irish pot-still whiskey
- Emma Gibbs
- Jan 30, 2024
- 2 min read
Irish single pot still whiskey. It’s similar to single malt whiskey in that it’s produced using barley from one single distillery in traditional copper pot stills, BUT has one rather unique difference… 🥃
What is Irish single pot still whiskey?
Irish single pot still whiskey is unique in that it is made using a combination of malted and unmalted barley.
Why unmalted barley?
The protein in the unmalted barley is thought to contribute to a creamier mouthfeel and a spicier finish than traditional malted whiskey.
Where did it come from?
Necessity. They say that necessity is the mother of invention and that certainly proved to be the case for Irish distillers in the 18th century.
In 1785 a tax was introduced on malted barley by the British Crown. Distillery owners, frustrated at paying the new tax, developed a ‘work-around’ and began to cut green barley (unmalted barley) in with their existing malted barley in order to reduce their tax burden and retain profit.
Happily, this process actually had a positive effect on the whiskey but only when it was carefully cut to certain parameters.
What does it taste like?
Similar to single malt whiskey but with a greater depth, spicier finish and a creamy/silky mouthfeel.
How is it produced?
Legally, to be called Irish Single Pot Still whiskey, it must be made with a mash of:
· at least 30% malted barley
· at least 30% unmalted barley
· up to 5% other grains including oat, wheat and rye.
It is then double or tripled distilled in traditional copper pot stills and aged in bourbon or sherry casks for a minimum of three years.
The legal definition is soon set to change though with a proposed 30/30/30 mix in order to more accurately reflect Ireland’s traditional pot distilling methods while allowing modern interpretations and innovation within the category.
Where is it produced?
The majority of Irish single pot still whiskey is produced at Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery in County Cork and Teeling Distillery in Dublin. However, there are many other small distilleries that produce it such as Boann Distillery in County Meath and more that are set to produce in the coming years.
Popular brands include: Redbreast, Green Spot, Powers John’s Lane and Teeling.
Is it worth trying?
Absolutely! Irish single pot still is undergoing a huge renaissance in the world whisky market. So, what better way to expand your whiskey palate and try something new for the coming year.
Best serve?
Neat, with water, with ice, or in a cocktail. The choice is yours.
However, if you’ve never sampled it before, it’s worth drinking neat the first time to appreciate the nuances of flavour and the unique mouthfeel.
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