Irish Whiskey vs Bourbon: Which is Better?

irish whiskey vs bourbon depicted by an irish whiskey glass over a malted barley background and a bourbon glass over a corn background

Spirits enthusiasts and new generations of whiskey drinkers debate Irish Whiskey vs Bourbon. Some argue that Irish whiskey is smoother and more flavorful, while others believe bourbon is the king of whiskeys. Others are whiskey-curious. So, which one is really the best? Let’s examine each of these spirits to see what sets them apart.

What is Irish Whiskey?

Irish whiskey is a type of whiskey that is distilled and aged in Ireland. It has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages, and has recently experienced a resurgence amongst spirits enthusiasts. Irish whiskey is made from a fermented mash of grain, typically barley, oats, or rye. Once the mash is fermented, the spirit is refined through three distillations (hence the term, triple-distilled) and then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. The final product is a smooth, flavorful whiskey with notes of vanilla and caramel. Irish whiskey can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. So whether you’re looking for something to warm you up on a cold day or to enjoy during a celebration, Irish whiskey is always a great choice.

What Does Irish Whiskey Taste Like?

Generally, Irish whiskey tastes light and fruity with notes of vanilla. It has a smooth and sweet finish. Each Irish whiskey has a complex, unique flavor profile derived from its mash bill and barrel.

The sweet taste comes from cereal grains, like malted barley. Oak barrels enrich the spirit with signature oak and caramel flavors. Because it’s smooth and easier to drink than other whiskeys, Irish whiskey is a great introductory spirit for new whiskey explorers.

It’s a great time to explore Irish whiskey as a wide variety of products have become available through the new Irish whiskey renaissance. A great entry point is to try one of each type of Irish whiskey.

Types of Irish Whiskey

The most common types of Irish whiskey are single malt, single grain, and blended.

Single malt Irish whiskey is made from 100% malted barley and distilled in pot stills.
Single grain Irish whiskey is made from a mix of grains (usually wheat or corn) and distilled in column stills.
Blended Irish whiskey is a combination of single malt and single grain whiskeys.

What is Bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that gets its name from its birthplace, Bourbon County, Kentucky. It has been around since the late 1700s and is a staple in any whiskey collection. Bourbon is mostly made from corn, distilled twice, and aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels. The final product has a strong, distinct flavor often described as sweet, smoky, or spicy. Bourbon is typically served neat, on the rocks, or used in iconic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan.

What Does Bourbon Taste Like?

Usually, bourbon tastes sweet and smoky with strong notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel. The finish is spicier than Irish whiskey. Bourbon has many flavor variations that can be grouped into four major categories: grain forward, nutmeg forward, caramel forward, and cinnamon forward. Like Irish whiskey, bourbon’s taste largely depends on the mash bill and aging process.

Bourbon gets a distinct vanilla and caramel flavor when it’s aged for four years or longer in charred barrels. A high percentage of rye produces notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Wooden notes are enhanced when the spirit spends more time aging in the barrel.

With many variations to choose from, it can be challenging to find one bottle that fully embodies the taste of bourbon. However, testing out one or more of each type of bourbon can help guide your bourbon preference.

Types of Bourbon

There are two main types of bourbon: Kentucky straight bourbon and blended bourbon.

Kentucky straight bourbon is made from a mash of at least 51% corn, distilled in Kentucky, and aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels.
Blended bourbon is a combination of straight bourbons and other whiskeys.

Key Differences Between Irish Whiskey and Bourbon

Although they come from the same family of spirits, Irish whiskey and bourbon are vastly different regarding where they’re made, how they’re made, what they’re made of, and how they taste. Here are several key differences that set these two spirits apart:

Country of Origin: Irish whiskey is made in Ireland. Bourbon is made in the United States.
Key Ingredients: Irish whiskey must be made from a mash of fermented grain, which often contains malted barley. Bourbon can be made from any grain mash but must contain at least 51% corn.
Distillation Process: Irish whiskey is distilled three times. Bourbon is only distilled twice.
Aging Process: Irish whiskey can be aged in various oak barrels and must be aged for a minimum of three years. Bourbon must be aged in a brand-new, charred white oak barrel for a minimum of two years.
Flavor Profiles: Irish whiskey and bourbon both contain notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Bourbon is often sweeter and spicier than Irish whiskey. Irish whiskey tends to be less smoky and more smooth than bourbon.

Which is Better, Irish Whiskey or Bourbon?

We obviously prefer Irish whiskey, but the answer ultimately depends on your taste preferences. Now that you know the difference between Irish whiskey and bourbon, you can settle the Irish whiskey vs bourbon debate. Add a Kinnitty Castle Irish Whiskey bottle to your spirits collection to compare it with your favorite bourbon.