A 15-year-old whiskey strikes a balance in ageing, capturing a richness that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned whiskey drinkers.
Irish whiskey carries with it Ireland's deep-rooted history, a spirit intertwined with age-old traditions. Tracing back many generations, it's well-respected among spirits. "Whiskey", borrowed from the Gaelic "uisce beatha", reminds us of its esteemed title: "water of life" in the Irish lore. This 15-year-old spirit stands out for its smooth finish, a result of meticulous distillation techniques. Mainly crafted from malted barley, the triple distillation it undergoes gives it a polished taste. The ageing process, particularly in barrels which previously stored sherry or bourbon, lends the whiskey a variety of flavours. While ageing starts at three years, many choose to let their whiskey mature for longer periods, such as fifteen years, to enrich its character.
Irish whiskey offers a diverse palette. Single malts, distilled from malted barley at specific distilleries, have their distinct place. Single pot still whiskeys, blending malted with raw barley, stand out with their unique taste. Grain whiskeys introduce different grains, and blended whiskeys bring together various styles. Depending on where they're produced, a 15-year-old whiskey might have different hints: some might echo the coast, while others showcase different regional notes. And unlike its Scotch counterpart, Irish whiskey generally offers a milder peat flavour.
Across Ireland, there are distilleries steeped in history, each sharing tales of craftsmanship spanning years. Some of these have been around for centuries, adding layers to the story of Irish whiskey. In recent times, there's been a renewed interest in this 15-year-old drink, with new distilleries emerging and a broader range of tastes available for whiskey lovers everywhere.