Ah, Irish whiskey, the liquid gold that tells a fascinating story (and a good one at that). Irish whiskey is not your average drink; it’s a narrative in a bottle, a bit of liquid history that’s smoother than a late-night conversation with an old friend. Whether you’re a whiskey fanatic or simply here to find an excuse to raise a glass this St. Patrick’s Day, right now, we’re giving Irish whiskey the spotlight it truly deserves. Deep diving into its world—it’s a drink that has survived centuries of chaos, rebellion, and has undoubtedly sparked many good memories.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and steer our focus on three distilleries that tell the rich history, the bold present, (and the bright future) of Irish whiskey.

From the OGs that are old, wise and still going strong, and newcomers shaking up the whiskey scene with bold flavours and new ideas, to smaller craft distilleries big on passion, we’re telling you all you need to know about three that should be on your radar.

So, buckle up, pour yourself a dram (or two), and let’s take a fun ride through some of Ireland’s most storied distilleries. You’ll be toasting your way through history in no time!

Bushmills: The world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery

Bushmills would be the one who’s been around so long, it has stories that could make your head spin. Officially established in 1608 on the North coast of Ireland (after decades of illicit distilling by bootleggers), this distillery is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. That’s over four centuries of perfecting the art of whiskey-making.

Why it’s iconic:

• Bushmills have been distilling for longer than most countries have existed, so they’re pretty much whiskey royalty.
• It’s survived wars, economic meltdowns, and even fires—and came out the other side like a whiskey phoenix, more legendary than ever.
• Masters of the triple-distilled process, which means the malt whiskey is smoother than a jazz sax solo.

Tasting notes:

Expect vanilla, honey, and just the right amount of spice—like a cosy evening in front of a crackling fire, but poured inside a glass.

Here’s a fun fact…

Bushmills won the only gold medal at the Paris Expo in 1889. They’re just that good at what they do.

Teeling: The rebirth of Dublin’s whiskey scene

For a while, Dublin was the whiskey capital of the world—until Prohibition, wars, and some seriously bad luck knocked it off its perch. For 125 years, Dublin whiskey was just a fond memory. Then came Teeling, they hit the ground running, bursting onto the scene in 2015, and they’ve been gaining momentum ever since, earning more and more recognition, one exceptional cask finish at a time.

Why it’s iconic:

• Teeling isn’t just about tradition—it’s about innovation. They’re the ones that decided Dublin deserved a whiskey distillery again, and now it’s one of the most exciting places to be in Irish whiskey.
• They experiment with finishes—rum casks, wine casks, chestnut wood—the works! Because who said Irish whiskey has to be predictable?
• Small-batch magic: These trailblazers are serious about the craft, bringing big flavours in small bottles.

Tasting notes:

Think fruit-forward, floral notes and bold palates, with a kick of spice. It’s whiskey with attitude, and we’re here for it.

Another fun fact…

Teeling doesn’t chill-filter its whiskey, meaning it retains all the good stuff that we know and love.

Teeling didn’t just bring whiskey back to Dublin; some say they revived the whole scene with their fresh approach. Bold flavours, daring cask finishes—Teeling is proof that history isn’t just something you admire, it’s something you create. Now, that’s what we call impactful!

You can shop our Teeling Whiskey range here.

Micil Distillery: Galway’s best kept secret (until now, that is)

A distillery with a cheeky story worth sharing. Micil Distillery may not have been founded for centuries like other Irish distilleries, but it has something that stands out: heart, soul, and a legacy of illicit distilling. Nestled in Galway, in 2020 they laid down Galway’s first legal whiskey in over a century, reviving and uniting the Connemara and Galway distilling traditions of the past. However, Micil’s roots go back to 1848, when the family started making poitín—a strong, unaged spirit that was illegal for over 300 years (1661-1997). If that doesn’t scream rebellious spirit, we don’t know what does.

Now, they’ve turned that same passion to Irish whiskey, and Micil is quickly becoming the go-to for people who want a true craft experience.

Why it’s iconic:

• Craft distilling at its finest: No mass production, just small-batch whiskey that’s made with care.
• They use local botanicals from the Connemara region, which gives their whiskey a real taste of what Galway has to offer.
• They’re the guardians of poitín, keeping it alive while crafting exceptional whiskey that’s truly authentic.

Tasting notes:

Expect a floral, earthy, and honeyed profile with a bit of spice—like the Irish countryside, bottled.

Another fun fact…

Micil’s family may have spent a few years illegally distilling poitín, but hey, it was a risk they were willing to take – and it sure paid off!

Micil is proof that craft distilling is alive and kicking. They’re bringing a modern touch to ancient traditions—and they’re doing it with a whole lot of heart.

Let’s cheers to Irish whiskey’s past, present, and future

So, what are the key takeaways? Irish whiskey isn’t just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about the stories, the passion, and the tradition behind each sip. 

Bushmills is the wise old master distillery who’s been making whiskey longer than any of us have been alive.

Teeling is the rebellious new kid on the block who decided Dublin needed a whiskey scene, and they’re running with it.

Micil is the craft distillery that’s proving that passion trumps size—Every. Single. Time.

Whether you’re sipping on Bushmills Black Bush, Teeling Small Batch, or Micil Heritage Poitín, know this: you’re not just drinking whiskey. You’re drinking history, passion, and a bit of Irish charm.

Irish whiskey is the kind of drink that’s been perfected over centuries. Drink it, savour it, and remember—life’s too short for bad whiskey. Consider Hackstons as your personal guide to enjoying the finer things in life this St. Patrick’s Day.

Sláinte!