Bushmills, 30 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml

At the 2024 International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC), six Irish whiskeys were distinguished with Gold Outstanding medals, while 14 others received Gold medals. This event marks a significant moment as it’s the most Gold medals ever awarded to Irish whiskey in the competition’s history, highlighting the robust revival and continued excellence of the Irish whiskey industry.

All six Gold Outstanding winners scored 98/100 points. Leading the pack in the Single Malt category were Powers Court Distillers, Fercullen Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml; Irish Distillers, Knappogue Castle, 12 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml; and Bushmills, 30 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml, all of which use a triple distillation process. Whiskeys in Ireland can undergo either double or triple distillation.

The IWSC Judging Panel shared high praise for the Fercullen, describing it as:

The fusion of malt and oak essence subtly supports the vibrant pineapple flavours. Its tropical aroma is pleasantly understated, preserving its intensity for a powerful taste experience. The flavour profile is full and smooth, featuring delightful toffee elements and a fruity finale.

The Knappogue Castle is discerned by the Judging Panel as:

It possesses an enticing fragrance of fresh florals and rich dark fruits that glide smoothly into the taste sensation. The sweet and dry spices meld perfectly, creating a harmonious flow on the palate ending in an impressive finish.

Further, the Bushmills 30 YO, one of the oldest Bushmills single malt selections ever released, was noted by the Judging Panel as:

Rich Sherry and brown sugar aromas envelop the senses, leading to a juicy exotic fruit palate with considered cask undertones. The palate is harmonious and graceful with a hint of straw and a spiced close. A well-made and composed sip.

Also winning Gold medals in the Irish Single Malt Whiskey category were Teeling Whiskey, Blackpitts Peated Cask Strength, Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 56.5% ABV, 750 ml; Powers Court Distillery, Fercullen 21 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml; Tullamore DEW, Rouge 13 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml; and Irish Distillers, Knappogue Castle, 16 YO, Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml.

The Teeling whiskey is double distilled. All of the other single malts are triple distilled.

Ireland has a long history of producing single malt whiskeys, although the practice declined with the imposition of the malt tax in 1785. To reduce the burden of the tax on malt, Irish distillers began to use unmalted barley for a portion of the mash bill. The combination of both malted and unmalted barley in the mash bill gave rise to Irish pot still whiskey as a separate style and category of whiskey.

According to the guidelines of the Irish Whiskey Association, a single malt whiskey is required to be made from 100% malted barley, while a pot still whiskey needs a minimum of 30% malted barley and 30% unmalted barley, with up to 5% allowed for other grains such as oats, wheat, or rye.

Irish Distillers, part of the Pernod-Ricard conglomerate from France, is the biggest producer of pot still whiskey in Ireland. It has a major influence over this category. Remarkably, the three Gold Outstanding medals for pot still whiskey were awarded to Blue Spot 7 YO Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 59% ABV, 750 ml; Powers, Three Swallow Release, Single Pot TO; Redbreast, a frontrunner in many international spirit awards, is particularly noted for its continual success in competitions. Determining which particular variant will garner top honors remains a point of discussion.

The IWSC Judging panel had high praise for the Blue Spot 7 YO, noting:

A fragrant and complex beverage demonstrating exceptional skill in its creation. The initial subtle aroma, when enhanced with a dash of water, unfolds to reveal captivating scents of incense and deep fruit, leading to a richly spiced blend of bold apple, pear, and stewed pineapple flavors when tasted.

The judging panel remarked on the Powers, Three Swallow release:

Characterized by a vivid and inviting aroma intertwined with distinct tropical fruit and honey notes, which persist through to the taste. The flavor profile is remarkably precise and well-balanced, offering a harmonious mix of fruit and spice that stays through the finish. This whiskey is both delightful and skillfully made.

Meanwhile, the Redbreast 27 YO was noted for:

An indulgent and rich winter spice character with bold polished oak undertone. The palate is a symphony of flavour, with layers of plump raisin, sponge cake and dark brown sugar notes. A warming offering with an evolving tropical fruit note which develops on the finish.

Five Irish pot still whiskeys took Gold medals with the Irish Distillers Redbreast taking Gold for its 12 YO, 40% ABV; 18 YO, 46% ABV (not yet released); Cask Strength 12 YO, 40% ABV; and Lustau Edition, 46% ABV. In addition, Green Spot, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml took the remaining Gold medal. All five expressions are also produced by Irish Distillers.

Three Irish Blended whiskeys took Gold medals. Kinahan’s, The Kasc Project (B) Blended Irish Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml was the top-rated blended whiskey with 96/100 points. The IWSC Judging Panel described the Kinahan’s as:

Incredibly fragrant nose with indulgent caramel and spice aromatics. Velvety cocoa notes follow, unveiling a tapestry of evolving aromas of vanilla, milk chocolate, roasted coffee, and raisins. Delight in the sweet and lingering finish – a beautiful finale.

Gold medals in the Irish Blinded Whiskey category were awarded to Irish Distillers, Jameson Bow Street 18 YO Blended Irish Whiskey, 55.3% ABV, 750 ml and Kinahan’s The Kasc Project, Blended Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml.

Teeling secured both Gold medals in the Single Grain Irish Whiskey category with Teeling Whiskey, Single Grain Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml and Teeling Whiskey, 15 YO Single Grain Irish Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Consistently, Teeling Whiskey earns accolades for its single grain offerings.