TOP IRISH WHISKIES

Waterford Arcadian Gaia 1.1, £76.95 for 70cl, Master of Malt

An organic single malt whisky and first in the Arcadian series, the barley’s sourced from six different farmers and matured in a combination of first-fill American oak, virgin American oak, Vin Doux Naturel and French oak casks. On the nose, orange zest and salted caramel are in the driving seat, with florals, citrus notes, barley sugar, butterscotch, earthy spice and a kiss of sweetness on the lasting finish.

Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, £49.95 for 70cl, The Whisky Exchange

A single pot Irish whiskey made at The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, the first distillery in the north-western province of Connacht in more than 100 years. Made from malted Irish barley and Irish barra oats, it’s matured in a combination of Kentucky bourbon and sherry oloroso casks and opens up with toasted nuts, honeysuckle and toffee, with a lovely creamy palate of dark chocolate, figs and sweet spice.

Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, £34.95 for 70cl, Master of Malt

The Teeling brothers are also part of the new generation of distillers who’ve led the push into premium and innovative whiskies – and brought distilling back to Dublin for the first time in 100 years, when they revived the family brand in 2012. Their flagship expression was the first Irish Whiskey to be finished in a rum barrel, bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered. With a deliciously fruity profile, vanilla, sweet spice and lingering woody undertones sing from the glass.