Savour Famous Irish Whiskeys And Beers In Ireland

The first drop of recorded whiskey was produced on Irish soil by Irish monks in the Middle Ages. Producing whiskey has therefore been an Irish tradition since around the 7th or 8th century. Brewing beer did not take much longer to start up. No wonder then that famous Irish whiskeys and beers are known around the world, not just for their history but also for their taste.

The word whiskey stems from the ancient Gaelic ‘uisce beatha’, which means the ‘water of life’ and nowhere is that taken more seriously than in the land where whiskey was first distilled. Most Irish whiskey is distilled three times, whereas Scotch whiskey is usually distilled two times. Another difference between the two is that the distilling process for Irish whiskey uses no peat, making it generally smoother than Scotch whiskey. Famous Irish whiskeys include single malt, single grain, pure pot still and blended whiskeys.

Despite their fame, Irish whiskeys are distilled in one of only four distilleries in Ireland. Each distillery does produce a variety of different whiskeys, but with such ancient history you would think there would be more distilleries in the birthplace of whiskey. Perhaps one of the best known Irish whiskeys is Jamesons, distilled at the New Midleton distillery which started producing Irish whiskey in a1825. New Midleton distill other brands such as Powers, Midleton and Redbreast too. This distillery also produces the oldest, continuously made pot still Irish whiskey, a prized rarity called Green Spot. Old Bushmills is the oldest distillery still operational in Ireland today, with a licence to distil spirits that dates back to April 1608. The produce Old Bushmills, Black Bush and 1608 among other well known whiskey brands. Whiskeys like Connemara and Michael Collins are produced at the wholly-Irish-owned Cooley distillery.

Probably the most famous beer in and outside of Ireland is Guinness. Although called ‘stout’, Guinness is a dark ale brewed using black malt. The history of Guinness starts in 1759, when Arthur Guinness first signed the lease for a disused brewery. Within a short time Guinness beer was gaining popularity around the world. Guinness original has been brewed the same way for more than 200 years. Other so-called black beers, like Beamish and Murphy’s, are brewed in Cork. Smithwick’s Irish ale is produced by the Smithwick Brewery in Kilkenny, and Kilkenny draft is also well known in Ireland and beyond. Other brands such as Caffreys, McArdles and Harp have gained a reputation in export markets as well, but Guinness is by far the most famous Irish beer.

The Guinness Centre in Dublin provides visitors with a fabulous look into the brewing process, both past and present, as well as a fascinating insight into the history of Guinness. Whiskey tours through the distilleries reveal the heritage and history of the distilleries and their famous Irish whiskeys. Of course, part of the interest on these tours is the opportunity to sample the produce!

If you are looking for famous Irish whiskey and beer, Ireland would be the logical place to start. Steeped in history, surrounded by glorious countryside, you’ll find they taste even better on home soil.

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