St. Patrick’s Day is a cherished annual event celebrating the rich culture and heritage of Ireland. It’s an excellent opportunity to unwind with a pint of stout and enjoy a smooth glass of Irish whiskey. While Irish whiskey enjoys immense popularity today, its journey has not always been so vibrant.
Throughout the early to mid-20th century, Ireland experienced a dramatic decline in its distilling industry, plummeting from over 100 distilleries to just two by the late 1960s: Bushmills in County Antrim and Midleton in County Cork. Factors such as two World Wars and Prohibition in the United States were instrumental in this collapse, leading to the extinction of many beloved brands.
The Cooley distillery in County Louth emerged only in the late 1980s. However, in the past decade, Irish whiskey has rekindled its legacy, driven by a burgeoning craft and artisanal distilling movement throughout the nation.
This renaissance brings the delightful challenge of navigating an expanding selection of young whiskeys. While the demand for these has risen, there is also an increasing yearning for older vintages, which are becoming rare and highly coveted by connoisseurs.
The limited editions of aged whiskeys offer both exceptional quality and price tags that reflect their rarity. Below, we highlight four of the most exceptional super-premium and collectible Irish whiskeys currently available.
Bushmills 36 Years Old Hill Street Edition
Northern Ireland’s Bushmills, situated just two miles from the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Giant’s Causeway, holds the distinction of having the oldest distilling license in the world, issued in 1608. Being one of the few distilleries to survive the Irish whiskey crisis, it boasts a treasure trove of rare and aged spirits.
This latest bottling is the oldest whiskey ever released by Bushmills in Europe and is exclusive to The Friend at Hand, a renowned Irish whiskey retailer located on Hill Street in Belfast. The whiskey was distilled in November 1986 and aged in French oak ex-sherry casks before being transferred in 2001 to a single ex-Oloroso sherry hogshead.
The extended maturation process has endowed this 36-year-old whiskey with a remarkable character. One can anticipate notes of honeycomb, toffee, and tropical fruits harmonizing with warm wood spices, milk chocolate, and hazelnut praline, enhanced by subtle undertones of malted barley, cocoa powder, and ginger cake.
RRP: £5,000.
Available at: The Friend at Hand, 35-43 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2PB
Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
The Midleton Very Rare brand has long stood as the epitome of Irish whiskey excellence. This year marks the 40th anniversary since its first release in 1984, a pivotal moment that significantly altered the trajectory of Irish whiskey. Ruby is the gemstone traditionally associated with a 40th anniversary.
This commemorative release showcases whiskeys from all three Master Blenders of Midleton Very Rare over the past four decades. The blend consists of just three casks, each carefully crafted before being finished for nine months in ex-ruby Port casks, with several components dating back 40 years.
Upon tasting, expect an enticing bouquet of red berries and aromatic spices infused with notes of green orchard fruits, vanilla, and dried citrus peel. As the flavor develops, tropical elements emerge, alongside warm hints of cinnamon and clove, culminating in a vibrant floral finish.
RRP: €20,000/£17,250
Available at: Midleton Very Rare
Redbreast 27 Years Old
This offering represents another hallmark of prestige within the realm of Irish whiskey. The Redbreast range is a celebrated name globally, with the 27 Years Old standing at its pinnacle. Released annually, it maintains a consistently high quality. As a single-pot still whiskey, it is crafted using a blend of malted and unmalted barley.
The 27-Year-Old has been matured in both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks for the majority of its aging, but a final stint in ex-Ruby Port barrels has further refined its flavor profile, elevating it to luxurious heights. It is bottled at cask strength and presented in an elegant red glass bottle accompanied by a wooden casket.
The whiskey bursts with aromatic fruitiness, showcasing flavors like black cherry, prunes, and summer berries, complemented by notes of pineapple, mango, and blood orange. A subtle hint of peach and indulgent notes of milk chocolate and caramel are present, enhanced by warming oak spices and a touch of gingerbread.
It’s a true masterpiece.
RRP: £475
Available at: The Whiskey Exchange
Teeling 30 Years Old
The Teeling family is a legendary name in Irish whiskey, having played a pivotal role in its revival. They not only founded Cooley Distillery in 1987, resurrecting lost brands and styles but also reinstated whiskey making in central Dublin with the establishment of Teeling Distillery in 2015.
As the first new whiskey distillery in Dublin in 125 years, Teeling has become a significant tourist destination and boasts a core range of award-winning whiskeys. After selling Cooley Distillery in 2011, the Teeling family retained many old casks of maturing whiskey, now released as exclusive bottlings.
The 30 Years Old is a standout release, distilled in 1991 and aged in ex-bourbon barrels before transitioning to ex-Sauternes dessert wine casks from France.
The outcome is an incredibly smooth whiskey rich with lush tropical fruit notes, highlighted by peach and apricot flavors. Honey and golden syrup complement a refreshing twist of grapefruit peel, creating a captivating tasting experience.
Enjoy Irish whiskey at its finest.
RRP: £875
Available at: Master of Malt
