The World’s Best Irish Whiskey According To The IWSC

Powers Three Swallows, Single Pot Still Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml from Irish Distillers was awarded the Irish Whiskey trophy for Best Irish Whiskey at the 2024 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) whiskey judging. The IWSC, the oldest whisky competition in the world, holds one of the largest yearly judging of whiskies and is arguably the most prestigious spirits competition worldwide. The winner is a historic and iconic Irish whiskey brand.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966 by merging three of Ireland’s major distilling companies: John Jameson & Son, Powers & Son, and Cork Distilleries Company. This merger aimed to revive the Irish whiskey industry, which had declined for much of the 2oth century. Once the most popular whiskey in the world, by 1980, Irish whiskey sales had declined by more than 95%. Irish Distillers is credited with consolidating whiskey production in Ireland by centralizing operations at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork in 1975. Jameson, Powers, and other Irish whiskey brands, both new and historic, are produced there today.

In 1988, Irish Distillers became part of the Pernod Ricard Group, which helped grow the global reach of its whiskey portfolio. Today, Irish Distillers is known for producing some of the most iconic and best-selling Irish whiskeys, including Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, and Midleton.

Powers is one of Ireland’s oldest whiskey brands, established by James Power in 1791 in Dublin. Powers was historically known for its robust, full-flavored whiskey, and it became a household name in Ireland.

The Powers Three Swallows brand is a nod to the rich heritage of Powers whiskey. It is a single pot still Irish whiskey, which means it is made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley and distilled in traditional copper pot stills. The “Three Swallows” name refers to the Powers’ tradition of marking each bottle with three swallows, symbolizing the whiskey’s journey and quality assurance.

On the nose, there are distinct notes of orchard fruits, primarily apples, and pears, along with subtle hints of dried citrus zest. There is also a rich, malty aroma of cooked cereal, sweet vanilla, and light, toasty oak notes from the bourbon casks.

On the palate, the whiskey opens with flavors of green apples and distinctive notes of clove and cinnamon spice. It also has the pronounced oiliness and creaminess characteristic of single-pot still whiskey. There’s a honeyed sweetness, along with dried fruit and an underlying hint of black pepper.

The finish is medium to long, with lingering spice and a touch of oak, complemented by a gentle fruitiness and a soft, malty sweetness.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the Powers Three Swallows whiskey as exhibiting:

A bright and enticing nose laced with wonderfully realized tropical fruits and honey aromas, which continue onto the palate. The palate showcases outstanding precision and balance, with fruit and spice flavors that linger until the very end. A charming, well-crafted whiskey.

Powers Three Swallows is celebrated for its balance of spice, fruit, and oak. It’s an excellent example of the single pot still style that defines much of Ireland’s whiskey heritage. At an average price of $54, it is also an amazing value for an outstanding Irish whiskey.

For the other IWSC trophy winners, see World’s Best Whiskey, World’s Best Bourbon, World’s Best Blended Scotch Whisky, World Best Irish Whisky, World’s Best Blended Single Malt Whisky, and World’s Best Rye Whiskey. See also The Best New Bourbons From America’s Top Bartenders and The Best Blended Scotch Whiskies From The Top International Spirit Competitions.