The Single Malt Shop Irish whiskey tasting at Darby's

It's been an interesting time for the whisky industry in the last decade or so: Scotch whisky's dominance of the UK's scene has been tested to its limits by upstart English distillers; and bourbon's rise to the top of the cocktail-making scene has halted somewhat as distillers turn their hands to rye and even American-style single malts.

In and amongst all of this, though, Irish whiskey (note the 'e') has been doing its own thing, continuing centuries of tradition in both distilling and blending, with incredible new releases by favourites including Bushmill's and Jameson jostling for position with newly created brands. Put simply, to sleep on Irish whiskey would be a mistake.

Whether you're a seasoned scotch drinker looking to learn more about Irish whiskey, a completist Irish whiskey fan always on the lookout for the chance to sip limited-edition drams, or a total novice to the spirit looking for a way in, your head should be turned in the direction of Darby's in early spring, as the restaurant hosts Irish spirits merchant The Single Malt Shop for a special evening featuring some incredible and rare drams, plus food from chef patron and proud Irishman Robin Gill.

The evening will be held at the Oyster Bar at Darby’s, a beautiful brasserie owned by renowned Dublin-born chef Robin Gill – think truffled mushroom croquettes, smoked eel gilda, beef nuggets, mustard and pickles, Cornish crab cocktail, gem lettuce and classically dressed Killough bay oyster, to name a few. 

The action takes place at Robin Gill's modern brasserie Darby's

So what will you be drinking? If we say that the whiskeys are all bottled exclusively for The Single Malt Shop and some retail at not far off £300 – especially considering Irish whiskeys are often known for their great value – and that guests will be guided through the tasting by leading Irish whiskey educator Charlie McCarthy, it should emphasise that for anyone serious about their whisky, it's an opportunity not to be missed. Check out the list below, with descriptions from The Single Malt Shop team.

Redbreast 22 Year Old

"A single cask bottling bearing a signature sherry style, this whiskey is rich in tannins with touches of leather and dried tobacco that quickly subside revealing toasted almonds and walnuts, all layered over sweet vanilla and dried fruits that linger in the background adding balance to the pot still spices."

Green Spot 10 Year Old

"With only 300 bottles of this rich single cask release and fruity dram in existence, this pour is worth savouring. With notes of sticky malt loaf, with oily cereal, vanilla custard, honey, plenty of gentle baking spices, and sweet, raisin- studded chutney, combined with a silky, spiced vanilla finish, it makes for a truly great whiskey."

Bushmills 2002 Vermouth Cask, Causeway Collection

"The world’s first-ever vermouth cask-finished Irish single malt whiskey release, an exciting innovation from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. This special whiskey is matured in oloroso sherry butts and bourbon barrels for over 18 years, then aged for nearly two years in unique vermouth casks from the Piedmont region of Italy. Expect hints of rose petal that give way to sweet honey, married with mandarin orange, followed by fresh vanilla, dried fruits and toasted almond."

Teeling Wonders of Wood Series II, Portuguese Oak

"This whiskey has been fully matured in Virgin Portuguese Oak casks which are native to the Iberian Peninsula and boast a naturally higher tannin content than other variants. Experience its distinct savoury marmalade flavour with warming hints of tobacco and pepper, unique to this whiskey."

Method & Madness Japanese Cedarwood

"A limited-edition single pot still Irish whiskey from Method & Madness. Initially matured in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks, before being finished in Japanese cedarwood casks, giving way to notes of caraway seeds."

Tickets are £50. Find out more at thesinglemaltshop.com