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Father's Day Gifting: The Best Irish Whiskies
Bushmills
As the world’s oldest licensed distillery, Bushmills holds a special place in Irish whiskey history. Nestled in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills is steeped in tradition. They triple distill 100% malted barley in copper pot stills and, uniquely, handle every stage of the whiskey-making process on-site, from distillation to bottling. The team behind Bushmills proudly claims it’s “the oldest because it’s the best – not the best because it’s oldest.”
A few top picks to try:
This 21-year-old single malt is one of Bushmills’ finest. Matured in a combination of Oloroso sherry and bourbon-seasoned casks for 18 years, then finished in Madeira casks for two more, it’s a luxurious drop.
On the nose, expect sweet touches of honey, toffee, spiced fruit and espresso. The palate follows up with dates, pecans, mango and grape, finishing off with hints of tobacco leaf and mint.
A brilliant introduction to Bushmills, this 10-year-old single malt is triple distilled and aged in both sherry and bourbon casks. Light, approachable and perfect for a sunny afternoon—just add a couple of ice cubes and relax.
The Sexton
Crafted by trailblazer Alex Thomas—one of Ireland’s few female Master Blenders—The Sexton is modern Irish whiskey with a rebellious twist. Breaking away from convention, Alex created something bold yet approachable, with a smooth finish you’ll want to return to. The name ‘The Sexton’ is inspired by the old Irish tradition of the graveyard keeper—the last person you see before heading into the great beyond. The idea? Live a life worth telling stories about.
Our go-to recommendation is:
Made with triple-distilled malt and matured in rich Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez, this whiskey is smooth, dark, and inviting. Expect aromas of chocolate, malt and spice with a hint of marzipan. On the palate, you’ll find dried fruits, nuts and citrus, leading into a honeyed, oaky finish.
Redbreast
Redbreast is one of the most revered names in Irish whiskey, especially when it comes to traditional single pot still styles. Produced at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, a site with roots going back to the 1600s, Redbreast strikes a perfect balance between rich fruitiness and warming spice.
This is a firm favourite with serious whiskey lovers, thanks to its deep complexity and creamy finish.
Our go-to recommendation is:
The Irishman Whiskey
From the passionate folks at Walsh Whiskey comes The Irishman, a brand that blends heritage with modern craftsmanship. Famed for its devotion to single malts, the distillery revives old recipes while still keeping things fresh and exciting for today’s drinkers. Triple distilled and packed with character, each bottle tells its own story. Whether you're a seasoned sipper or new to Irish whiskey, The Irishman makes an impression.
Explore more Irish Whiskey, here.
