Irish Whiskey

Irish Whiskey Style Guide & Picks

The Three Styles

  • Single Pot Still — Ireland's signature style; malted + unmalted barley in a single pot still. Spicy, creamy, complex (Redbreast, Green Spot, Yellow Spot).
  • Single Malt — 100% malted barley, distilled at one distillery (Bushmills 10, Teeling, Tullamore D.E.W. 14).
  • Blended — most of the volume; combinations of grain + malt (Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W., Powers).

Buffalo House Irish Whiskey Picks

  • Under $35 — everyday: Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W., Bushmills Original, Powers Gold Label, Slane.
  • $35–$70 — upgrade: Jameson Black Barrel, Redbreast 12, Green Spot, Bushmills Black Bush, Teeling Small Batch, Knappogue Castle 12.
  • $70+ — premium: Redbreast 15, Yellow Spot 12, Midleton Very Rare, Bushmills 21, Teeling Single Malt 24.

How to Drink It

Irish whiskey is famously cocktail-friendly. The classics: Irish Coffee (Jameson + sugar + coffee + cream), Tipperary (Irish + sweet vermouth + Chartreuse), Whiskey Sour with a barrel-aged Irish, or simply on the rocks. For neat sipping, start with Redbreast 12 — it converts skeptics.

Why Irish Whiskey for Beginners?

Lower proof on average (40–46%), smoother mouthfeel, no heavy peat — easier first sip than Scotch or bourbon. If someone says "I don't like whiskey," hand them Redbreast 12 and a small glass. Conversion rate is high.

Buy Irish Whiskey in Buffalo, NY

Same-day delivery across Buffalo, Amherst, Williamsville, Kenmore, Tonawanda, Hamburg, Orchard Park, Niagara Falls & beyond — free over $49. (716) 770-1230

15 bottles
Jameson Irish Whiskey 375ML Front Bottle Label

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Jameson

In stock

WE 88
$19.99

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Irish Whiskey questions

What makes Irish whiskey different from Scotch?
Irish whiskey is usually triple-distilled (Scotch is typically distilled twice), which makes it lighter and smoother, and it's generally unpeated — so no smoke.
Is Irish whiskey smooth?
Famously so. The triple distillation and unpeated style make it one of the most approachable whiskeys — a great starting point, and why Jameson is so popular.
What's the difference between Irish whiskey and bourbon?
Grain and place. Bourbon is American, at least 51% corn, and sweet from new charred oak; Irish whiskey is from Ireland, often a mix of grains, and lighter and smoother.
How should I drink Irish whiskey?
Neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails — and it's the classic base for an Irish coffee.