Every year on St. Patrick’s Day, the world turns a little greener. From the bustling streets of Dublin to pubs tucked away in cities across the globe, people gather to celebrate Irish heritage, culture, and, perhaps most famously, its drinks. While pints of Guinness often take centre stage, there’s a quieter, more refined tradition that deserves the spotlight: rare Irish Whiskey.
A Celebration of Irish Heritage
St. Patrick’s Day commemorates Saint Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Over centuries, the day evolved from a religious observance into a worldwide celebration of Irish identity – often accompanied with parades, music and wild gatherings!
The Renaissance of Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey has experienced a remarkable revival in recent decades. Once overshadowed by Scotch and Bourbon, it’s now reclaiming its place among the world’s finest spirits. Distilleries such as Midleton and Bushmills have led this charge.
What sets Irish whiskey apart is its signature smoothness, often achieved through triple distillation, and a balance of flavours that range from light and floral to rich and spicy.
The Magic of Rare Bottles
Rare Irish whiskeys are where dedicated craftsmanship meets exclusivity. These bottles are often aged for decades, matured in unique casks, and/or produced in extremely limited quantities.
Take, for instance, the legendary Midleton Very Rare - an annual release that has become a collector’s dream, just in the way that The Macallan Anniversary Malt series did for Scotch or Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection for Bourbon. Each edition is carefully curated, offering subtle variations that reflect the distillery’s mastery.
Other rare expressions to look out for include bottles from Redbreast, Bushmills, Jameson, Old Comber, Teeling and Tullamore.
Below we are going to take a look at some of the unicorns of the Irish Whiskey world, some of the rarest and in-demand bottlings ever released: -
Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey, 1987 Bottling
Distilled and blended at the Jameson distillery, this limited edition Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey was bottled in 1987 and comes signed by the Master Distiller, Barry Crockett.
This 750ml limited release from the Very Rare series comes in great condition complete with original presentation box and Invitation insert.
Living up to its name, this is most certainly one of the most difficult of the series to come by.
The Whisky Vault Price: net £4,166.67. Buy Here.
Jameson Bow Street 1963 27yo, Cadenhead’s 150th Anniversary Bottling
This outstanding 27 year old Irish Whiskey was laid down at the Jameson's Bow Street distillery in 1963 and bottled by Wm Cadenhead in 1991.
Charged from oak cask at a colossal natural strength 68.2% ABV, this Cadenhead's Authentic Collection edition was bottled to commemorate the indie bottlers' 150th Anniversary in 1992.
The Whisky Vault Price: net £5,416.67. Buy Here.
Old Comber 30yo, Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey
This fabulous 30 year old Irish whiskey was distilled at the Old Comber distillery and bottled in the 1980's.
The Old Comber distillery was located in Comber, County Down in Northern Ireland. Like many of Ireland's distilleries, production sadly ceased at Comber in the 1950s.
A batch of Comber whiskey was discovered in the 1980's and subsequently bottled in small releases over several years, making this little piece of history one of the last bottlings ever released from this long lost distillery!
The Whisky Vault Price: Not Currently Available. View Here.
Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey, 1997 Bottling
Distilled and blended at the Jameson distillery, this limited edition Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey was bottled in 1997 and comes signed by the Master Distiller, Barry Crockett.
The Whisky Vault Price: net £1,041.67. Buy Here.
Tullamore 1949 41yo, Cadenhead’s 150th Anniversary Bottling
This fascinating 41 year old Irish Whiskey was laid down at the Tullamore distillery in 1949 and bottled by Wm Cadenhead in 1991.
Yielded from oak cask at a huge natural strength 65.4% ABV, this Cadenhead's Authentic Collection release was bottled in preparation to commemorate their 150th Anniversary in 1992.
The Whisky Vault Price: net £5,000. Buy Here.
Toasting an Irish Tradition
Whether you’re in a crowded pub or enjoying a quiet evening at home, St. Patrick’s Day offers a chance to connect with friends, culture, history …and Irish whiskey.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh.