7 Underrated Irish Whiskeys That Completely Changed My Mind About the Category

I'll be completely honest with you—when someone mentioned "underrated Irish whiskeys" to me a few years ago, I internally rolled my eyes. You know that feeling when you think you've got something all figured out? That was me with Irish whiskey.

I mean, come on. There's Jameson for everyday drinking, maybe Bushmills if you're feeling fancy, and isn't that pretty much the whole story? Irish whiskey was the "smooth and easy" category in my mind—pleasant enough, but hardly exciting compared to the complexity of Scotch or the boldness of bourbon.

Then something happened that completely shattered my assumptions. A friend who runs a whiskey bar in Dublin handed me a glass of something called Powers Gold Label and said, "Try this before you write off an entire country's whiskey tradition." The first sip hit me with a wave of cinnamon and green pepper that made me sit up straight. This wasn't the gentle, forgettable sipper I expected. This had character, spice, and a robust personality that demanded attention.

That moment started me on a journey that completely changed how I think about Irish whiskey. What I found wasn't just a few hidden gems—it was an entire renaissance happening right under our noses. Over 40 distilleries are now operating across Ireland, each contributing new chapters to a story that goes far beyond the familiar green bottles on every bar shelf.

In this guide, I'll share the underrated Irish whiskeys that opened my eyes to what this category can really be. These aren't just "alternatives" to the big names—they're expressions that stand proudly on their own merit, offering exceptional value, bold flavors, and stories worth telling. Whether you're looking to step beyond Jameson or you're already exploring Irish whiskey but want to go deeper, these seven bottles will show you why Ireland's whiskey renaissance is the real deal.

Why These Irish Whiskeys Flew Under My Radar (And Probably Yours Too)

Before I share my discoveries, let me explain why these underrated Irish whiskeys aren't getting the attention they deserve. It's not because they lack quality—quite the opposite, actually.

The global success of Jameson created what I call the "green bottle syndrome." When one brand becomes so dominant (Jameson sells more than all other Irish whiskeys combined), it tends to define the entire category in people's minds. The marketing focus on smoothness and approachability, while commercially brilliant, accidentally created a perception that all Irish whiskey is basically the same: light, easy, and one-dimensional.

This marketing success was both a blessing and a curse. It introduced millions to Irish whiskey, but it also overshadowed the incredible diversity that was always there—and the innovation that's exploding across Ireland today. The result? Some of the most interesting and well-crafted whiskeys in the world are sitting on shelves, waiting for curious drinkers to look beyond the familiar labels.

What makes a whiskey "underrated" isn't that it's unknown, but that its quality, value, or innovation hasn't received the widespread recognition it deserves. Sometimes it's a premium expression from a familiar distillery that's been overshadowed by their entry-level offering. Other times it's a new producer creating something genuinely unique that hasn't broken through the noise yet.

Quick Reference: 7 Best Underrated Irish Whiskeys Compared

Before we get into the detailed stories, here's my at-a-glance guide to help you choose which of these underrated Irish whiskeys matches your taste and budget:

Whiskey	Price (UK £)	ABV	Key Flavors	Best For	My Rating
Powers Gold Label	£24-32	43.2%	Cinnamon, green pepper, robust spice	Irish Coffee, cocktails, everyday sipping	★★★★☆
Teeling Small Batch	£38-42	46%	Tropical fruit, vanilla, berry spice	Neat sipping, innovative cocktails	★★★★★
Writer's Tears Copper Pot	~£40	40%	Toffee apple, honey, gentle spice	Neat sipping, gift giving	★★★★☆
The Sexton	£29-35	40%	Dried fruit, nuts, dark chocolate	Sherry lovers, after-dinner sipping	★★★★☆
West Cork Bourbon Cask	~£30	40%	Malt, citrus, apple, pepper	Budget-friendly daily drinker	★★★★☆
Slane Triple Casked	£27-34	40%	Caramel, butterscotch, warm spices	Bourbon drinkers, neat or rocks	★★★★☆
Glendalough Double Barrel	£28-30	42%	Dark fruit, honey, peppery warmth	Value seekers, versatile mixing	★★★★☆

How These Stack Up Against the Competition

Here's the thing that really opened my eyes: these underrated Irish whiskeys don't just compete with other Irish brands—they hold their own against Scotch and Japanese whiskies in similar price ranges. Take The Sexton at £29-35. For that price, you'd struggle to find a sherry-influenced Speyside single malt with comparable depth. A comparable Macallan or Glenfiddich expression would easily cost £50-70.

Against mainstream Irish competition like Jameson Black Barrel (£35-40) or even Redbreast 12 (£59-64), several of these offer comparable or superior complexity at better prices. Powers Gold Label delivers more character than standard Jameson for less money. Teeling Small Batch offers innovation that Redbreast simply doesn't attempt.

The value proposition becomes even clearer when you compare to Japanese whisky. A bottle of Nikka Coffey Grain, which shares some DNA with Irish single grain styles, runs £60-80 in the UK. Glendalough Double Barrel offers similar craftsmanship and flavor complexity for literally half the price.

For a complete guide to the best Irish whiskeys across all price ranges, these underrated expressions represent exceptional value in the £25-55 range where most whiskey lovers do their everyday shopping.

1: Powers Gold Label – The Spicy Rebel That Made Me Rethink Everything

Let's start with the whiskey that broke my preconceptions: Powers Gold Label. Here's what blew my mind—Powers was actually Ireland's best-selling whiskey for generations before Jameson took the global spotlight. This isn't some unknown upstart; it's a forgotten king that deserves its throne back.

The first thing you'll notice about Powers Gold Label is that it doesn't play nice. Where Jameson whispers, Powers speaks with authority. That higher pot still content and 43.2% ABV in its home market (often 40% for export) gives it a spicy, robust character that stands up and demands attention. When I nose this whiskey, I get cinnamon, clove oil, and white pepper. The palate delivers that bold kick of spice I mentioned—green pepper, nutmeg, and toasted oak that makes your taste buds wake up and pay attention.

I remember the first time I made an Irish Coffee with Powers instead of Jameson. The difference was incredible. Instead of the whiskey getting lost behind the coffee and cream, it held its own, adding a warm spice backbone that made the whole drink sing. That's when I realized why bartenders who know their stuff often reach for Powers over its more famous cousin.

At around £30 in the UK, Powers Gold Label represents what I consider the best value proposition in the entire Irish whiskey category. It's been quietly picking up Bronze medals at the World Whiskies Awards, but it deserves so much more recognition. This is one of those underrated Irish whiskeys that could easily become your new everyday dram if you prefer character over pure smoothness.

Perfect for: Beginners ready to move beyond entry-level smoothness, cocktail enthusiasts, anyone who loves warming spices in their spirits. The higher proof makes it ideal for winter evenings by the fire.

Food Pairing: The spicy character pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar cheese, dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), or traditional Irish stew. I love it with a slice of apple tart—the green pepper notes create an unexpected but delightful contrast with the sweet fruit.

2: Teeling Small Batch – The Tropical Twist That Shouldn't Work But Absolutely Does

If Powers Gold Label woke me up to the spicy side of Irish whiskey, Teeling Small Batch showed me how innovative the category could be. When someone first told me about an Irish whiskey finished in rum casks, I was skeptical. Rum casks? In Irish whiskey? It sounded like a gimmick.

I was completely wrong.

Teeling Small Batch is the flagship of the distillery that brought whiskey production back to Dublin after 125 years. The Teeling brothers didn't just want to make another Irish whiskey—they wanted to push boundaries. Their signature move is that finishing period in Central American rum casks, and the result is something I never expected: a whiskey that tastes unmistakably Irish but with this beautiful tropical twist that makes it utterly unique.

The nose hits you with spice and fruit, but then the palate opens up with rich berry notes, vanilla, and these distinct tropical fruit and spice notes from those rum barrels. It's like someone took traditional Irish whiskey and gave it a vacation in the Caribbean. I've served this to friends who think they don't like Irish whiskey, and they're always surprised by how engaging and complex it is.

What really impressed me was watching a bartender use this in a Daiquiri. The tropical notes from the rum cask finishing made it work beautifully with lime and simple syrup in a way that traditional Irish whiskey never could. It earned Double Gold at the 2023 Singapore World Spirits Competition, and at £38-£42, it's priced right in that sweet spot where quality meets accessibility.

This is what I love about the modern wave of underrated Irish whiskeys—they're not afraid to experiment while still respecting the foundation of what makes Irish whiskey special.

Perfect for: Adventurous drinkers, rum lovers exploring whiskey, cocktail experimenters, summer evening sipping. The tropical notes make it surprisingly refreshing for a whiskey.

Food Pairing: The rum cask finishing makes this exceptional with tropical fruit desserts, spiced pork dishes, or even a high-quality vanilla ice cream. I've had amazing results pairing it with mango sticky rice—the tropical whiskey notes complement the coconut milk beautifully.

3: Writer's Tears Copper Pot – The Literary Legend That Brings Back History

Sometimes the story behind a whiskey is almost as compelling as what's in the bottle. Writer's Tears has one of the best origin stories I've ever encountered, and the liquid backs it up completely.

Picture this: 19th and early 20th-century Dublin, when literary giants like Joyce, Yeats, and Wilde would gather in pubs seeking inspiration. The whiskey they supposedly favored was a specific blend of pot still and malt whiskeys known as the "champagne of Irish whiskey." Legend says these writers would weep tears of whiskey, so profound was their enjoyment. Whether that's historically accurate or marketing genius, I honestly don't care—because Writer's Tears Copper Pot delivers on the promise.

What makes this special is the mash bill. Instead of the typical blend that includes lighter grain whiskey, Writer's Tears is a vatting of Single Pot Still and Single Malt whiskeys only. No grain whiskey means more flavor, more complexity, and more character. When I first tried this, I got sweet toffee apples on the nose and this lovely balance of sweet and spicy on the palate with what they describe as a "delightful light chewiness."

At around £40, it's what I consider an excellent "next step" whiskey. If you've been drinking entry-level blends and want to understand what a more premium Irish whiskey can offer, Writer's Tears shows you exactly that. It's substantial enough to sip neat but versatile enough for cocktails where you want the whiskey to contribute real character.

I keep a bottle of this on my shelf because it tells such a good story, and every sip connects you to that golden age of Irish literature and the pub culture that nurtured it.

Perfect for: Literature lovers, gift giving, those seeking a more premium Irish experience without breaking the bank. The elegant profile makes it ideal for special occasions or contemplative evening sipping.

Food Pairing: The toffee apple notes make this magical with desserts—try it with bread pudding, crème brûlée, or a simple apple crumble. For savory options, it pairs surprisingly well with roasted salmon or grilled lamb.

4: The Sexton – The Sherry Bomb That Punches Above Its Weight

Here's where things get really interesting. The Sexton is one of those underrated Irish whiskeys that breaks every rule about aging and still delivers an incredibly satisfying experience.

Most people assume you need significant age to get real depth and complexity in whiskey. The Sexton laughs in the face of that assumption. It's only four years old, but it spends every single one of those years in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks. That intensive sherry aging creates something that tastes much older and richer than its years suggest.

The first time I tried this, I was blown away by how much it reminded me of a good sherry-matured Speyside Scotch. You get rich aromas of nuts, marzipan, and dark chocolate, leading to a palate packed with dried fruit, honeycomb sweetness, apricots, and oak spice. Created by Alex Thomas, one of the few female Master Blenders in the industry, it shows what happens when you focus intensely on one element—in this case, sherry cask influence—and execute it perfectly.

What really sells me on The Sexton is the value proposition. At £29-£35 in the UK, you're getting a sherry-forward single malt that would cost significantly more if it carried a Scottish or Japanese label. It earned Gold Medal and "Best in Class" at the 2023 Drammy Awards, and honestly, I think it's one of the best entry points into sherry-influenced whiskeys, regardless of country of origin.

The striking hexagonal black bottle doesn't hurt either—it looks like something special on your shelf, and the liquid inside backs up that promise.

Perfect for: Sherry whisky lovers transitioning from Scotch, after-dinner sipping, those who want rich flavors without high age statements. Excellent for cooler weather when you want something warming and satisfying.

Food Pairing: The rich sherry influence makes this a natural partner for dark chocolate desserts, aged cheeses (try Stilton or aged Gouda), or traditional Christmas pudding. I also love it with salted caramel anything—the nutty, fruity notes create an incredible harmony.

The Hidden Gems from Independent Producers

Now let's talk about some of the smaller producers creating truly special expressions that most people have never heard of. These represent the cutting edge of what's happening in Irish whiskey right now.

West Cork: The Overlooked Value King

West Cork Distillers has been flying completely under the radar despite producing some exceptional whiskey. Founded by three childhood friends in Skibbereen, they've grown into a significant operation while maintaining their independent spirit. Their Bourbon Cask expression is what I call a "sleeper hit"—exceptional quality at a price that makes you do a double-take.

This triple-distilled blend uses local ingredients and first-fill bourbon casks to create something beautifully smooth and balanced with notes of malt, fresh citrus, apple, and a hint of cracked pepper. At around £30, it consistently over-delivers on flavor and represents incredible value in the current market.

Slane: Rock Star Heritage Meets American Expertise

Slane represents one of the most interesting partnerships in modern Irish whiskey. It's a collaboration between the owners of historic Slane Castle (famous for hosting legendary concerts by U2, Queen, and David Bowie) and Brown-Forman, the American spirits company behind Jack Daniel's.

Their "Triple Casked" method uses three different barrel types: virgin American oak for spice, seasoned Tennessee whiskey and bourbon casks for caramel and vanilla, and Oloroso sherry casks for dried fruit complexity. The result is remarkably complex for the £27-£34 price range, with notes of caramel, butterscotch, and warm baking spices. It was named Best Premium Irish Whiskey for 2024 by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, and I think it's criminally underrated.

Beyond the Mainstream: Why You Should Care About This Renaissance

Here's what really excites me about these underrated Irish whiskeys: they represent a fundamental shift in what Irish whiskey can be. The old stereotype of "smooth and simple" is being shattered by distillers who understand that smoothness doesn't have to mean boring.

Take Glendalough Double Barrel, for example. This single grain whiskey undergoes dual maturation in flame-charred American oak and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, creating impressive complexity for around £28-£30. It won Gold medals at both the 2024 World Whiskies Awards and the 2023 Irish Whiskey Awards, yet most people have never heard of it.

Or consider the revival of traditional techniques like whiskey bonding through producers like J.J. Corry. Louise McGuane became Ireland's first modern whiskey bonder, sourcing spirits and taking complete control of maturation and blending to create expressions that literally don't exist anywhere else. Her flagship, The Gael, includes malt aged up to 26 years and sells for around £95—expensive, yes, but representing a craft that was nearly lost.

What I find most compelling is how these producers balance innovation with respect for tradition. They're not throwing out everything that makes Irish whiskey special—they're building on that foundation to create something new and exciting.

The numbers tell the story: Ireland went from three operating distilleries in the 1980s to over 40 today. This isn't just growth; it's a creative explosion that's producing some of the most interesting whiskeys being made anywhere in the world.

Essential Resources for Your Irish Whiskey Journey

Where to Buy These Underrated Irish Whiskeys

• Master of Malt - Excellent selection and detailed tasting notes for most expressions
• The Whisky Exchange - Competitive pricing and reliable shipping across the UK
• Celtic Whiskey Shop - Specialist Irish whiskey retailer with expert curation
• Distillers Direct - Often has exclusive bottlings and limited releases
• Local independent wine shops - Often carry unique selections and offer personalized advice

Learn More About These Distilleries

• Teeling Distillery - teelingdistillery.com (Dublin distillery tours available)
• Walsh Whiskey - walshwhiskey.com (Writer's Tears producer)
• Glendalough Distillery - Visitor center in Wicklow Mountains
• West Cork Distillers - Tours available in Skibbereen, County Cork
• Powers Heritage - Irish Distillers legacy brand information

Expand Your Knowledge

• Irish Whiskey Magazine - Latest news and industry updates
• The Irish Whiskey Awards - Annual competition highlighting the best expressions
• How to Taste Whiskey Like a Pro - Master the fundamentals of whiskey tasting
• Best Whiskey Glasses - Choosing the right glassware for your drams
• Irish Whiskey Society - Local tasting groups and events

My Beginner vs. Expert Recommendations

If You're New to Irish Whiskey:

• Start with Powers Gold Label to understand pot still character
• Try Slane Triple Casked for accessible complexity
• Progress to Writer's Tears for premium quality
• Always taste neat first, then add water if needed
• Read our complete beginner's guide for foundational knowledge

If You're an Experienced Whiskey Drinker:

• Challenge yourself with Teeling Small Batch for innovation
• Compare The Sexton to your favorite sherry Scotches
• Seek out J.J. Corry for true connoisseur experiences
• Look for limited editions and cask-strength offerings
• Explore our comprehensive Irish whiskey rankings

Seasonal Drinking Guide

Spring/Summer: Teeling Small Batch on ice, Writer's Tears in light cocktails

Fall/Winter: Powers Gold Label in Irish Coffee, The Sexton by the fireplace

Special Occasions: Writer's Tears for toasts, J.J. Corry for truly memorable evenings

For more seasonal drinking inspiration, check out our guide to Irish whiskeys under £50 that work perfectly for different times of year.

Your Next Steps into Irish Whiskey's Hidden World

So where do you go from here? My advice is to start with what interests you most. If you love the idea of challenging the Jameson monopoly with something more characterful, grab a bottle of Powers Gold Label. If innovation excites you, try Teeling Small Batch. If you're drawn to stories and tradition, Writer's Tears is calling your name.

But here's the thing I wish someone had told me when I started exploring these underrated Irish whiskeys: don't feel like you need to become an expert overnight. The joy is in the exploration itself. Each bottle tells a different story about what Irish whiskey can be, and each sip teaches you something new about your own palate.

I've found that the best way to appreciate these whiskeys is to try them side by side. Get Powers Gold Label and Jameson and taste them together—you'll immediately understand why bartenders prefer the spicier character. Compare The Sexton's sherry intensity to a standard single malt, and you'll see how cask selection can completely transform a young whiskey.

The Irish whiskey renaissance isn't just marketing speak—it's a real, tangible movement happening in distilleries across Ireland right now. These seven underrated Irish whiskeys represent just the beginning of what's possible when passionate producers are given the freedom to experiment while honoring tradition.

Trust me, once you start exploring beyond the green bottles, you'll realize that Irish whiskey has been keeping some incredible secrets. The only question is: which one will you try first?

Sláinte to your journey into Ireland's hidden whiskey treasures. You're in for quite an adventure.

For even more Irish whiskey recommendations across all price ranges, explore our complete Irish whiskey list featuring over 50 expressions from traditional classics to innovative newcomers.