it rare to find a 21-year whiskey in general, but at this price point, you can’t go wrong!
At the pinnacle of the Irish Whiskey category, Bushmills 21 is an award-winning Single Malt, and for good reason.
Red Spot 15-Year
The Whiskey: Single Pot Still/Blended
Distillery: Midleton Distillery
ABV: 46%
Price Range: $149.99-239.99
A beautifully blended single pot still whiskey, comprising three distinct whiskeys, the Red Spot 15-year is matured masterfully. In combination with ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and marsala wine casks, the Red Spot 15-year has mastered its taste, its smoothness, and its reputation!
Take it for a spin, you won’t regret it.
Tullamore D.E.W 18-Year
The Whiskey: Single Malt
Distillery: Tullamore Distillery
ABV: 41.3%
Price Range: $135.99-159.99
Rich and warm, smooth and sweet, fruit with vanilla, good on the rocks, mixed, or neat. While I may not be the best poet, the Tullamore D.E.W. 18-year is all but poetic. A complex, award-winning Irish Whiskey, you can’t go wrong.
Dingles Single Pot
The Whiskey: Single Pot Still
Distillery: Dingle Distillery
ABV: 46.5%
Price Range: $94.99-99.99
A small batch release by Dingle Distillery, the Dingle Single Pot provides consumers with a unique spicy flavour, different from most of its competitors. While it’s still smooth to the taste, its intensity can be somewhat overwhelming to the untrained palate. The Dingle Single Pot has the highest ABV on the list, so buyer beware!
Connemara Peated 12-Year
The Whiskey: Single Malt
Distillery: Cooley Distillery
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $89.99
One of the most affordable on the list, yet also one of the rarest and most desirable. This single malt, peated whiskey is world-renowned, boasting several awards, and for good reason! Smokey and sweet, Connemara is quite the treat.
Jameson 18-Year Reserve
The Whiskey: Blended
Distillery: Midleton Distillery
ABV: 40%
Price Range: $140-200
The rarest of Jameson’s line of Irish whiskey, the 18-year reserve should, well, be reserved for the most special of occasions. And don’t be a rookie and mix this piece art with an ale of any kind. Instead, pay it some respect and sip it neat to enjoy all its masterful notes.
Raise a glass of Jameson Reserve and you raise a glass to the history of Irish whiskey.
Knappogue Castle 16-Year Single Malt
The Whiskey: Single Malt
Distillery: Old Tullamore Distillery
ABV: 40%
Price Range: $80-100
As far as 16-year matured Irish whiskey’s, you’re not getting a better bang for your buck than the Knappogue Castle Single Malt. With aromas of fresh fruit, tasting notes of smoothness and maltiness, and a finish ever-familiar,
Knappogue Castle 16 is a safe and honest choice for all!
There you have the list of, in my opinion, the best Irish whiskeys under $150.
Sometimes, you just need to treat yourself and that’s exactly how drinking any one of these best Irish whiskeys under $150 will feel.
So do yourself a favor and be sure to go slow and sip. Once you’ve tried one of these Irish whiskeys I’d love to hear about your experiences and personal opinions.
Related: Best Irish Whiskey Under $100
If I’ve missed one that should be added to the list, let me know!
Stay gold & Cheers.
