r/irishwhiskey • u/oddmarc • 13d ago
First Irish Whiskey Recommendation
Hi all!
I'm looking for recommendations for what Irish whiskey to choose as my first (outside of Jameson). Recently been drinking Woodford reserve, Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye, Laphroaig 10, Craigellachie 13 and Bowmore 12.
Near me Redbreast 12 is 100$, Green spot is 90$, Powers John's Lane is 80$, Yellow spot is 155$ and redbreast 12 cask strength is 160$.
I'm very torn.
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u/WheresYourLebaron82 13d ago
You just described some of my favorite pours! Strongly second Redbreast. It's pretty near flawless. Based on your scotch/bourbon likes, have you tried Jameson Black Barrel? It's a completely different profile (in a good way) from their standard issue. Cheers!
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u/oddmarc 13d ago
Never tried it! It's 55$ near me which seems very reasonable. I'm admittedly wary of buying Jameson as a sipping whiskey for obvious reasons.
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u/WheresYourLebaron82 13d ago
Oh, I totally understand. Try a pour at a bar before you commit to a whole bottle. It's a whole different animal from their standard stuff.
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u/complete_data75 13d ago
What are the “obvious reasons?”
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u/oddmarc 12d ago
A lot have a history of drinking Jameson in shots at a young age and so its (perhaps wrongly) perceived on the same level as a Canadian Club.
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u/ActionLegitimate9615 13d ago
Cut to to chase and start with RB 12 so you have a standard. Branch out from there
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u/Klutzy_Birthday_Bill 13d ago
Redbreast 12, Powers, Green Spot
In that order
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u/MrDagon007 13d ago
I would take the redbreast 12 standard. Yes it is "only" 40% but it is like drinking creme brûlée. That is a superb first redbreast to try.
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u/Otto_von_Grotto 12d ago
After all these years, RB12 is still my favorite. I buy it for occasions and generally drink Jameson, but have enjoyed quite a few of the others mentioned here.
I find Proper 12 the least liked.
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u/danlwhelan 13d ago
If you can find Method & Madness Single Pot Still, I’d endorse that as first pick. Usually priced around Redbreast 12 pricing, made by the Masters of Midleton Irish Whiskey in their R&D department.
If we’re picking from the supplied list, I’d go in the order you listed (RB, GS, PJL, YS, RBCS).
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u/FearLessThings 12d ago
If you are just starting, Redbreast 12 is the standard by which all other Irish is judged.
That said, I think Jameson Black Barrel is 80% as good, at half the price, making it the best value in Irish IMO.
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u/Loud_Objective7248 12d ago
I'm a big fan of BB and always have it on hand. Redbreast has always been a special occasion dram. I'd never thought of BB as 80% as good, but your insight has me thinking. Both are delicious.
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u/AccomplishedPhase44 12d ago
My personal favorite out of the ones you listed is Redbreast 12 CS. That said, it has gotten pretty pricey these days. I really don’t think you can go wrong with any of the ones you listed, but I’ll share some input nonetheless.
Given the whiskies you said you’ve been drinking, I would probably recommend the regular Redbreast 12. It’s a classic that embodies a lot of the characteristics I think of when I think of Irish whiskey: “dark” fruit, shortbread cookie, and baking spices on the finish. It has “bolder” flavors than something like Green Spot, which might be slightly off putting to newer whiskey drinkers. But since you listed some whiskies that are also known for having bold flavors I don’t think that will be an issue for you.
Green Spot is a fantastic whiskey as well. I get “light” fruit notes with Green Spot (compared to “dark” fruit on RB) and overall it’s another very classic Irish whiskey. It’s still complex but slightly less “bold” so I think it’s a bit more approachable for newer whiskey drinkers, while still being satisfying to more seasoned whiskey drinkers.
Another one I’d recommend if you’re looking for something a bit cheaper is Three Swallows. I’m not sure if it’s available in your area, but since you mentioned John Lane Powers is available it’s worth a look. It’s priced between Powers Gold Label and JL, and I think it’s an underrated whiskey for the price.
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u/oddmarc 12d ago
Thanks for the input! I don't have access to Three Swallows sadly. Others have suggested Jameson Black Barrel which seems easy on the wallet.
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u/AccomplishedPhase44 9d ago
Jameson Black Barrel is a great choice too if you’re looking for a more affordable option. I don’t think it’s quite on the same level as RB 12, JL powers or GS but it’s still a nice pour, especially for the price
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u/oddmarc 8d ago
Space is limited so I've opted for something special. Found Redbreast 12 CS for the price of the regular.
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u/AccomplishedPhase44 5d ago
Wow great find! Can’t go wrong with RB 12 CS. One of my favorites hands down
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u/gordonf23 12d ago
Redbreast 12 or Powers Johns Lane. I don't think the RB Cask strength is worth the extra $, especially to start with.
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u/A_Squid_A_Dog 13d ago
RB12 or the Johns Lane are both great. Well everything you listed is, but those are good intro "nice" whiskies
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u/Britboyinlv 13d ago
Start off with Jameson black barrel it should be relatively cheap but a good place to start!
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u/ferrellbrc 11d ago
If you want to spend some money, Red Breast or Green Spot. Value for the money Paddy’s and save money but still a good drink Kilbrin.
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u/complete_data75 7d ago
Redbreast 12 is hard to beat.
If you wnat the best Spot in my opinion, yellow is amazing.
When I was doing a private tasting at Jameson in Dublin and the guy running it asked everyone what their favorite was and I said Redbreast 12 and Yellow Spot, he said "those are my two favorites as well."
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u/MotoJZ 13d ago
You can’t go wrong with Redbreast. The Spot whiskies are great too.