My 2020 Irish Whiskey of the Year! | The Whiskey Dictionary

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

What was your favorite Irish Whiskey this year?

[@donaldrance]

My favourite Irish whiskey this year was The Irishman 17 year Single Cask.

[@laryco]

Dingle Batch 4.....but for bottles available here....Red Breast 12....haven't broken the $100 price point yet...as for cheap pours...Paddy's is nice and I have a higher opinion on the Bushmills 10, I just like sipping on it keep up the good work

[@harrisonmckenzie4905]

Bushmills black bush is the best, to me anyway.

[@laryco]

@@harrisonmckenzie4905 can't argue with that...a nice pour

[@jessemorgan8702]

Method & Madness Single Malt. Really re-sparked my love for Irish whiskey after falling to the dark side of Cask Strength Scotch for a while.

[@PJB0830]

I absolutely love the Jameson Stout edition, one of my favorites for sure

[@megadawg342]

I'm gonna give it a try. I dnn like the IPA.

[@kylenakamura4353]

Agreed! But seeing it at the bottom of this top 12 list made me think... what am I missing out on if that isn't the best one? haha

[@MP-tf7cc]

I think it's very good too. Much better than the ipa and regular.

[@FEWGEE1]

It's a decent budget beginner whisky, but that's it.

[@jessemorgan8702]

I disagree about the Jameson Stout being skipped, it’s so friendly and such a good introduction to the fairly novel Stout finish that seems to be picking up in both Irish and Australian whiskies. Nonetheless, thank you for the list as it serves as a good review of the year 2020 for Irish whiskies. I will certainly be revisiting the Black Barrel, as I can’t say I got as much out of it as I would have liked. I do however love the old Black Barrel reserve bottling, one of my all time favourites.

[@eviltrain24]

After doing a side by side with both caskmates and the original, I actually prefer the softer infusion of the barrel character into the IPA over the stout which everyone raves about. I "get" why it's the preferred expression and I believe the more expressive (if not more explosive) tasting notes is what's driving that decision. I just think the subtlety of the IPA is more drinkable, whereas the Stout is more like a decadent dessert you can only enjoy every once in awhile, at least in comparison.

[@jcurbin305]

@@eviltrain24 my thoughts exactly.👍

[@danielfernandez5721]

Jameson Stout is one of my favorite whiskeys ever, Teeling SB is awesome too and my latest purchase. I’m looking to either get Red Breast CS or the peated Irish

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

The Stout was a let down for me, but its possible I expected something different than I should have. Either way, you'll love the Connemara and the CS

[@megadawg342]

My Brother In Law just recommended the Teeling and Red Breast so I got the Teeling today. Mmmm tasty!

[@ethancarter4709]

Cask strength for me, is too heavy on the %. Better off with the 12 year, as it's a better drinker. If you'd like an amazing sipper, try the 21 year, a little pricy but my heaven it is worth every penny. 27 year to me was overrated, amazing aroma and taste, but in my opinion, not worth the price. Still give it a 9/10 though!

[@utoobia]

@@ethancarter4709 Pro tip…add water to the CS. I’ve compared Redbreast 12 to a Redbreast CS cut down to 40% abv, and the CS is clearly better. If fact, I now cut it to 48% and it’s even better.

[@eviltrain24]

I tasted the two Jameson caskmates and immediately thought that the Stout Edition would be the crowd pleaser with it's more robust interplay of flavors with the stout notes. But for my money, I really liked the IPA edition. My opinion was that the IPA flavor notes worked even better with the classic Jameson profile, creating a delicate dance rather than a "rowdy jig" of the stout. That Connemara... absolutely loved the first few dips but as I got down to the bottom of the bottle, I ended up disowning it.

[@Von_Fishman]

Really like this format especially for a whiskey year in review. My favorite part is less about learning the order you put them in or the tasting notes, the reviews are for that, but seeing your face react with that big grin as you remember a good time with a given dram. I 100% agree that whiskey is much more about the memories than the objective liquid in the glass. Cheers to a 2021 where we can make many more happy whiskey memories!

[@playwithpassion]

Yellow spot!!! My wife got me a bottle for my 40th and I wasn't disappointed. It's a really buttery and nice. I had two bottles of greenspot over the few years before that and it was grand but nothing on yellow spot.

[@Kavster92]

Best Whiskey I ever tasted and Im not a fan of the spirit itself.

[@spenzalii]

If I don't want to (or can't) spend the money on RB12, Teeling Small Batch is a worthy, tasty alternative. RB12 CS, on the other hand, is worth saving up for and buying no matter the cost in your area. It is fantastic

[@groberti]

Good to know! The Teeling Small Batch looks like is an amazing value for the buck! Will pick it up this year! :D

[@SuperKrisco]

Got the Teeling Single Pot recently, and I quite enjoyed it once it opened up a little after a rest. Has a bit of Vegemite or molasses going on which I really enjoy.

[@BenNoel117]

Redbreast CS is the best cask strength Irish available at it's price of around $60-$70. It's really amazing, sweet and savory upon hitting the tongue when enjoyed neat at 55% ABV, but I highly, highly recommend adding a teaspoon of water and letting it sit for about 10-15 minutes to open up. Once it's had time to open up, there really is no comparison to the original 40% ABV except that the CS is, in my opinion, 3x better. Spend the extra $20 and go for the CS RB over the classic RB if you have the chance, it's a fantastic!

[@carlosc9127]

It was interesting to hear your comments about Red Spot. After searching for one for several months, got one and tried it this week. I was comparing the Red Spot with the Tyrconnell 15 Madeira cast. And to my surprise, the Tyrconnell was a better drink, more fruity, sweet. The Red Spot wasn't quite what I was expecting, darker flavors.

[@talljohn5350]

Surprised you chose yellow spot. I find it underwhelming compared to regular green spot. And I love the red spot.

[@Orielparadise]

Should try the Red spot again now. I found that it tasted better after a bit of “oxidation” maybe. It definitely tasted better on 2-3rd trying.

[@scottedmonds850]

Jameson stout edition and Bushmills 10 > Teeling small batch any day of the week. Taste is subjective and this list is your opinion but telling folks to skip these is a disservice IMO.

[@glennhooper8867]

I'll be the odd one out and say that Redbreast 12 didn't really impress me that much. It's nice sure, but it's not the golden elixir that a lot of people think it is (to me). It seems quite one note, malty and sherried with no burn. So I don't think it's bad but honestly, I think it just tastes like a more sherried and less grainy Jameson. It costs €60 here in Ireland and I think at that price there's far better whiskey, Irish or otherwise.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Given your location im super interested in your thoughts around better Irish Whiskies

[@glennhooper8867]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Jameson Crested, Green Spot, and Powers Three Swallow are some of my favourites. I also think the West Cork single malts are really good, I hope to see you review them on the channel someday as they've recently started to distribute stateside. And for the price I think Powers Gold Label completely defies expectations. As a matter of interest, there's a whiskey shop near me that does blind tastings, and Powers Gold Label is frequently rated highest, and that's in a flight that includes Redbreast 15.

[@bogdanrylski4330]

I'm not sure if I'm missing something but I found the Teeling Small Batch to be really rough around the edges. It takes forever to open up. After I desensitized my palet with some higher abv stuff I still was getting super shiny, rough edges on it even though the underlying flavors are great.

[@scottedmonds850]

Totally agree, makes me hesitant to shell out the $ to try their other pricier expressions

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Interesting. I was impressed by them. Im hoping to explore more of their range this year

[@tiredofstupidity819]

If you get the chance the barbazon and revival series are very tasty.

[@joesullivan2285]

Happy New Year 2021! Strong list. Good descriptions and rationales. For me, I like the Teeling Small Batch. Redbreast 12 is also a go-to. When I started drinking years ago, Black Bush was my jam, so I am nostalgic about that bottle.

[@lunacave]

Green Spot doesn't have an age statement. It seems you should know this? It's said to consist of whiskys between 7-10yo however.

[@smashexentertainment676]

The price should not be a serious factor taken into consideration. Because it's subjective to your location. If you travel and see the bottle for half the price, you might only remember the negative side of it just being too expensive in your local store and miss out on some great stuff. However you can use MSRP, which will show the true value and how much extra taxes you're paying. For example here in EU Redbreast 12 is a steal for 40 EUR.

[@geletrode]

Just bought another bottle of yellow spot. still one of my favorites.

[@shanetowne6530]

My favorite whiskey of all time is jameson coopers Croze. The bottle has a great description. I think proper 12 is a good whiskey dispite being very neutral its like jqmeson with the corners worn off.

[@BackLooking]

I don´t even like Black Bush. It smells beautifully but it bites and after swallowing it just disappears. I liked Jameson Stout as well as Black Barrel. I was quite disappointed by Powers Signature Release I´ve bought recently. The bitterness in the finish was a little annoying. Green Spot is very similar but the bitternes is well ballanced so I quite enjoy it. I still don´t think I´m ready for peat so I aim for Yellow Spot and Redbreast now.

[@JCooK2007]

I personally got the Bushmills 16 at the distillery, pure heaven. I can't recommend it enough.

[@blucheer8743]

We drank a bottle of red breast 15 on st paddy’s it was AWESOME! We had Guinness, baileys, black bush but the star of the show was the RB15 wow holy water couldn’t be smoother!

[@jeremyfranks9587]

Really enjoyed the video! Great job and Happy New Year!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thanks! Happy New Year

[@ladnargnoll1400]

Great list but I was sad not to see any Knappogue Castle on this list. The 14 year old is my go to Irish. I would have also added RedBreast Lustau. As far as the spots I agree the yellow is the better of the three main spots but once I tried the Chateau Leoville Barton I never went back, so amazing. Happy New year...Kippis!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I didnt review them this year. Had I I bet at least one would have done well

[@gazebo2012]

Best ones I've had are Powers 12, redbreast 12, yellow and green spot. Worst was jamesons stout edition.

[@archietyler6759]

Great list Bill!! Teeling is my favorite. I keep a bottle on hand always. I love the Connemara but it has become harder for me to find where I'm at. Maybe you remember but you introduce me to Connemara earlier this year so thank you so much for that! Happy New Year to you and the family Bill!!!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thats awesome! Im glad you enjoyed it. Sad to hear its not so available. For my money, the Connemara 12 wasn't worth it, not sure if you've tried it

[@buddymc]

Our tastes are similar. To me, Kilbeggan is the 'worst' of the lineup. Teeling Single Malt is on par with the small-batch, if not a tad better. Jameson Black Barrel is tasty too. As for my favorite, it comes down to what I'm willing to spend and that's Tullamore DEW and Slane.

[@spenzalii]

I've had the 3 'core' Teeling expressions in the States (Small Batch, Single Grain, Single Barrel). Always end up back at Small Batch. Single Grain has a dry, bitter aftertaste I don't care for, and for the price, I couldn't say how much better Single Barrel was from the Small Batch (and at the price I can find it, I'm in RB12 territory, which I'd rather have all things being equal). Haven't done DEW in a while. My favorite expression (DEW Phoenix) is no longer produced. If I could find it, I'd buy every bottle

[@paddykthedj]

I thought jameson black barrel for the price was incredible..great quality

[@timstokes8283]

Bushmills 10 excellent everyday whisky

[@Deatomizer]

Jameson is too smooth for me for an Irish whisky. My go to is Teeling Small Batch

[@kapilkk06]

What do you think and please suggest.....where Black bush be ranked...I found inexpensive.. pocket friendly and really amazing stuff

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I think I'd put it on either side of the Jameson Black Barrel

[@Gfuunkeraaa]

Have you tried green spot chateau leoville barton ?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I've never seen either of the special green spots in person. Id love to buy them

[@tiredofstupidity819]

Definitely agree to this and the other green spot chateau montelana. Depending on where you are in the country you can have it shipped. I buy a lot of my Irish whiskey from irishmalts.com great for the hard to find ones.

[@Gfuunkeraaa]

@@tiredofstupidity819 luckily my access of availability is only 30 minutes away

[@tiredofstupidity819]

@@Gfuunkeraaa you sir are a lucky one. Since I moved away from California, all of my favorite whiskies have been much harder to get.

[@TheWutang1995]

I'm a big fan of redbreast but agree that I kinda hate spending a lot on irish whiskey (around me it's 55 which isn't too bad though tbh) but this definitely convinced me to grab a bottle of teeling next time I'm at the store since I think it's around the 30 dollar mark if I remember right

[@rossfudd256]

A few years ago Connemara made a cask strength available, wish I could find a few of those bottles.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Same. I have a contact there and he couldn't get me one.

[@AlReyn]

Bushmills 16 yr is a good whiskey. I had a bottle of Natterjack cask strength gifted to me which I cant wait to try

[@jamesedwards2237]

Love the Teeling small batch. Nicely priced and good sipping.

[@pcmacintyre]

Shocked you put Teeling above Redbreast 12. The Teeling is pleasant enough, but to me lacks character. Where I am I can usually get the Redbreast 12 for around 50-60 USD. I can't argue with the Redbreast Cask Strength. It's great. Now I feel bad not getting a bottle of Yellow Spot at Costco a couple weeks ago. They had a handful of bottles left for $75.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

The teeling got up so high due to its lower price

[@pcmacintyre]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Fair enough.

[@darkoanton5]

I bought two Red Spot. I must say that I enjoy the Green Spot Chateau Montelena just as much at about half the price.

[@AfterHoursCollector]

Yellowspot- The smoothest whiskey you’ll ever drink

[@francisbloom4193]

I love this format, thanks for sharing

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Wish I could do it more. Maybe ill explore full ranges like this or something

[@mamuka1977]

Happy New Year!!! For me the Red Spot was huge disappointment, because I really love Green spot, I also agree Teeling does make great whiskey, do not really care about Jameson IPA. For me personally it's Green spot (all expressions), Red Breast cask strain and regular, and also Connemara.

[@bethhiggins1907]

Thanks for another great review!

[@星野和高-s5f]

Okay, Yellow Spot is now top of my purchase list.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Good decision! Let me know if you love it

[@haehne]

i am a scotch drinker but the connemara 22 yo blew my socks off! expensive, sure, but one of the best whiskies out there! and yes, the bushmills 16 yo clearly belongs to this list, too!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Interesting, I didnt know they made a 22 year old Connemara!

[@haehne]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary get a bottle, it competes with the best peated scotches out there!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I've never seen one. Ill see if I can source one

[@shadowr6348]

Enjoyed this review and agree. Bushmills 10 is a disappointment, it's taken me years to finish it. Early in my whisky journey I loved the Conemarra, would be nice at a higher abv. The Black Barrell is a nice every dayer and now, on your recommendation I can't wait to open the RB cask strength, cheers Charlie

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Oh man its good

[@SanskarWagley]

Agree with Redbreast...the 12 is good, but $70 a bottle is a bit much for me. Paid $15 for the 12 Cask Strength at a bar, which is also a bit high.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Good for a try though.

[@lifeisgreat1718]

I usually pay 52.99 in NJ

[@brianwalsh9778]

Great review! But....no Powers? To me, the John’s Lane and Three Swallows are excellent.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I didnt review those this year. :) this was only whiskies I reviewed

[@arnobigdog]

I am pretty sure thats not red breast 12 cask strength. Isnt that the new, no age statement red breast cask strength. They have 2 core range no age statement cask strength whiskeys now.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Just made me check my bottle. It definitely says "aged 12 years on it"

[@arnobigdog]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary guess I just didnt look properly. You should do a head to head with the two if you haven't yet.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

No worries! I’m happy to be questioned, I make mistakes from time to time too. That’s a fun idea regarding the head to head.

[@djbeacon1942]

Bill, enjoyed this format and summary. I guess I'm in the minority, I put the Redbreast 12 RIGHT UP there with the CS. Even with the lower proof, the flavors are as enjoyable as the B2 / 19. I need to look for the Yellow Spot. Not to be confused with Yellow Snow??!! Best Wishes for 2021!! 🥓🥓🥓🥃🥃

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Yellow snow tends to vary a lot from batch to batch :)

[@kapilkk06]

Always love clear cut reviews 👍 cheers

[@jessemorgan8702]

As an English teacher, alternatives I would use for amazing include: Exceptional, divine, incredible, superb, exquisite, wondrous, and evolved. Come on team, let’s give him a word bank to use.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

What a delightful, stupendous set of adjectives. I thank you profusely

[@KennethRathburn]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary As an English major, I would contribute: Fantastic, excellent, awesome, spectacular, delightful, and phenomenal.

[@djbeacon1942]

Jesse, that's an amazing list!!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Hilarious

[@djbeacon1942]

@Mikael Funch Truly AMAZING list! CHEERS!

[@BG-oj6zt]

I really enjoyed the jameson stout edition amazing value for money very tasty!!!

[@emilioavila6537]

Yellow spot💯

[@jimmymacization]

Have you done a review of Barr an Uisce?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Not yet

[@eyemallears2647]

I kinda lost interest when you criticised bushmills 10yr single malt…… either we have vastly different tastes or I’ve got A LOT to learn.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

In hindsight, the 10 isn't bad but it's not something I go back to ever

[@kelanmccormack2828]

Yellow spot over green is criminal. What a dumpster fire 😂

[@williamgrand9724]

I wish I could find green spot whiskey where i live.

[@archim3dis]

you should explain the taste and flavours.. not only say its good or fantastic ;)

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

All of these whiskies have reviews that I did on them

[@archim3dis]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary well then thanks, i was not aware of it =) i ll go for it

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Sorry if my message was short, I'm in a store. I think i put links on the description if I didn't, then shame on me :)

[@Jamie2oo8Else]

Great collection, you should send me it for Christmas, season to be joyful and all fhat.

[@gintu05]

Redbreast 12 CS is my favorite by far.

[@megadawg342]

None Bad? Must not have tried a JAMESON CASKMATE IPA. Yuk! This TEELING Small Batch finished in the RUM CASKS is really exceptional! Tasty!! Liquid Candy. One of the BEST. For the price it's a ridiculous bargain.

[@JPC326]

Connemara is my favorite Irish!

[@joegrone9671]

I agree. Red breast is veeeery good. Expensive but good.

[@GreatExplications]

Red Spot goes for between $250 and $350 I think.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Jeez. Its about $115 near me, but isn't easy to get

[@rollotomassi7437]

Blue Spot? Where the Blue?

[@spacechimp3199]

Oh man I wish I could get my hands on so many of these

[@thommccarthy08]

Again - we'll share our bottles, but not our tongue (with #3 and #4)

[@barrygiddey9139]

Great lineup Bill 🥃

[@sambasivaraomindala3414]

Hi Bill u r from which country?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

U.S.A. can't you tell by my pale complexion and that I'm overweight? :)

[@lifeisgreat1718]

No red breast 21?!?! Or bushmill 16?!!?!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I didnt review either of those this year

[@Tops1212]

If I could only have two Irish whiskeys, Greenspot and red breast 12yrs...

[@playwithpassion]

Redbreast is best! Love it but personally I've had 2 bottles of greenspot over a few years and recently tried yellowspot, and the latter bests the green spot. So.. for the price redbreast is best still, but yellow spot is really good vs green at least!

[@Vadperkelt]

Knappogue Castle 16 best irish whiskey.

[@lifeisgreat1718]

The 12 is a very good whiskey. Price is nice too

[@jaxson1948]

Very well done!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thanks!

[@Jeff21790]

No Writers Tears?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I didnt review it this year

[@Jeff21790]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary oh ok! I think it's a great one as well personally

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I've had it and agree!

[@tiredofstupidity819]

@whiskeydictionary did you have the red head or the copper pot? Red head hands down is a top favorite if I can find it

[@kapilkk06]

Excellent 👍

[@ronr9423]

Yellow Spot is on my list to buy and review. Redbreast is expensive here as well

[@clintondeabreu8565]

Connemara would of been on the bottom of the pick for me & I really enjoy my peat, the rest were where they should be. Another 2 really great Irish whiskey are "Lord Lieutenants" Kinahan's Irish Whiskey 10YO & Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton would both be in the top 5

[@z3ro7o]

Proper12

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

No thanks

[@lvjoe6164]

Proper 12 is best Irish whiskey, hands down

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Coming from someone who has had A LOT of proper twelve... the stuff is swill

[@z3ro7o]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary that even in the worse list haha? Got a bottle as a Christmas gif still not opened it

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@KennethRathburn]

In other words, I better grab a Yellow Spot if I can lol

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

For sure

[@JPC326]

Amazing

[@kaiser819]

I have to disagree with the Yellow Spot being #1, I personally think the Green spot is much better. Looking forward to trying Red and Blue next. Slánte!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thats totally valid, they have very different flavors. Nice!

[@mongsendonglongkumer3429]

Where is proper 12 Irish whisky

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I didnt review it this year. These were only whiskies I reviewed this year.

[@gohabs365]

My favorite Irish whiskey is Scotch.

[@adammartin7007]

Yawn!

[@Hobbbuddy]

This dude is the creepiest person in the whiskey world 😳

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Why do you say that?

[@johnzajac9849]

.......none of them is........**

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Did I say that? "None of them is"? If so, that's embarrassing

[@johnzajac9849]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Sorry. I meant that the asterisks should indicate a correction! ref. The word, 'none', means 'not one'. Therefore, 'none of them is' is the correct expression. P.S. I love Teeling!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

@johnzajac9849 it's fine, I appreciate that. I pride myself on my vocabulary, not my grammar 😀 I just rewashed the video and didn't hear "none of them is" so I suspect it doesn't stick out much