Later in August 2021, Carey’s legal team objected to Darker Still Spirits’ use of the registered name, as the trademark conflict meant the singer could not sell her cream liqueur of the same name in the European Union (EU) and UK. Richard Ryan, co-creator of Born Irish, and co-founder of distribution partner, Kirker Greer Spirits, said: “We are delighted to have resolved this trademark issue with Mariah’s team so that we are both able to sell our respective brands in our desired territories. Slane hails from the Boyne River Valley, which was once home to many other distilleries, and is one of the few that has revitalized the tradition. Distilled on the grounds housing the old Slane Castle, this Irish whiskey is aged in a selection of three different casks: virgin oak, seasoned whiskey, and Oloroso sherry. It’s bold and layered with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit. With its rich history, complex flavor, and pedigreed musical ties (Slane Castle has hosted performances from U2, David Bowie, and Queen), this affordable bottling is a steal.

We look forward to working with our retail partners and distributors globally to ensure the continued success of Born Irish. We are also excited to bring this brand to the American market, where we believe it will be a challenger in the Irish whiskey category.” Darker Still Spirits’ rebranding to Born Irish in the Americas and Europe will come into effect at the start of summer 2023. A full global roll out is planned before the end of the year. Unburdened by the nerdery that surrounds bourbon, free of the regional knowledge requirements of Scotch, and generally more affordable than both categories, Irish whiskey is an easy-drinking spirit perfect for both whiskey beginners and experts alike.The signature, entry-level release from independent bottler Knappogue Castle is triple distilled in copper pot stills for a bright, clean start, then aged in bourbon casks for 12 years. The result is a platonic ideal of an Irish whiskey: incredibly sippable yet nuanced with layered flavors of apples and cinnamon toast. For a world-class whiskey that's worth every penny, we recommend the renowned Redbreast 15 Year Irish Whiskey. For a more affordable dram great for mixing or sipping, try Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey. FAQs What is Irish whiskey? Irish whiskey can legally be made from any type of grain, and different brands use different grains in different combinations, which is why there's such a wide range of flavors available. Sometimes the grains are fermented and distilled individually and blended afterward, and sometimes they're combined before fermentation.

According to the Irish Whiskey Act of 1980, Irish whiskey must be made from a mash of malted barley along with other optional cereal grains. It is then fermented and distilled to 94.8 percent ABV at most and aged in wooden casks for a minimum of three years. Irish whiskey can be distilled in a pot still or a column still. It can be blended or sold as a single malt—coming from only one distillery. Irish whiskey must spend at least three years aging in oak barrels, but distilleries can use casks that formerly held anything from bourbon to sherry to beer. Whiskey usually goes into the barrel at fairly high proof and is then "cut" with water to bring it down to its final strength. Bottle proofs vary, but the minimum allowed by US law is 40 percent ABV, or 80-proof.Irish law dictates that whiskey must be aged for at least three years to bear the name "Irish whiskey," but that's only the minimum. Longer-aged bottlings are typically between 10 and 20 years old, but there are rare (and very expensive) expressions out there that have aged for 50 years or even longer. If you see an age on the label, that's the minimum amount of time every drop of the whiskey has spent in wood—it could potentially be a blend that also includes older spirits.