T’is the season to be jolly and to think about your Irish Whiskey lovers Christmas tipple.

I promote Irish Whiskey for a living and was previously a Brand Ambassador at the Jameson Experience in Midleton, where I learned a lot about the amazing whiskies that are

produced in the beautiful distillery 'over the wall'.  

This blog is for anyone who would like to buy something a little bit special for that important person in your life.  It's a minefield out there when it comes to selecting whiskies these days.   I've simplified it here for you as best as I can, no mean feat I can tell you, but here goes:

Jameson, Paddy and Powers whiskies are always a happy addition to any (large!) Christmas stocking.  However, maybe this year you might be thinking “I’d like to get him or her or ME something just a little bit special”

In that case, you’re reading the right Blog.  I want to tell you about some of those Irish Whiskies that you might see on the shelves and think:  “Wonder what that ones like?”

When you ask for a Jameson in the pub you will more than likely be served what is referred to as  ‘Jameson Original”, here’s a pic of the bottle.  

Jameson Original

A gorgeous whiskey, smooth (thanks to triple distillation). Fruity,  due to time spent in an oak sherry barrel from Spain.  Hints of vanilla going on there too from the American bourbon barrels. That gorgeous hot spiciness comes from the Pot Still whiskey, thanks to the famous copper pot stills used in the distillation. 

I like to drink Jameson Original with one or two ice but nothing more.   For anyone who finds the finish to be too heated, then there is always Jameson Ginger and Lime.  (My plan before Christmas is to post a vid on how to make this simple yet delicious cocktail.   I might even get time to demo my favourite and easiest 'Whiskey Sour' cocktail - EVER!  Watch this space)

However, you’ll want to buy something special this year for the Whiskey lover in your life.  Let me list them first so you’ll have them in your head at least, and can say “Oh, I’ve heard of that one, must be great”.  You’ll be right.  By the way - why not bookmark this blog on your phone for quick access when you're out shopping.

I'm going to do this by price profile.   So, the whiskies are sorted by price.  The further you scroll down the page, the higher the price.
The first question I usually ask a customer when they are looking for a special whiskey is how much they would like to spend?.   It's not always a popular question, but there is no point recommending my favourite Jameson Whiskey (Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve), priced at €400 if they only want to spend €50 !  

So the price ranges are as follows for a 70cl bottle. 

€40 to €60
€61 to €100
€130 to €260
Greater than €260!

In the €40 to €60 price range:

Jameson Caskmates - Think hops and chocolate!

Jameson Caskmates

The immediate aroma is one of hops, coming from the Stout Barrels of the Franciscan Well brewery in Cork City.  The taste is a subtle hint of Chocolate, Cocoa Bean and a gentle touch of Marzipan.  A gorgeous whiskey.  Retailing at approximately €38.

Jameson Black Barrel - WOW!

Jameson Black Barrel

The special batch, grain whiskey in this blend and the second charring of the bourbon barrels gives this whiskey its name and its delicious Tropical Fruit character.   Don't be surprised if Nectarine, Papaya and  Apricot occur to you after you've sipped this one, once or twice.  The blend is 7 - 10 years old. Retailing at approximately €49.

Powers Johns Lane - Surprising, but in a good way!

Powers 'Johns Lane'

This is my favourite in the Powers Pot Still range.   A twelve year old, matured mainly in Bourbon barrels delivers a surprisingly earthy taste.  The earthiness of Leather, Tobacco, Dark Chocolate and the tiniest hint of Marzipan gives a lovely long finish.  The 46% alcohol packs a delicate punch too.  Ker-powwww!   Retailing at approximately €58.

Greenspot - Orchard fruit sensation!

Lively orchard fruits and barley come through from this Irish Pot Still whiskey.   The spots name is

On the left, 'Green Spot'. 

On the right 'Green Spot - Chateau Leoville Barton'

derived from the daubs of paint originally placed on the oak barrels, each colour denoting a different whiskey age within the barrel.  This whiskey has been around for a long time.   A firm favourite with pot still whiskey fans.  Retailing at approximately €59.

Redbreast 12 - An iconic Irish Pot still whiskey.

An iconic Irish Pot Still Whiskey which has been in existence since 1903.  Twelve years maturing in mainly Sherry Barrels from Spain, give this whiskey an intense sherry fruitiness.  Pot Still whiskies are Creamy, Mouth Coating and Spicy.  Redbreast 12 is the perfect example of these characteristics.

Redbreast 12

It is said to have a 'Christmas Cake' character in the aroma.  It is bottled at 40% alcohol strength but this whiskey is also available at Cask Strength, (approximately 57%).  Retailing at approximately €60.

In the €61 to €100 price range:

Paddy Centenary - Paddy, but not as you know it!

Unlike its brand brother - Paddy, this Paddy Centenary is an Irish Pot Still Whiskey made with Barley

Paddy Centenary

and Malt only, in Copper Pot stills at the Midleton Distillery, in the traditional style.  A true collectors whiskey, with complex aromas and taste.    Think citrus fruits, candied orange peel and boiled sweets for starters.   This whiskey pays tribute to Paddy O'Flaherty, a whiskey salesman who travelled the length and breadth of Ireland promoting the whiskey in the 19th century.  It was renamed 'Paddy' as far back as 1913.  Retailing at approximately €65.

Redbreast Lustau Edition - New Pot Still on the block!

Essentially this is a thirteen year old whiskey.  Twelve years in Bourbon Barrels but mainly

Redbreast Lustau Edition
(Look for the orange box)

Sherry Casks with a final year in a barrel from the Lustau Bodega in Southern Spain.  This additional barrel adds a delicious Date, Prune and Fig character to an already  fruity Pot Still whiskey.  Bottled at 46% and Retailing at approximately €69.

The Whiskey Makers Series, retailing at €70 and bottled at 43%

There are three whiskies in this series:

(1) Distillers Safe - Spicy !

Distillers Safe is the whiskey of Brian Nation (Master Distiller at the Midleton Distillery).  It has been matured in bourbon barrels only, and not for very long because Brian wants the distillates to speak for themselves without much interruption from the oak barrel.   With this whiskey Brian has created a spirit that will deliver Apricot, Melon, Cinnamon and Cloves.

(2) Blenders Dog  - Floral

Blenders Dog is the whiskey of Billy Leighton (Master Blender at the Midleton Distillery). 

From left to right: 'Coopers Croze',

'Distillers Safe' and 'Blenders Dog'

Matured in both Sherry and Bourbon Barrels.  You will not be wrong if you discover Cinnamon, Cloves, Fruit and Nuts in this gorgeous blended whiskey.

(3) Coopers Croze - Oaky sherry.

Coopers Croze is the whiskey of Ger Buckley (Master Cooper at the Midleton Distillery).  Matured in three different barrels (Sherry, Bourbon and a virgin oak cask, that is a cask that has never been used before).  There is a lot going on here, fruity and sherry from the sherry cask, Spicy from the pot still whiskey spirit used, and oaky from the different oak barrels used.

Green Spot – Chateau Leoville Barton - Orchard fruits and then some!

As if Green Spot wasn't delicious enough, the addition of Bordeaux wine barrels from the St.

On the right hand side: 

'Green Spot - Chateau Leoville Barton'

Julienne region (South Western France), add to the orchard fruits of this whiskey, a delicious Raspberry/Strawberry hit.  A truly interesting partner whiskey for the original Green Spot. Retailing at approximately €70.

Yellow Spot - The 'Crème brûlée of whiskies!

The question I get asked a lot is what is the difference between Green Spot and Yellow Spot.  The

Yellow Spot

main difference is sweetness, Yellow Spot is a sweeter whiskey.   However it is also older (12 years) and has a higher alcohol content at 46%.   The distillery uses a combination of barrels including a sweeter red wine barrel from Malaga during maturation.  It is known as the 'Crème brûlée' of whiskies.  So, if you like a slightly sweeter whiskey with plenty of complexity then this is the one for you or your favourite whiskey connoisseur!   Retailing at approximately €79.

Jameson Gold Reserve - Oh Honey!

Fourteen years maturing in three different oak barrels mellow this whiskey beautifully.  If you like a

Jameson Gold Reserve

really smooth whiskey with a little more vanilla from the barrel, then this one is a great choice.  It's warming 'honey' finish is famous.  A great collectors whiskey as it is due to be retired due to diminishing stocks in the not too distant future. Retailing at approximately €88.  

Redbreast 12 Cask Strength - An Iconic Irish Pot still whiskey with an extra kick!

Twelve years maturing in mainly Sherry Barrels from Spain, give this whiskey an intense sherry

Redbreast 12 - Cask Strength.  58.2%

fruitiness.   Then it is bottled at Cask Strength, meaning that no water is used to dilute the whiskey before it is bottled.   Perfect for the whiskey fan who likes a 'Cask Strength' whiskey.  Retailing at approximately €90.

Redbreast 15 Year Old - Nutty, just like me!

The iconic Redbreast matured for fifteen years imparts to the whiskey intense dried fruits, nuts and

On the left, Redbreast 15 year old.

(Look for the Green Box)

even dark chocolate.  What's not to like?  Bottled at 46% and retailing at approximately €97.

In the €130 to €260 price range:

Jameson 18 Year Old - Succulent Toffee!

A very special whiskey.  Leave this whiskey linger on the tongue for a few seconds more and the

Jameson 18 year old

swallow delivers succulent toffee.  Eighteen years in the barrel does a lot to a whiskey and this is no exception.  Dark Chocolate, Fudge, Toffee and a nutty hint will reward you.   Due to diminishing stocks, this whiskey will not be around for ever.  A really special gift for the Irish Whiskey Fan.  Retailing at approximately €130.

Midleton Very Rare - Exceptional!

Every year the Master Distiller, Brian Nation, chooses a parcel of 25 year old casks that he

Midleton Very Rare

deems to be of exceptional quality.  The result is Midleton Very Rare, first bottled in 1984 at Midleton Distillery.  Expect Ginger, Pineapple, Dried Fruits, and even Boiled Sweets to assail the senses.  The Master Distiller only uses the finest quality bourbon and virgin oak barrels for this prestegious whiskey.   You can also enjoy a free tour of the Jameson Experience when you buy a bottle of MVR.  The packaging includes a unique free 'golden' ticket!  Retailing at approximately €150.

Redbreast 21 Year Old - Stunning!

Twenty One years maturation delivers intense fruitiness and earthy nuttiness with lots of oak

On the right hand side Redbreast 21 year old

(Look for the grey box)

coming through from the whiskey's sojourn in mainly Spanish sherry barrels.  A special gift for any whiskey devotee who has already tried the Redbreast 12 and wants to experience the taste of an aged Pot Still whiskey.  Bottled at 46% and retailing at approximately €185.

Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy - All hail to Barry!

Barry Crockett, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery retired in 2013 and this incredible whiskey is an homage to him.  22 years in the barrel and at 46% alcohol this exceptional whiskey will deliver

Midleton 'Barry Crockett' Legacy

notes of Green Berries, Pears, Sweet Green Pepper, Mandarin Orange and Vanilla from ex bourbon and virgin oak casks.  A fabulous whiskey experience and a very generous gift for any whiskey aficionado. They will thank you long after Christmas for this exceptional Irish Whiskey treat Retailing at approximately €212.

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Irish Oak, bursting with character!

Dair Gaelach is the irish for 'Irish Oak' hinting that for the first time in many years, this is an

Midleton 'Dair Ghaelach'

irish whiskey matured in barrels built with oak harvested in County Kilkenny. (BTW, when the foresters felled 10 oak trees to make the barrels, they replanted 100 oak in the same forest for future generations to enjoy) 
This whiskey, bottled at Cask Strength (58% approximately) is as complex as they get.   Think Cinnamon, Apples, Cloves, Dark Chocolate, Fudge, Red Berries, Coffee Beans and Pineapple.  Now if that's not complex, I don't know what is!  Retailing at approximately €260.

Greater than €260

Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve - Port barrels, for intense flavour!

The price is indicative of the age and the barrels used in the maturation.  Portuguese barrels for

Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve

24 years deliver the WOW factor.  Ripe fruits like Melon, Plum, Banana mingle happily with Fudge, Black Treacle, Dark Chocolate and Liquorice.  A taste explosion for that very special person in your life. Unusually for a Jameson, bottled at 46%.
Retailing at approximately €400.

I hope this was helpful.   The prices I quoted are approximate Irish prices at time of writing (December 2016).
What I have written is my own private opinion, yes, I have been lucky enough to try all of the whiskies that I listed, some of them only once, but that was enough to win me over.  
The Midleton Distillery (in which all of the above whiskies are produced) is where I previously worked.  I no longer work directly for that distillery, I do sell their whiskies though!   I am immensely proud of the care and attention to detail that is practiced there.  I learned an awful lot about whiskey production from staff of the Jameson Experience, but I learned even more from the questions that were asked by visitors to the distillery, and to all of them, all I can say is Sláinte agus go raibh maith agat. (Your health and thank you very much).

Bryan Conlon.