If you want Irish whiskey near Westford, CBC Liquors at 142 Littleton Rd stocks it, and you can browse the full Irish whiskey range online before you come in. We are open every day, and you can walk in, pick up an order, or have one delivered. Below is how to pick a style, how to drink it, and how to get it from us.
Where can you buy Irish whiskey near Westford?
CBC Liquors is at 142 Littleton Rd, Westford, MA 01886. Our Irish whiskey page shows what is in stock today, with the store's own best sellers first, so you can check the shelf before you make the drive.
We are open Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. That covers the weeknight stop on the way home and the Sunday afternoon run for a dinner you forgot to plan for.
The shop carries 4,624 products from 1,893 brands, so Irish whiskey sits alongside the rest of the whiskey range. If you are not sure which bottle you want, you can compare a few styles in one visit instead of making a separate trip for each.
Our Google rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 339 reviews, if you want to see what other customers say about the shop before you stop in.
What makes Irish whiskey different from other whiskey?
Irish whiskey is whiskey made in Ireland. By rule it has to be matured in wooden casks for at least three years, and most bottles on the shelf are aged in used casks, often ones that previously held bourbon, sherry or wine.
The style most people think of is triple distilled. Running the spirit through a still three times, rather than two, tends to give a lighter, smoother character with less of the heavy, smoky weight some other whiskeys have. That is a general tendency, not a rule for every bottle, and it is why Irish whiskey is often suggested as an easy place to begin.
Many Irish whiskeys also use a mix of malted and unmalted barley. That blend, called pot still whiskey, gives a creamy, slightly spicy texture you will not find in every other style.
What are the main types of Irish whiskey?
Blended Irish whiskey is the most common kind. It combines grain whiskey, which is lighter and softer, with malt or pot still whiskey, which brings more flavor. Blends are made to be consistent and easy to drink, and they work well for mixing as well as sipping.
Single malt Irish whiskey is made from malted barley at a single distillery. It usually tastes fuller and more distinct, with notes that depend on the casks used.
Single pot still whiskey uses both malted and unmalted barley, all from one distillery, and is a style that belongs to Ireland. Expect a richer body and a peppery spice. Single grain whiskey is made mostly from grains other than malted barley and tends to be lighter and sweeter.
Age statements, such as 10 or 12 years, tell you the youngest whiskey in the bottle. A longer time in the cask usually means more oak influence and a rounder finish, though a younger bottle can be just as enjoyable depending on what you want from it.
How do you drink Irish whiskey?
Neat is the simplest way, in a small glass at room temperature. Take a small sip first, then add a few drops of water if you want to open up the aroma.
On the rocks suits a blend you want to take slowly, since the ice softens the edges. A single large cube melts more slowly than a handful of small ones.
For a longer drink, pour Irish whiskey over ice with ginger ale and a squeeze of lemon or lime. You can find ginger ale, soda and other bar staples on our mixers page. Irish coffee is the other classic: hot coffee, a little sugar, Irish whiskey and a layer of cream on top.
A lighter blend is a sensible choice for mixing. Save the single pot still or an aged single malt for a glass on its own, where you can taste the difference.
How does Irish whiskey compare with bourbon, Scotch and rye?
Each of these is a distinct style, and which you reach for depends on the flavor you like.
Bourbon is American, made mostly from corn and aged in new charred oak, which gives it a sweeter profile with vanilla and caramel. Scotch comes from Scotland and is typically made from malted barley, with some bottles showing peat smoke.
Rye is made mainly from rye grain and tastes drier and spicier. Irish whiskey usually sits toward the smooth and fruity side of that range, with less smoke than many Scotches and less sweetness than most bourbons.
If you already like one of these, tell us what you enjoy and we can point you to an Irish bottle that is close to it. That is often the quickest way to find something you will finish.
What should you look for when choosing a bottle?
Start with how you plan to drink it. For mixing, Irish coffee or a casual evening, a blend is the practical choice. For sipping, look at single malt or single pot still.
Check the label for the style, the age statement if there is one, and the cask type. Words such as sherry cask or bourbon cask hint at the flavor: sherry casks tend toward dried fruit and spice, while bourbon casks lean toward vanilla and honey.
If the bottle is a gift, think about the person rather than the label. Someone new to whiskey will usually be happier with a smooth blend than with a bold, high-proof pour. If you are buying for a group, a party planner page is there to help you work out what to bring.
The shelf and the Irish whiskey page both show what is in stock today, so you can decide before you leave the house.
Can you get Irish whiskey picked up or delivered?
Yes. Besides walking in, CBC Liquors offers pickup, delivery and shipping. Pickup runs on our regular store hours: Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Delivery hours are a little shorter, so the last delivery goes out before closing: Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM. You can read more on our alcohol delivery from Westford page.
We also serve nearby towns, including Chelmsford, Acton, Littleton, Lowell and Billerica. Open the page for your town to see how it works there.
Whoever receives or collects an order must be 21 or older and have a valid ID. Please drink responsibly.
Common questions
Does CBC Liquors in Westford sell Irish whiskey?
Yes. You can see what is in stock today on the Irish whiskey page, with the store's own best sellers shown first, or ask at the shop at 142 Littleton Rd.
What are your hours?
Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Can I pick up Irish whiskey instead of shopping in the store?
Yes. CBC Liquors offers pickup during the same hours as the store. Delivery and shipping are also offered.
What is the difference between a blend and a single malt?
A blend combines different types of whiskey and tends to be lighter and easier to mix. A single malt comes from malted barley at one distillery and usually has a fuller, more distinct flavor.
How is Irish whiskey usually served?
Neat, on the rocks, with ginger ale and citrus, or in Irish coffee. A lighter blend suits mixing, and an aged bottle is better sipped on its own.
Do I need ID to buy Irish whiskey?
Yes. You must be 21 or older and have a valid ID for pickup, delivery or in-store purchases.
