Watch CBS News

Best Places For Fine Irish Whiskey In Detroit

The Irish are proud of the whiskey that bears their name. To be considered an Irish whiskey, it must be aged for at least three years in wooden casks, which ultimately produces a smooth and fruity taste described as easy-drinking. Yet there are still many different types of Irish whiskey, so making sure you go to just the right pub where it's served up in numerous different varieties will be easier by considering the best Irish whiskey pubs the Detroit Metro area has to offer.


Hours: Mon to Tue - 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Wed to Fri - 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sat to Sun - 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Whiskey Glasses
(credit: Thinkstock)

Located in the heart of Greek Town in downtown Detroit, the owners of The Old Shillelagh claim to host one of "The World's Biggest St. Patrick's Day Parties" in the area. Drinking up a glass of one of the pub's five authentic Irish whiskies will definitely get you in the mood to dance an Irish jig. Old Shillelagh's also offers up buffet options, perfect for soaking up some of that whiskey so you can keep the party going.

Related: Best Dive Bars In Detorit 

Nancy Whiskey
2644 Harrison St.
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-4247
www.nancywhiskeydetroit.com
Hours: Mon to Sat - 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

One of the oldest bars in Detroit, Nancy Whiskey has been in business since 1902. The bar offers close to 10 different varieties of Irish whiskey, including Jameson and Powers that are both aged for 12 years. The house Irish whiskey is Tullamore Dew. At Nancy's there's an age-old tradition: if someone is new to the bar the barkeep will pour a little taste of this whiskey for him. Located close to the former Tiger Stadium in Detroit, people from all over the world come back time and time again for the good conversation and the warm welcome.

Foran's Grand Trunk Pub
(credit: grandtrunkpub.com)

Foran's Grand Trunk Pub
612 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-3043‎
www.grandtrunkpub.com
Hours: Sun to Thurs - 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri to Sat - 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sun - noon to 10 p.m.

This Irish pub located on Woodward Avenue is the same location as the annual "Woodward Dream Cruise" in Detroit. A favorite hangout by City Hall politicians, Foran's offeres a wide variety of Irish whiskey that includes, Jameson, Bushmills, Powers and Tullamore Dew. Once called the Grand Trunk Railway Station, this pub still has all of the original early 1900s architecture.

Pat O'Brien's Tavern
22385 E 10 Mile Rd
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
(586) 771-5715
Hours: Mon to Sat – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sun -noon to 2 a.m.

With 16 different varieties of Irish whiskey, it might be hard to choose what to drink at Pat O'Brien's Tavern. However the owners believe it is the Redbreast Irish whiskey you should start with. Voted as the number one whiskey by Jim Murray, author of the Whiskey Bible," newcomers will be delighted to try a taste. Located along the beautiful St. Clair Shores, the tavern boasts one of the most gigantic St. Patrick Day parties in Montcalm County. At least 3,000 party goers will fill a 2,000 square foot tent with a DJ and lots of dancing.

Rosie O'Grady's
(credit: 4rosieogradys.com)

Rosie O'Grady's
279 W Nine Mile
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 591-9163
www.4rosieogradys.com
Hours:  Mon to Sat - 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. - Sunday - Noon to 2 a.m.

A sports bar with tons of TVs to get all of the action, Rosie O'Grady's is a non-stop party, especially on St. Patrick's Day. The best Irish whiskey the bar likes to serve up is Jameson 18 year. However the bartenders also like to offer Michael Collins for a less expensive glass. On the weekends and on special occasions, a DJ starts at 10 p.m. and plays tunes into the wee hours of the morning, so dance 'til your heart's content.

Related: Best Corned Beef And Cabbage In Detroit

As a news reporter for 25-years and an online writer for various publications, Rebecca Kelley is passionate about being a journalist. She currently resides in Michigan and writes exclusively for online publications. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.