Saint Patrick's Day is upon us and though we aren't able to enjoy a pint of Guinness in the pub we can still have a wee dram or two at home.
Irish whiskey (note the added 'e') has seen something of a resurgence in recent years, with exciting new craft distilleries popping up alongside revived giants all across Ireland.
According to the Distilled Spirits Council in the US, more than 5 million cases of Irish whiskey were sold in the United States in 2020, with the spirit aiming to rival Scotch as the top seller.
For the ideal way to celebrate St Patrick's Day, we've picked out some of the best-value Irish whiskies which are available to buy from the likes of Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury's.
Jameson's IPA Cask (£20, Asda)
One of the best-known names in the world of whisk(e)y, Jamesons have taken a fresh approach to their exciting whiskey with the launch of their 'Caskmates' series.
This version is matured in Irish craft beer-seasoned barrels to create a fresh whiskey filled with hops and light citrus notes. It's great value and perfect for a warm spring evening dram out the back.
Tullamore DEW (£20, Tesco)
Triple distilled like most Irish whiskies, Tullamore DEW also has the distinction of being a triple blend, making it a bit special.
A blend of grain, malt, and pot still whiskies, it's distinct from anything else you'll find on our list.
Fresh and accessible, it takes citrus fruit notes from the malt and a spiciness from the pot still whiskey to create an exciting whiskey that's ideal for sharing.
Slane Irish whiskey (£20, Waitrose)
Part of a wave of exciting newcomers, Slane focuses on a unique maturation for their whiskey (a combination of grain and malt) that sees them using three different casks.
This fun blend gains rich caramel, dried fruit, and a peppering of spice from the Virgin Oak, seasoned oak, and Oloroso casks, creating a whiskey that's full of deep flavour and deliciously drinkable.
Bushmills Black Bush (£25, Tesco)
Representing Northern Ireland and being another of the big hitters, Bushmills has a wide range of great whiskies, but we've gone for the Black Bush which is a great combination of value and flavour.
Luxuriously rich, Black Bush combines malt whiskey (matured in former Oloroso Sherry casks) with a sweet grain whiskey to create an intense and moreish profile that's the ideal nightcap.
Connemara Peated (£30, Waitrose)
Those missing the smoky taste of an Islay whisky will be surprised to know that the Irish whiskey industry also have their peat champions.
Connemara mirrors Scotch not only in being peated but also being both double-distilled and a single malt, it's rich, complex, and packs a punch of subtle dry smoke that will have you coming back for more.
