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Blended whiskey remains at the heart of the global market for Irish whiskey, with Jameson continuing to stand as the category's best-known and best-selling name. Although Irish whiskey production has expanded dramatically in recent years, with new distilleries opening across the island, the great historic blending houses still dominate the international market, and Midleton remains the most important single centre of production in Irish whiskey.
The Midleton distillery, home to Jameson as well as a wide range of other Irish whiskeys, exemplifies the integrated Irish approach to blend production. Rather than relying on a large network of separate malt and grain distilleries in the Scottish manner, Irish blends have traditionally drawn on different styles of distillate produced within the same broader system, from light grain whiskey to richer pot still and malt components.
Irish blends are still widely associated with an approachable, smooth and accessible style, and that quality remains a major part of their global appeal. For many drinkers, Jameson serves as an introduction to Irish whiskey. But the category is more diverse than that shorthand suggests. Bushmills continues to maintain a loyal following, while Kilbeggan offers a relaxed and balanced example of the style.
