St. Patrick’s Day Whiskey Showdown: Irish Whiskey vs. Bourbon

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about green beer and shamrocks; it’s about whiskey. And if you're on Sipn, you know the real debate begins here:

Irish whiskey vs bourbon — which deserves your St. Paddy’s pour?

Both spirits are steeped in tradition. Both command passionate fans. But they’re crafted differently, aged differently, and taste dramatically different.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Irish Whiskey?

Irish whiskey is one of the oldest distilled spirits in the world.

Legal Requirements:

• Distilled and aged in Ireland


• Aged a minimum of 3 years in wooden casks


• Made from malted or unmalted barley (often mixed with other grains)

Flavor Profile:

• Smooth


• Light-bodied


• Floral


• Honeyed


• Slight fruit sweetness

Triple distillation (common but not mandatory) creates that famously smooth character.

What Is Bourbon?

Bourbon whiskey is America’s native spirit.

Legal Requirements:

• Made in the United States


• Minimum 51% corn in the mash bill


• Aged in new charred oak barrels


• Distilled below 160 proof


• Entered into barrel below 125 proof

Flavor Profile:

• Rich caramel


• Vanilla


• Toasted oak


• Brown sugar


• Spice

New charred oak barrels give bourbon its bold personality.

Mash Bill: The First Major Difference

Irish whiskey often uses malted barley as the base grain.

Bourbon must use at least 51% corn.

More corn means a sweeter, fuller-bodied whiskey.

That’s why bourbon tastes rounder and richer, while Irish whiskey feels lighter and more delicate.

Barrel Influence: Used vs New Oak

Here’s where things change dramatically.

• Irish whiskey: Often aged in used barrels (ex-bourbon or sherry casks)


• Bourbon: Must use new charred oak barrels

New charred oak adds intense caramelization, vanilla, and smoky depth.

This is why bourbon often feels heavier and more dessert-like.

Proof & Intensity

Irish whiskey:

• Often bottled at 80–92 proof


• Smooth and approachable

Bourbon:

• Can range from 80 proof to barrel proof (110–140+)


• Bolder and more powerful

On a cold March evening, many bourbon lovers prefer that higher proof warmth.

Cocktail Comparison: Which Wins on St. Patrick’s Day?

Irish Coffee

Traditionally made with Irish whiskey. Smooth and balanced.

Mint Julep

Classic bourbon cocktail. Sweet, minty, bold.

Whiskey Sour

Both work — but bourbon gives deeper caramel tones.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Irish whiskey if you:

• Prefer light, easy sipping


• Want something sessionable


• Love floral and fruit-forward notes

Choose bourbon if you:

• Prefer bold, sweet richness


• Love caramel and vanilla depth


• Enjoy higher proof intensity

Final Verdict: There Is No Wrong Answer

St. Patrick’s Day celebrates Irish tradition, but bourbon holds its own in any showdown.

The real winner?

The one in your glass.

SIPN Note

However you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, make it count.

Download the Sipn app, post your pour, compare Irish whiskey vs bourbon with other enthusiasts, and let the community decide the winner.

Share your pour. Start the debate. Only on Sipn. 🥃