Have you found yourself thinking: what is this Golden Age of Irish whiskey that everyone’s talking about? Read on to find out why Irish whiskey is making a comeback, and how it’s coming back greater and more delicious than ever before.
The History of Irish Whiskey
The first Golden Age of Irish whiskey took place in the 19th century, when a grand total of 88 gleaming distilleries operated across the Emerald Isle. But by the beginning of the 20th century, Scotch whiskey had begun to take over the industry, eventually leaving one lone distillery faithfully operating in Ireland.
However, the sun is once again shining over the Irish whiskey industry. Compared with 1980, when it gripped desperately to a 1% global market share, the last five years have seen more blended Irish whiskeys in production than in the previous fifty. It’s clear that people all over the world have regained their love for the Irish spirit, and it’s not hard to see why.
Dublin’s Whiskey
The new Golden Age of Irish whiskey has sparked a rapid spread of new and revived distilleries in Dublin – the heart of Irish whiskey production. The launch of the new Teeling Distillery marked the first new distillery in the city for over 125 years. Then followed Pearse Lyons Distillery, the Dublin Liberties Distillery and Roe & Co. Distillery. One distillery at a time, Dublin’s historic whiskey district is renewing its reputation as an indomitable producer of Irish whiskey. Malones Triple Cask Irish Whiskey is a must try product of Dublin’s thrilling whiskey revival.
A Whiskey For Everyone
There’s little doubt that Irish whiskey has come a long way. This is great news for whiskey connoisseurs, who find themselves spoilt for choice when looking for a smooth, versatile spirit. However, the market has opened itself up more than ever before to newcomers who have never tried Irish whiskey, or perhaps weren’t convinced of its pleasures the first time round. An innovative kaleidoscope of flavour, aroma and strength offerings contribute a new streak of versatility to Irish whiskey. No longer must whiskey be drunk neat to be fully enjoyed – Irish whiskey in cocktails is a great way to add boldness and intensify flavours.
Award winning Irish Whiskeys
As Irish whiskey rises from the ashes, it is increasingly important that quality is not compromised. Achievements in Irish whiskey are being recognised like never before. The Irish Whiskey Awards, Icons of Whisky Ireland and The Irish Whiskey Masters are just a few of the organisations putting Irish whiskey quality to the test. Accompanying awards celebrating flavour and aroma are more diverse awards such as the Icons of Whisky Ireland award for best visitor attraction. Won by Teeling Whiskey Distillery, awards such as these demonstrate the spike in interest in Irish whiskey production. It is important for distilleries to not only produce the best, tastiest whiskeys, but to cater to a new wave of “whiskey tourists” who crave informative and immersive experiences.
Irish whiskey is more than making its mark on the global stage. In the last 14 years, Irish distilleries have won World Distillery of the year awards three times over. Not only that, but premium Irish whiskeys are among the most highly rated in competitions worldwide.
Triple Cask Irish Whiskeys
The diversity of casks available for whiskey maturation has greatly increased since the first Golden Age in the 19th century. More and more distillers are using a Triple Cask method to take full advantage of the variation on offer. The origins of the casks used in the aging process make an important contribution to the flavours. As a rule, there is no need to restrict Irish whiskey to oak casks, so the barrels used have vibrant histories. For example, an ex-Bourbon cask contributes a creamy taste with notes of vanilla and caramel, whereas Oloroso Sherry casks contribute deep, dark nutty infusions. Triple cask whiskeys have taken off in the last few years, owing to the complexity and diversity of their flavours. There really is a Triple Cask whiskey for everyone. Malones Triple Cask Irish Whiskey is a perfect example, combining Bourbon, Oloroso Sherry and Red Ale casks to produce warming Autumnal flavours.
Malones Triple Cask Irish Whiskey embodies the new Golden Age of Irish whiskey. Curated and distilled in Dublin’s exhilarating whiskey district, the dynamic infusion of flavours from the three casks make a great tasting whiskey with elegant versatility for everyone to enjoy.