Up until the 1990s, there were only two Irish whiskey distilleries in existence. The past 20 years have seen growth for the category, but its place within the U.S. market remains meager.
There are a number of reasons why Irish whiskey has been unable to really capture the American imagination. Despite the category’s considerable expansion and experimentation with new releases in the past few decades, distilleries have yet to embrace bourbon’s tater-luring strategies. Most Americans’ experiences with the spirit is as a shot or in an Irish Coffee. And it’s generally from just one brand — Jameson. Is Irish whiskey just having a slow start or does it have a future in the American market?
Today on the “VinePair Podcast,” VinePair spirits editor Aaron Goldfarb joins Adam, Joanna, and Zach to discuss his list of 2026’s best Irish whiskeys and to deliberate the state of the category. Is any spirit more dominated by its biggest brand than Irish whiskey is by Jameson? Can premiumization offer distilleries a route to success in the U.S.?
Zach is drinking: Weird Al’Gonq’ovich at Atoma
Joanna is drinking: Turbo Guinness
Adam is drinking: Gibson at A Pop-Up Called Pancakes
Aaron is drinking: Michter’s “Celebration” Sour Mash
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The article The VinePair Podcast: Irish Whiskey Is Still Looking for Its Audience appeared first on VinePair.