Top Irish Whiskey Per The 2024 NY International Spirits Competition

The New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC) has announced the top-ranked Irish whiskeys from its 2024 judging. Four whiskeys won Double Gold medals. Irish single malt expressions dominated with three out of four medals. All four whiskeys scored 96/100 points.

The top Irish single malts were Crolly Distillery, Croithlí Quercus Alba Oak Cask Finish, 46% ABV; Waterford, Organic Cuvee Gaia, 50% ABV; and Glendalough Distillery, 7 YO Irish Single Malt Mizunara Finish, 46% ABV.

Crolly Distillery, a newcomer to the Irish whiskey scene, is nestled in the picturesque area of Crolly in County Donegal, Ireland. This distillery, steeped in the region’s whiskey-making traditions dating back to the 19th century, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Irish whiskey.

The whiskey’s nose is rich and aromatic, with notes of vanilla, honey, and a hint of toasted oak. Subtle notes of apple and pear, cinnamon, and a little clove add complexity.

The whiskey is smooth and creamy on the palate, featuring caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, and seasoned oak wood flavors. As the whiskey opens, additional dried fruit, cinnamon, and nutmeg notes emerge.

The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of orchard fruit and a touch of spice.

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.

The Waterford Organic Cuvee Gaia is an organic, single malt whiskey. It’s made with barley sourced from several certified organic farms in Ireland, most notably Bannow Island Farm, Garryglass Farm, Kilbeggan Farm, Ballygowan Farm, Gurteen Farm, and Wilkinstown Farm.

This expression is named after Gaia, the ancient Greek goddess of Earth, symbolizing the distillery’s dedication to natural and organic practices.

The whiskey is fresh and aromatic on the nose with notes of green apple, pear, and citrus zest. There are underlying hints of cooked cereal grains, dried herbs, and a touch of vanilla.

It’s crisp on the palate, featuring flavors of orchard fruits, primarily apple and pear, honey, and cooked cereal grains. The organic barley adds a rich, creamy texture, complemented by subtle spice and a hint of seasoned oak.

The Glendalough Distillery is an Irish craft producer located in the scenic Glendalough Valley, County Wicklow.

The Glendalough 7 YO Irish Single Malt Mizunara Finish is a unique expression that combines the traditional profile of Irish single malt whiskey with the exotic influence of Japanese Mizunara oak cask aging.

The whiskey is aged for seven years in ex-bourbon barrels of American white oak before being finished for several months in rare Mizunara oak casks. Mizunara oak is known for imparting distinct and complex flavors of sandalwood, coconut, incense, floral notes, and exotic spices.

The whiskey is delicate and aromatic on the nose, featuring notes of sandalwood, coconut, and floral undertones of potpourri, along with hints of honey, vanilla, and citrus zest.

It’s smooth and complex on the palate with a layered nuance of tropical fruits, including pineapple and mango, complemented by creamy vanilla and subtle spiciness. The Mizunara influence brings a unique palate of incense, cedar, a touch of coconut, and a hint of white pepper.

The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of exotic incense wood, cooked cereal grains, and a gentle spice.

Kinsale Spirits, Red Earl Blended Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, is the sole Double Gold medalist in the Irish Blended Whiskey category.

Kinsale Spirits is a boutique distillery in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland. Known for its innovative and high-quality spirits, it draws inspiration from its coastal hometown’s rich maritime history and vibrant culture.

Red Earl Blended Irish Whiskey is named after the legendary Red Earl Hugh de Lacy, a notable figure in Irish history. This whiskey is a blend of several Irish grain and malt whiskeys, matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Sherry casks, with a finish in Rioja wine casks.

The whiskey is aromatic and floral on the nose, with notes of ripe red berries, vanilla, and a touch of spice. Subtle hints of well-seasoned oak and dark chocolate add additional depth and complexity.

On the palate, it’s smooth and well-balanced, featuring flavors of caramel, toasted oak, and dried fruits. The Rioja cask finish imparts rich red fruit notes, including cherry and plum, along with a delicate spiciness.

The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of sweet fruit, vanilla, and a subtle oakiness.

At last count, around 35 functioning distilleries produced more than 140 different whiskey expressions. This is just the beginning of the ongoing revival of Irish whiskey.

Established in 2010, the NYISC stands out among spirit competitions because its judging panel comprises active trade buyers from the hospitality and retail industry, such as retail store buyers, sommeliers, hoteliers, distributors, and importers.

These judges bring a market-oriented perspective to the evaluation process, ensuring that awarded spirits meet the industry’s and value-conscious consumers’ practical and quality expectations.

In addition to quality, judges consider each spirit’s price point and retail placement. This approach ensures that medalists excel in taste and craftsmanship, offer good value, and have market appeal. All spirits are evaluated through blind tastings.

The 2024 NYISC judging identified an outstanding selection of top-ranked Irish whiskeys. See the NYISC website for a complete listing of all the medalists. All these Irish whiskeys have a longstanding commitment to quality and innovation. They are all worth a taste.