Common characteristics to types of whiskeys

I think the main thing that makes Irish whiskey so different is that it's tripple distilled most of the time.

As a kentucky guy I was raised around Makers Mark. Recently I started drinking Irish whiskey and found it a very pleasant change.

The short answer to that question would be : 1) Irish whiskeys tend to be softer and smoother than Scotch by the use of the 3rd distillation and the Pure Pot Still; 2) Bourbon whisky is crisp and spicy because it is aged in new american-oak barrel exclusively; 3) Japanese whisky is very similar to Scotch in the making process so the results are outstanding; 4) canadian whisky is very soft because, except for some exceptions, it is column distilled and aged for a limited time.

And, some american and canadian whiskies use rye. This grain gives a spicier note than barley to the spirit. To answer precisely your question for the Irish whiskies, there is only 3 distilleries in Ireland. Bushmills in the North, Cooley in the north of Dublin and Midleton in the South. They use different trademarks for different recipes (single malt, blended, pure pot still, ...). A lot of the products are blended whiskies (Bushmills Original, Jameson, Tullamore Dew) made with a base of pure pot still (mix of malted and unmalted barley). There are some single malts (The Tyrconnell, Connemara) and a few 100% pure pot still (Redbreast).

JoeVelo, I appreciate the quick course is whiskey 101. I do like the softer , more mellow taste f Irish whiskey. I dont much care for scotch yet though, Im sure my taste will mature to like it though, I already sip some Cutty Sark every now and then.