The Best Irish Whiskey, According To The 2024 IWSC Judging

Six Irish whiskeys won Gold Outstanding medals, and 14 won Gold medals at the 2024 International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC) judging. This is the largest class of Irish whiskey Gold medal winners in the competition’s history and proof positive not only of the revival of Irish whiskey but also that the industry continues to go from strength-t0-strength.

All six of the Gold Outstanding medalists received 98/100 points. The top three whiskeys in the Single Malt category are Powers Court Distillers, Fercullen Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml; Irish Distillers, Knappogue Castle, 12 YO, Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml; and Bushmills, 30 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. All three of these whiskeys are triple distilled. In Ireland whiskeys can be either double distilled or triple distilled.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the Fercullen as:

A luscious blend of malt and oak character which underpins the rich pineapple fruit flavours. The tropical nose is restrained and subtle, saving its power for the palate – and it delivers. Rich and rounded with delicious toffee notes and fruity finish.

The Knappogue Castle, on the other hand, was described by the Judging Panel as:

An aromatic bouquet of blooming florals and luscious dark fruits which transfer seamlessly onto the palate. Sweet and dry spice flavours are carefully balanced and intertwine effortlessly, working their way in tandem along the palate through to the superb finish.

Finally, the Bushmills 30 YO, among the oldest Bushmills single malt ever bottled, was described by the Judging Panel as:

Rich Sherry and brown sugar aromas envelop the senses, leading to a juicy exotic fruit palate with considered cask undertones. The palate is harmonious and graceful with a hint of straw and a spiced close. A well-made and composed sip.

Also winning Gold medals in the Irish Single Malt Whiskey category were Teeling Whiskey, Blackpitts Peated Cask Strength, Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 56.5% ABV, 750 ml; Powers Court Distillery, Fercullen 21 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml; Tullamore DEW, Rouge 13 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml; and Irish Distillers, Knappogue Castle, 16 YO, Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml.

The Teeling whiskey is double distilled. All of the other single malts are triple distilled.

Ireland has a long history of producing single malt whiskeys, although the practice declined with the imposition of the malt tax in 1785. To reduce the burden of the tax on malt, Irish distillers began to use unmalted barley for a portion of the mash bill. The combination of both malted and unmalted barley in the mash bill gave rise to Irish pot still whiskey as a separate style and category of whiskey.

Under current Irish Whiskey Association rules, a single malt whiskey has to be 100% malted barley. A pot still whiskey must be at least 30% malted barley, 30% unmalted barley, and up to 5% of other grains like oats, wheat, or rye.

Irish Distillers, a subsidiary of French beverage giant Pernod-Ricard, is Ireland’s largest producer of pot still whiskey. Not surprisingly it dominated the category. The three Gold Outstanding medals for pot still whiskey went to Blue Spot 7 YO Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 59% ABV, 750 ml; Powers, Three Swallow Release, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml; and Redbreast, 27 YO, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 54.6% ABV, 750 ml. All three brands are owned by Irish Distillers.

Redbreast has been a perennial winner in international spirit competitions and is easily the most medaled of Irish pot still whiskeys. The only issue is which of the expressions will take the highest awards.

The IWSC Judging panel described the Blue Spot 7 YO as:

A perfumed and intricate tipple which showcases outstanding craftsmanship. Whilst the nose is initially delicate, a touch of water reveals inviting incense and rich fruit aromas, which transition into a lavishly spiced mélange of pronounced apple, pear, and stewed pineapple on the palate.

The Powers, Three Swallow release was described by the Judging Panel as:

A bright and enticing nose laced with wonderfully realized tropical fruits and honey aromas, which continue onto the palate. The palate showcases outstanding precision and balance, with fruit and spice flavours that linger until the very end. A charming, well-crafted whiskey.

While the Redbreast 27 YO was described as:

An indulgent and rich winter spice character with bold polished oak undertone. The palate is a symphony of flavour, with layers of plump raisin, sponge cake and dark brown sugar notes. A warming offering with an evolving tropical fruit note which develops on the finish.

Five Irish pot still whiskeys took Gold medals with the Irish Distillers Redbreast taking Gold for its 12 YO, 40% ABV; 18 YO, 46% ABV (not yet released); Cask Strength 12 YO, 40% ABV; and Lustau Edition, 46% ABV. In addition, Green Spot, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml took the remaining Gold medal. All five expressions are also produced by Irish Distillers.

Three Irish Blended whiskeys took Gold medals. Kinahan’s, The Kasc Project (B) Blended Irish Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml was the top-rated blended whiskey with 96/100 points. The IWSC Judging Panel described the Kinahan’s as:

Incredibly fragrant nose with indulgent caramel and spice aromatics. Velvety cocoa notes follow, unveiling a tapestry of evolving aromas of vanilla, milk chocolate, roasted coffee, and raisins. Delight in the sweet and lingering finish – a beautiful finale.

Also taking Gold medals in the Irish Blended Whiskey category were Irish Distillers, Jameson Bow Street 18 YO Blended Irish Whiskey, 55.3% ABV, 750 ml and Kinahan’s The Kasc Project, Blended Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml.

Teeling took both Gold medals in the Single Grain Irish Whiskey category winning for its Teeling Whiskey, Single Grain Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml and Teeling Whiskey, 15 YO Single Grain Irish Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Teeling Whiskey has been a consistent medalist for its single grain Irish whiskeys.

The IWSC Irish whiskey judging is second only to the Irish Whiskey Awards in the number of whiskeys evaluated. This year’s Gold medalist represent a combination of historic iconic producers of Irish whiskey as well as new craft distillers. As of 2024, there are 47 operating whiskey distilleries in Ireland and another 35 have been permitted but are not yet operating. It’s hard to believe that 40 years ago, Ireland had only two functioning distilleries.

Next time you have the opportunity, raise a glass of whiskey to the incredible comeback of the Irish whiskey industry!

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