Review: John L. Sullivan Irish Whiskey (Updated 2026)
With Irish whiskey still on the rise, new brands are popping up left and right. Case in point is John L. Sullivan, produced by an outfit called Good Spirits Bottling.
This small batch Irish, named after the last bare-knuckled boxing heavyweight world champion, is distinguished by being aged in “single use” Bourbon barrels. Now, most Irish is aged in ex-Bourbon casks, but perhaps it’s the single-use factor that gives Sullivan a little more depth than others. How does it all turn out? Let’s dig in.
Update: In 2026 we re-tasted John L. Sullivan to see how the experience has evolved. A new review follows.
80 proof.
John L. Sullivan Irish Whiskey (2010) Review
Clear vanilla notes on the nose, then more vanilla plus some citrus on the tongue. Oak hits you on the finish, with nuts, and a little bit of spice — incense-like. A very satiny body brings this all together impressively.
This is an Irish that is clearly in balance and, while relatively straightforward in the end, knows exactly how to make an impression. John L. Sullivan, put simply, has something that other entry-level Irish whiskeys are lacking. I call it sophistication. Which is strange, considering it’s named after a guy that survived 75 rounds in a boxing ring without any gloves. A / $20 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
John L. Sullivan Irish Whiskey (2026) Review
Now running about $25 a bottle (though deals abound), Sullivan is still an outstanding bargain in the category.
Again this is a rather nutty Irish, eschewing more straightforward cereal and honey notes to feature hazelnut and almond elements. There’s simply more depth here than you usually see with the typically simple, budget Irish bottling, which I now realize is probably more a function of pot stills than the barrel regimen. Layers of fresh grass, sage, and a hint of bitter greens add a layer of nuance to the finish that you wouldn’t expect from the attack. A touch of anise on the back end of the fade.
Solid and more complex than you think — all told, it’s still one of the best deals going in Irish whiskey.
A / $25 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
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