Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

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
spacer

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:
 
Pamper Yourself at These Spas with Bars in Philadelphia

Pamper Yourself at These Spas with Bars in Philadelphia

Whether you're going solo or heading out with friends, we've got just the place for your to relax and enjoy a good drink...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Apr 5, 2023
The Best Mocktails, Zero Proof, & Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Philadelphia

The Best Mocktails, Zero Proof, & Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Philadelphia

Not drinking alcohol tonight? These bars and restaurants have you covered with inventive, thoughtful, and down...read more ›

by Michelle Cassidy Jan 11, 2023
Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

The PLCB, announced that a 4% price increase would go into effect on 3,554 of its most popular wine and spirit...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 9, 2023
SPONSORED
The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

Here it is - the definitive list of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars....read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 13, 2017
The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

In this segment we speak to Olivia Babiec, the former Philadelphia Distiller who moved to Hawaii to make gin...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 5, 2023
Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Holidays, birthdays, weddings, or any private event - Philadelphia has you covered...read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 5, 2022
Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

The fourth annual Philadelphia Cider Week is being celebrated from Sunday, October 23 through Sunday, October 30...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 21, 2022
Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Fall is here and what better way to celebrate than at CiderFest at the historic Woodford Mansion in Fairmount ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Oct 13, 2022
WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

The team behind the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival have conjured up a spellbinding event - WitchCraft - a...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 12, 2022
LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

Fishtown has a new Baja Mexican destination for tequila and mezcal fans...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 14, 2022
SPONSORED
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close