Read more about Irish whiskeys from peatdream here 

Irish whiskey has a rich and complex history spanning several centuries. Considered one of the oldest spirits in the world, it has survived the ages with impressive resilience.

Legend has it that the history of Irish whiskey dates back to 432, when Irish missionaries led by Saint Patrick introduced the technique of distillation to Ireland. It was then that the Celts used the term ‘uisge beatha’ (brandy). In reality, whiskey production began to develop in the Middle Ages, although the first explicit mention of distillation dates from the 15th century.

In the early 19th century, Irish whiskey was the most popular spirit in the world. Thriving distilleries such as Jameson, Bushmills and Midleton produced massive quantities of whiskey that were exported to America, England and even Australia.

In 1831, Aeneas Coffey, an Irish engineer, invented the column still, an innovation that greatly increased whiskey production while maintaining the whiskey's exceptional quality.

The early 20th century marked a period of decline for Irish whiskey, due to a number of factors. The Irish War of Independence and the ensuing Civil War greatly disrupted production. In addition, Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933), the main export market, had a disastrous impact.

Distilleries were forced to close or merge in order to survive. In the 1960s, the only working whiskey distillery in North Ireland was Bushmills, founded in 1608, which I have written about on several occasions (here) and which has survived the centuries.

Further south, only three producers remained : Jameson, Powers and Cork Distilleries Company, which merged to form Irish Distillers.

Before we talk about the renaissance of Irish whiskey, which will lead us to the extensive list of distilleries I'm proposing, let's talk about another special feature of Irish whiskey.  

Before we look at the difference, let's look at the causes.

Well, since the end of the 18th century, the reasons have been economic and fiscal. In 1785, the British government introduced a tax on malted barley. To avoid this high tax, which increased production costs, Irish distillers began mixing malted barley with unmalted barley. This not only reduced costs, but also added a unique flavour to the whiskey. SINGLE POT STILL was born.

The distilleries also opted for another Irish speciality: triple distillation. To make their distillates lighter and more complex, Irish single pot stills are always distilled three times in a pot still.

While this is always the case for single pot stills, triple distillation is sometimes used to produce certain single malt Irish whiskeys.  

At the turn of the 21st century, Irish whiskey is undergoing a veritable revival.

Major investment and a global awareness of the quality of Irish whiskey have led to an explosion of new distilleries and brands.

Names like Teeling, Glendalough and Dingle have joined classics like Jameson and Bushmills. The emphasis on craftsmanship, traditional techniques and innovation has appealed to a new generation of consumers.

In 2010, there were only four distilleries in Ireland.

In 2010, there were only four working whiskey distilleries in Ireland: Bushmills (still) in the north in County Antrim, Midleton in the south in County Cork, Kilbeggan in the centre in County Westmeath and John Teeling's Cooley in the west in County Louth.

In 2024, driven by names such as Teeling, Waterford, Dingle and Slane (as well as many others), there are now 66 distilleries on this map, both craft and industrial, each with its own unique touch. You'll find it all over Ireland, united by its IGP Irish whiskey!

I'm offering you a unique adventure across Ireland thanks to the new interactive map of whiskey distilleries!

This interactive map will guide you between the distilleries. Each point on the map represents a distillery, and by clicking on it, you'll access a wealth of information: the address and essential links to discover them at: website and instagram, facebook and linkedin pages. You'll also find links to tastings by yours truly and photos of the distilleries.

Just go below to discover the interactive map and start your journey through whiskey Ireland.

Maintenant que vous savez tout sur le whiskey Irlandais et que vous avez la carte pour choisir vers quelle distillerie aller.... Plus d'excuse pour ne pas aller visiter ce beau pays au peuple si sympathique.

 Sláinte!