What are the regulations for Irish whiskey production?
Irish whiskey must be distilled and matured on the island of Ireland, from malted cereals, and aged at least three years in wooden casks of up to 700 liters. Triple distillation is traditional but not required by law. The minimum strength is 40% ABV (Irish Department of Agriculture Technical File).
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In this article
What does the law require for Irish whiskey?
The official Technical File (Irish Department of Agriculture, October 2014) says Irish whiskey is a spirit distilled on the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland, from a mash of malted cereals with or without whole grains of other cereals. The mash is converted by the malt’s own enzymes, fermented with yeast, and distilled to less than 94.8% ABV so the spirit keeps the aroma and taste of its ingredients.
How long must it age?
At least three years in wooden casks, such as oak, of no more than 700 liters. Maturation must happen on the island of Ireland. New casks and casks that held sherry, port, Madeira or bourbon are all used. It may not be shipped out in casks that would keep maturing it abroad.
How many times must Irish whiskey be distilled?
The file does not require three times. It calls triple distillation “traditional” and describes both two-stage and three-stage pot still processes. For pot still whiskey it says triple distillation is “not exclusive” and double may be used. Grain whiskey can only be distilled in column stills.
What is the minimum strength, and what can be added?
The minimum is 40% ABV. Only water and plain caramel coloring (E150a) may be added.
What makes pot still, malt and grain different?
Pot still whiskey must be at least 30% malted barley and 30% unmalted barley and be distilled in pot stills. Malt whiskey is 100% malted barley.
Where must it be bottled?
Bottling may take place outside Ireland, if it is shipped in inert bulk containers.
People also ask
How many times must Irish whiskey be distilled by law?
There is no legal requirement for three times. The Technical File calls triple distillation traditional and allows double distillation.
How long does Irish whiskey have to be aged?
At least three years, in wooden casks of up to 700 liters, on the island of Ireland.
Can Irish whiskey be bottled outside Ireland?
Yes. The Technical File says bottling may take place outside Ireland if the whiskey is shipped in inert bulk containers.
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