Michael Collins, Tyrconnell Earn Top Whiskey Honors

In our fourth edition of our Ultimate Beverage Challenge series, we bring you the top placing Irish Whiskeys. Out of 20 tasted bottles, 10 Irish Whiskeys placed as finalists, with two winning the Chairman's Trophy. Read on for the full reviews.

For more information on the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, check our roundups of the top vodka, bourbon and gin winners.

Chairman's Trophy Winner: Michael Collins Blended Irish Whiskey Ireland, 40%

"Harmonious, delectably peppery aromas include dried figs, caramel, sawdust and vanilla; taste profile features compelling flavors of dry breakfast cereal, nougat and candy bar." 96pts
-Paul Pacult, USC Judging Chairman

Midleton Very Rare Blended Irish Whiskey Ireland, 40%

"A true classic in every sense. Perfectly proportioned with alternating waves of baked orchard fruits, toffee, toasted nuts and grain, honey, apricot, and a beautiful melange of baking spices." 95pts
-Sean Ludford, USC Assistant Chairman

Jameson Gold Blended Irish Whiskey Ireland, 40%

"Lush and complex offering waves of ripe oranges and tropical fruits with accents of caramel, toffee, cinnamon, vanilla, and Sherry. Silky and full-boded while vibrant with baked orchard fruits and honey trailing on the finish." 95pts
-Sean Ludford, USC Assistant Chairman

Jameson 18 years old Blended Irish Whiskey Ireland, 40%

"A great marriage of malt and sweet, mature grain with notes of toffee, roasted nuts, baked orchard fruits, and sweet baking spices with hints of vanilla. Wonderfully balanced." 94pts
-Sean Ludford, USC Assistant Chairman

Kilbeggan 15 years old Blended Irish Whiskey Ireland, 40%

"Incredibly elegant and complex with sweet grassy notes that are found in all of the Kilbeggan whiskies supported by toffee, vanilla, toasted coconut, banana bread and mint. A great aperitif." 94pts
-Sean Ludford, USC Assistant Chairman

Slane Castle Blended Irish Whiskey Ireland, 40%

"A very pretty blend with fruit, caramel, spice, and hints of honey and vanilla. Superbly balanced with great length." 94pts
-Sean Ludford, USC Assistant Chairman

For The Full List of Irish Whiskey Finalists Visit:

http://www.ultimate-beverage.com/wine_reviews/spirits-results

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Comments

sweedld

160650 0

Redbreast 12 and 15 received highest marks but are in their own category. Can't wait to try the very affordable Michael Collins Irish Whiskey. He literally wrote the book on whiskeys!

Aug 18, 2011 at 6:39 PM
terjeander-
son

860867 0

Disappointed that Black Bush wasn't included in the tasting - it has long been my favourite. Curious as to why no Bushmill's products were included in the taste test - they are a very popular, reasonably affordable, high quality Irish Whiskey. Would have been interesting to see how they ranked.

Aug 19, 2011 at 9:49 AM
buzzer

334169 0

There needs to be another tasting all the Bushmills whiskeys were left out
Bushmills Snigle cask should always be included

Aug 19, 2011 at 10:44 AM
WelpeWL

724236 0

Michael Collins, rated the best, is more like Scotch than good Irish. The results make me wonder just who was doing the tasting. Most likely Scotch drinkers.

Aug 19, 2011 at 1:07 PM
shanadia

858471 14

Just wondered why Bushmills whiskey was not in the test.Have tried Michael Collins irish..nice but still prefer Bushmills..

Aug 21, 2011 at 1:40 PM
Paul-
Moloney

919209 0

Am surprised that Green Spot wasn't on the list.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Spot_(whiskey)

P.

Aug 21, 2011 at 5:27 PM
Snoother-
755958

755958 0

No Bushmills? Where is Tullamore Dew, Paddy's, and Powers. OK, maybe not the best but certainly have been around for quite a long time and should have been included. I agree with WelpeWL about Michael Collins; I also drink Scotch and MC sort of crosses the line.
TheDew25

Aug 22, 2011 at 8:43 PM