2023 SFWSC Best Of Class Irish Whiskey Finalists

by The Tasting Alliance Team  |  05.17.2023

Elegant bottle of the Top Irish Whiskey Finalists from The Tasting Alliance's 2023 San Francisco Spirits Competition

An elegant bottle of Northcross Irish Whiskey - Triple Wood in front of a plain white background

Best Irish Whiskey Finalist: Northcross Irish Whiskey – Triple Wood

An exquisite whiskey, the Triple Wood blend matures in Bourbon barrels, Sherry casks, and virgin American oak. Its aroma teases with honeyed graham crackers. Malt sweetness dances with chocolate and beignets on the palate, while butterscotch and orange zest adds vivacity. The finish impresses with marzipan and dried cherries, a nod to its Sherry maturation.


An elegant bottle of Cairlinn Bay Oak & Coast Blended Irish Whiskey in front of a plain white background

Best Irish Whiskey Finalist: Cairlinn Bay Oak & Coast Blended Irish Whiskey

Birthed in Ireland’s audacious spirit, Oak & Coast presents a singular blend of grain, malt, and pot still whiskies. Each variant, matured and uniquely finished, coalesces into an innovative blend that is a veritable symphony for the senses.


An elegant bottle of Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey in front of a plain white background

Best Irish Whiskey Finalist: Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey

In this small-batch ballet, each step is human-led: selecting grain and malt whiskey casks by hand, curating blends for perfect taste, and finishing in superior Central American rum casks. This meticulous craft bestows upon the spirit an unmistakably robust, full-flavored character.


An elegant bottle of Keeper's Heart 10 Year Old Irish Single Malt Whiskey in front of a plain white background

Best Irish Whiskey Finalist: Triple Eight Distillery The Notch Nantucket Island Single Malt

Experience the extraordinary craftsmanship of Triple Eight Distillery with The Notch Nantucket Island Single Malt Whisky, aged for 8 years. Indulge in the enticing aromas of toasted honeycomb, exuding a malty richness and hints of barley sugar. Immerse your senses in the luscious flavors of dark berries and delicate floral elements, complemented by a touch of oak fieriness. This exceptional whisky offers a remarkable journey through its carefully nurtured flavors.


An elegant bottle of Egan's Irish Whiskey Endeavour in front of a plain white background

Best Irish Whiskey Finalist: Egan’s Irish Whiskey Endeavour

Unveil the splendid spectrum of this remarkable whiskey. The nasal introduction whispers of vanilla, intertwined with a subtle hint of cinnamon spice, seducing the senses with a delicate yet complex bouquet. On the palate, this elixir reveals its full-bodied composition, an opulent dance of flavors enhanced by the pristine touch of virgin oak. The denouement is a lingering finish, a testament to the sherry’s influence and a whisper of smoke, ensuring an enchanting resonance. Immerse yourself in this mesmerizing whiskey narrative, a sensory odyssey of unparalleled distinction.


An elegant bottle of Redbreast 15 Year Old Irish Whiskey in front of a plain white background

Best Irish Whiskey Finalist: Redbreast Single Pot Still 15-Year Irish Whiskey

Encounter the exquisite panorama of this non-chill filtered, Single Pot Still masterpiece. The olfactory prologue unfolds with potent orange blossom and thyme, laced with nuances of cedar and cherry, captivating the senses with a symphony of sophisticated notes. The taste delivers an elegant ballet of brown sugar and baked apricots, underpinned by the harmonious duet of orange and vanilla. The narrative concludes with a lingering echo of blossom perfume and vanilla, rendering a finish that resonates beautifully. Immerse yourself in this rich whiskey tale, an unparalleled sensorial journey