Best mid-level, moderately priced Irish Whiskey?

January 15, 2022, 07:28 PM

I just polished off the very last of my bottle of Writer's Tears, which I enjoyed, and find myself in need of another bottle of Irish whiskey. While I could just grab another bottle of WT, I figured this might be a good chance to branch out and try something new.

What's your recommendation for a good quality but reasonably priced (say $40-$70) Irish whiskey?

A quick dig around the Interwebs led me to potentially consider either Redbreast 12 or Green Spot.

Note that I'm not a huge hard liquor drinker, and it typically takes me several years to finish a bottle. I'd like to go higher quality than basic Jameson/Tullamore/etc., but can't justify paying the high prices for a high-end ultra-premium whiskey. And I don't tend to like the extra burn of the higher ABV whiskeys, so "cask strength" types are probably not good suggestions for me.

January 15, 2022, 07:30 PM

bald1

Without question Redbreast 12 should top your list.

January 15, 2022, 07:36 PM

Pipe Smoker

I don’t claim expertise, but I’ve had no problem consuming a fair amount of Bushmills Black Bush.

January 15, 2022, 07:41 PM

old dino

quote:
Originally posted by bald1:
Without question Redbreast 12 should top your list.

January 15, 2022, 07:47 PM

ensigmatic

I'm fond of Tullamore Dew.

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January 15, 2022, 07:47 PM

Lt CHEG

Agree on the Redbreast 12 recommendation.

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January 15, 2022, 08:12 PM

r0gue

quote:
Originally posted by ensigmatic:
I'm fond of Tullamore Dew.

+1

https://onbetterliving.com/buenavista-irish-coffee/

January 15, 2022, 08:15 PM

pepsiblue

I too have heard a lot of good reviews for Tullamore Dew

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January 15, 2022, 08:23 PM

aileron

quote:
Originally posted by old dino:
quote:
Originally posted by bald1:
Without question Redbreast 12 should top your list.

+1

January 15, 2022, 08:38 PM

Lefty Sig

quote:
Originally posted by aileron:
quote:
Originally posted by old dino:
quote:
Originally posted by bald1:
Without question Redbreast 12 should top your list.

+1

+2

+1000

The only thing I've found that is better than Red Breast is Middleton. And that's in the "Blue Label" price range.

January 15, 2022, 08:49 PM

Powers77

Really like Teeling small batch.

January 15, 2022, 09:06 PM

smschulz

Greenspot or Yellowspot for a little more.

January 15, 2022, 09:07 PM

x0225095

Redbreast 12 as has been said.

Wife and I also really enjoy Jameson Black.

January 15, 2022, 09:15 PM

BillyBonesNY

Redbreast 12, my favorite of the Jameson brands.

An extended layover in Dublin in 2018 exposed me to a newer Distiller, Teelings, which I also like.

But Redbreast is my favorite.

January 15, 2022, 09:21 PM

arabiancowboy

Went to Ireland in September. Aside from the brands mentioned, West Cork is pretty good.

January 15, 2022, 10:51 PM

DanH

Another idea would be Auchentoshan. It's a scotch, but it's triple distilled and made close to Irish.
Otherwise, RedBreast 12 is a safe winner.

January 16, 2022, 03:32 AM

Pale Horse

quote:
Originally posted by ensigmatic:
I'm fond of Tullamore Dew.

As am I.

Jameson Stout is another one I like quite a bit that is easy on the wallet. It’s Jameson Irish Whiskey aged in stout barrels. They have an IPA too but the stout is my favorite.

January 16, 2022, 03:41 AM

berto

Redbreast 12 Cask Strength is a worthy step up from the standard 12yr if you want to kick it up a notch. Either will scratch your itch.

January 16, 2022, 04:20 AM

copaup

Redbreast 12. About $70 in these parts and well worth it.

The cask strength is about $110 (when I can find it) and is epic. Probably my favorite whiskey or all time. It’s spendy, but you don’t need much. That bottle lasts awhile.