THE DRINK NATION IS A FREE RESOURCE FOR FINDING EVERYTHING AWESOME ABOUT DRINKING IN YOUR LOCATION
Signup

Spirit Review: Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey

by Jen Killius on Nov 7, 2012 in Liquor
Spirit Review: Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey

Founded in Ireland in 1757, the Kilbeggan distillery created one of the original Irish whiskies. The company claims to be the oldest licensed distillery in the world; however, there was a brief hiatus. Thanks to the Irish War of Independence and the devastating effects of U.S. Prohibition on the Irish whiskey industry (after Prohibition ended, Scotch whisky stole its place in the American drinking canon), the original distillery ceased production in 1953 and closed in 1957. It then reopened when it was purchased by in the 1980s by the newly created Cooley company.

Less well-known outside of Ireland than market-dominant brands Jameson and Bushmill’s, Kilbeggan is first double distilled from malted barley at Cooley Distillery in a 3,000 liter copper pot still from the 1840s. The liquor is then brought to Kilbeggan in central Ireland where it’s aged in used bourbon barrels and housed in centuries-old storehouses. The result is the flagship blended 8o proof Irish whiskey, created to be an easy drinking, every day spirit.

Kilbeggan has soft and buttery aromas leading to a citrusy, vanilla and caramel flavor on the nose. This opens up to a warm, round mouthfeel on the palate, with peach and malt overtones. The finish is mostly smooth, though a little woody and astringent. Overall it’s softer and smoother than other Irish whiskies.

However, while mellow, it lacks a bit of character. This isn’t a complex whiskey, but would be a good choice for those who like bourbon or who are just starting to open up to whiskey. For the price, it’s a very smooth and versatile spirit, good for both sipping and mixing.

As we head into late fall, Kilbeggan would make a great addition to an Irish coffee.

Irish Coffee

4 oz. freshly brewed coffee
1½ oz. Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey
1 tsp. brown sugar
heaping spoonful of whipped cream
nutmeg and chocolate for garnish

In a heated glass, pour in whiskey and mix in coffee and brown sugar until dissolved.Top with whipped cream and top with grated nutmeg and chocolate.

Recent Articles
Drink NYC Launch Party at Franklin Park, June 19
The Offline Glass Takes Aim at Smartphone Use in Bars
Brewers Association Savor 2013: 5 Best Beer and Food Pairings

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Brewers Association Savor 2013: 5 Best Beer and Food Pairings

Brewers Association Savor 2013: 5 Best Beer and Food Pairings

The idea of pairing beer with food was one of the "radical" concepts that helped the American craft beer movement gain steam....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 17, 2013
Celebrity Drinks: The Favorite Drinks of 14 Famous New Yorkers

Celebrity Drinks: The Favorite Drinks of 14 Famous New Yorkers

The drinks famous New Yorkers like to imbibe can be classic or as eccentric as their colorful personalities....read more ›

by David Clough Jun 16, 2013
OnTap Beer Enhancer Aims to Enliven Macrobrew

OnTap Beer Enhancer Aims to Enliven Macrobrew

A product that supposedly can save you from having to settle for boring Bud...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 13, 2013
SPONSORED
Read The Drink Nation Anywhere You Are
Dad's Hat Rye Expands Line With Double-Finished Spirits

Dad's Hat Rye Expands Line With Double-Finished Spirits

Look for even more releases from the new craft distillery in the future....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 13, 2013
Pro Tip: Toast Summer With an Outdoor Wine Party

Pro Tip: Toast Summer With an Outdoor Wine Party

It's easy to open your home, your patio, your backyard or even your tiny balcony to host a casual outdoor wine party....read more ›

by Melissa Auman Greiner Jun 10, 2013
Uncommon Booze: 7 Spirits You've Probably Never Heard Of

Uncommon Booze: 7 Spirits You've Probably Never Heard Of

If you've imbibed it all and are looking for a new adventure, check out the curiosities we've uncovered. ...read more ›

by David Clough Jun 7, 2013
Beer Review: Denver Beer Graham Cracker Porter

Beer Review: Denver Beer Graham Cracker Porter

This beer is entirely worth your time and effort. You might even find yourself asking for s'more. ...read more ›

by Nathan Solheim Jun 5, 2013
Tickets Available for Brewers Association SAVOR, June 14-15

Tickets Available for Brewers Association SAVOR, June 14-15

If you've been saving up or looking for a fun beer-centric escape, SAVOR is for you....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 5, 2013
A Brief History of Beer Gardens

A Brief History of Beer Gardens

It's time to begin thinking about one of the great pleasures of springtime: an afternoon sitting under the shade of a blossoming tree, stationed at a ...read more ›

by Dan Packel Mar 12, 2012
IPA Face-Off: Five of the Best in the Mid-Atlantic

IPA Face-Off: Five of the Best in the Mid-Atlantic

One category the Mid-Atlantic is doing better than anyone else right now is India Pale Ales, and these five are tops. ...read more ›

by David Covucci Feb 9, 2012
SPONSORED
View all Articles