The Top Irish Whiskeys According To The Beverage Testing Institute

Seven Irish whiskeys won Platinum Medal Superlative at the Beverage Testing Institute’s (BTI) 2024 whiskey judging. Three of the winners were single malts, three were pot still, and one was a blended whiskey. Thirty-five Irish whiskeys won Gold medals.

The top-ranked Irish Single Malt Whiskey, scoring 97/100 points, was Waterford Cuvee “Koffi” Irish Single Malt Whiskey.

Waterford Distillery is an Irish craft producer known for emphasizing the concept of terroir in its single malt whiskey. Located in the historic city of Waterford in Ireland, the distillery was founded in 2015 by Mark Reynier. He previously revived the Bruichladdich distillery in Islay, Scotland. Waterford uses 100% Irish-grown barley from specific farms to showcase the distinct flavors imparted by different soils and climates.

A complex bouquet with initial notes of rich malt, honey, and ripe orchard fruits of apples and pears. Subtle hints of vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of spice emerge, along with a faint floral undertone.

The whiskey is smooth and full-bodied featuring upfront notes of cooked cereal and honey followed by layers of caramel, dried fruits, and a hint of dark chocolate. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add depth, while a gentle nuttiness rounds out the experience.

The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of cooked cereal, an assortment of wood spice, and a touch of seasoned oak.

The BTI Judging Panel described the Waterford Cuvée “Koffi” as featuring:

Aromas of spiced apple oatmeal cookie, honey, and vanilla cream/creme brûlée. The flavors are similar to the aromas with shades of vanilla caramel cream, bowl of warm oatmeal with cinnamon, and nutmeg. Laser focused on showing the essence of barley using a kaleidoscope of barley flavors; an elegant barrel influence that is there in support of the barley rather than outshining it.

Also winning a Platinum Medal with 96/100 points was Bushmills, 25 YO, Port Pipes Cask Finished Single Malt Irish Whiskey and Bushmills, 30 YO, PX Sherry Cask Finished Single Malt Irish Whiskey.

Bushmills Distillery, located in the picturesque village of Bushmills, County Antrim, is one of the most iconic and historic whiskey distilleries in the world. Tracing its roots back to 1608, it holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest licensed distillery. The distillery has over 400 years of whiskey-making tradition.

The distillery is renowned for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, producing a range of award-winning Irish whiskeys. Bushmills uses 100% malted barley and pure water sourced from the River Bush, which flows nearby. The distillery’s unique combination of copper pot stills and triple distillation results in a smooth, rich, and distinctive character.

The BTI Judging Panel described the Bushmills 25 YO as featuring:

Aromas of spiced black plum, sticky toffee pudding, and rich Corinthian leather. The flavors are similar to the aromas with shades of caramel, cinnamon roasted mixed nuts, and maduro tobacco. A beautiful aged single malt greets you on the nose with dark old honey, dried red fruits, vibrant orchard fruits, and wood spices; sip slowly and deeply while reminiscing and consider a medium-bodied cigar pairing.

The 30 YO Bushmills on the other hand was described as exhibiting:

Aromas of sugar plums, fruit cake, and figs. Additional flavors include notes of candied, spiced figs, and dates. They are dark and rich with waves of dried red fruits, wood spices, and delicate rancio, a divinely aged treat.

Seven Irish Single Malt Whiskeys won Gold Medals, scoring 90 to 95 points:

Knappogue Castle 21 YO Exclusive Cask-Vatting Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Knappogue Castle 14 YO Non-Chill Filtered Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Knappogue Castle 16 YO Sherry Cask-Finished Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Waterford Cuvée Gaia Irish Single Malt Whiskey, Method and Madness 14 YO Irish Single Malt Whiskey, Knappogue Castle 12 YO Bourbon Cask-Matured Single Malt Irish Whiskey, and Method and Madness Limited Edition 7 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey.

The top ranked Irish Blended Whiskey, scoring 96/100 is Midleton 2024 Very Rare Irish Blended Whiskey.

The Midleton Very Rare series is renowned for its annual releases of premium blended Irish whiskey, crafted by the master distiller at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland. The 2024 edition continues this tradition of excellence, showcasing the distillery’s expertise in selecting and blending some of the finest and rarest Irish whiskeys. Each bottle of Midleton Very Rare is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to quality, with a blend of carefully chosen single pot still and single grain whiskeys aged in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels.

The whiskey features complex and enticing aromas of vanilla, honey, and toasted oak, complemented by hints of ripe fruit notes of apple and pear, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, its exceptionally smooth and well-balanced, with a luscious mouthfeel. It presents flavors of creamy caramel and butterscotch accompanied by dried fruits, cinnamon spice, and a touch of dark chocolate. The oak influence is persistent but well integrated, providing depth and complexity. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of vanilla and an assortment of wood spices.

The BTI Judging Panel described the Midleton 2024 Very Rare as featuring:

Aromas of toasted coconut, Almond Joy, and maple cream nougat. On the palate, there are flavors of honey in porridge, coconut flakes in granola, and vanilla maple nougat. You just lift this to your nose and immediately know it is special, soft creamy pastry on the palate with a medium long and clean finish.

Also winning Gold Medals in the Irish Blended Whiskey category were:

Jameson Bow Street 18 YO Cask Strength Irish Blended Whiskey, Jameson Bow Street 18 YO Cask Strength Irish Blended Whiskey, Jameson 18 YO Irish Blended Whiskey, Jameson Black Barrel Irish Blended Whiskey, Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Irish Blended Whiskey, Jameson Triple Triple Sherry, Bourbon, and Malaga Cask-Finished Irish Blended Whiskey, Jameson Blended Irish Whiskey, and Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Irish Blended Whiskey.

The Top Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey, with 97/100 points is Redbreast 27 YO Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Batch No. 5.

Redbreast is one of the most celebrated single pot still Irish whiskeys, produced by the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland. Known for its rich and complex flavors, Redbreast is made from a blend of malted and unmalted barley, triple-distilled in traditional copper pot stills, and aged in a combination of bourbon and Sherry casks. The Redbreast range is renowned for its depth, balance, and the unique characteristics imparted by the pot still process. It has been a perennial winner in international spirit competitions.

The Redbreast 27 YO is the pinnacle of the Redbreast range, representing decades of meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to the art of whiskey making. This expression is aged for a minimum of 27 years, primarily in a combination of bourbon barrels and Sherry casks, with a finishing period in ruby Port barrels, adding an additional layer of complexity.

The whiskey features incredibly complex and inviting aromas of dried fruits notes of figs, dates, and plums, intertwined with rich toffee, roasted nuts, and exotic spices. Subtle notes of sweet vanilla, dark chocolate, and a hint of red berries from the port influence add depth.

On the palate, the Redbreast 27 is luxuriously smooth and full-bodied, presenting layers of ripe fruits, honey, and marzipan flavors give way to rich Sherry influences of dried fruits and spice. The Port finish brings hints of red berry compote and a touch of sweet oak, balanced by a gentle spice from the bourbon barrels.

The finish is exceptionally long and satisfying, with lingering notes of dried fruit, sweet vanilla, and a delicate, warming spiciness.

The BTI Judging Panel described the Redbreast 27 as expressing:

Aromas of honey granola, toasted orange zest, and cocoa nibs. There are additional notes of flamed toasted orange zest in honey oats, raisin bran, and pumpkin pie on the palate. Wonderfully complex, unrelenting, and powerful in flavor; pour yourself an ounce or two and slowly revisit over a few hours as this evolves.

Also winning Platinum medals with 96/100 pointes is Blue Spot 7 YO Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and Redbreast 21 YO Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

The Spot whiskey range, Green Spot, Yellow Spot, Red Spot, Gold Spot, and Blue Spot, was developed by the Mitchell & Sons family of wine merchants in the early 1900s. They have been gradually reintroducing the brands back into circulation. Blue Spot was released for US distribution in February 2021 and Gold Spot, the latest reintroduction, was released in June 2022.

Blue Spot has already become a consistent top medalist in international spirit competitions. At a recommended list price of $90, Blue Spot represents outstanding value, compelling proof that a great whiskey need not be expensive.

The BTI Judging Panel described the Blue Spot whiskey as exhibiting:

Aromas of cherry, dates, and figs. There are additional flavors of apple pie, chai tea, and sassafras orange tea. Large and in charge, a beefy bruiser that lets you know it’s running the show; not just full-bodied but full in character that doesn’t get lost in the mix.

The BTI Judging Panel described the 21 YO Redbreast whiskey as featuring:

Aromas of almond, orange creme brûlée, and cinnamon roll. There are additional flavors of apple fritter, cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting, and baking spices. Everything great about Irish whiskey in one glass; if you don’t like this then you don’t like whiskey… looking at you, Bourbon Bros.

Nineteen Irish pot still whiskeys won Gold medals in the BTI judging:

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Red Spot 15 YO Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Gold Spot The Generations Edition Limited Release 13 YO Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Green Spot Leoville Barton Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Green Spot Chateau Montelena Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Yellow Spot 12 YO Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Redbreast 12 YO Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Batch B1/22, Powers John’s Lane 12 YO Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Powers John’s Lane 12 YO Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Redbreast 15 YO Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Iberian Series Lustau Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Iberian Series Cuatro Barriles Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Method and Madness Amburana Wood-Finished Single Pot Still Whiskey, Redbreast 12 YO Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Powers Three Swallow Release Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, and The Busker Small Batch No. 1 Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

Two whiskeys took Gold medals in the single grain category. Powers Irish Rye Whiskey is the top-rated Irish rye whiskey. Rye whiskeys are uncommon in Ireland but are becoming increasingly popular as a consequence of the resurgence of interest in rye whiskey. Also winning a Gold medal in the Single Grain category was Method and Madness Single Grain Irish Whiskey.

BTI reviews and scores, on a hundred-point scale, thousands of beverages each year. This activity makes it more like a conventional wines and spirits competition. The Chicago-based organization, however, plays a dual role in the beverage industry. It also functions as a consultancy that, in its own words, utilizes:

Exceptional methodology, proprietary tools, and decades of experience offer research, development, and marketing services that protect large investments, elevate brand reputations, optimize market reception, and engage consumers.

In the beverage industry, this dual role is unprecedented. BTI’s evaluations and advice are closely followed in the drinks industry by both global wine and spirit companies, by recently established craft spirit producers, as well as by consumers around the world.

The 2024 BTI Irish Whiskey judging highlighted some remarkable whiskeys, underscoring the fact the Irish whiskey industry continues to go from strength to strength. With seven Platinum medals and 35 Gold medals, could there be more compelling proof of the resurrection of Irish whiskey?

There is much to explore among BTI’s Irish whiskey medalists. For a complete listing of all of the medalists see the Beverage Testing Institute website.