The 40 Best Irish Whiskeys for 2024

We used to believe Irish whiskey was a gateway whiskey. We saw it as a smooth sipper. The whiskey was relatively inexpensive — at least the stuff we drank. And it went great in cocktails, particularly an Irish Coffee.

Thankfully, we caught up. And so did the rest of the world. “Over a century on from the start of Prohibition, it is worth remembering that Ireland was once the largest supplier of whiskey for the U.S.,” says William Lavelle, head of the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA). “And now, once again, American consumers are flocking to discover the depth and diversity of Irish whiskey.”

Last year saw Irish whiskey make a surprising retreat in the U.S., although sales of the spirit soared in the rest of the world. That said, the Irish whiskey we’re drinking here is getting better; the Irish government-run food agency Bord Bia, citing IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, claims that around 91% of Irish whiskey retail sales in the U.S. are “within the premium-and-above price bands.”

So, click the button below to read lessons learned from the past few years of truly diving into this fascinating spirit. Plus, when available, a convenient link to our friends at ReserveBar, Flaviar, The Whisky Exchange, Total Wine, CaskCartel, Wine.com and Frootbat, so you can pick up a bottle before St. Patrick’s Day (but honestly, you should be drinking this stuff year-round).

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