I don't want to start a war (I'm told feelings run high on this topic) but would anyone care to weigh in on the relative merits of Irish Whisky (Jameson and Bushmill) as compared to American or Canadian whisky?
Which is better Jameson or Bushmill?
Which is better American, Irish or Candadian?

Comparing types of whisky is like comparing a pickup truck to a minivan to a sportscar--depends what you need, and you can get a great one or a lousy one in any category. For me, if I want an inexpensive whisky, to mix or because I'm broke, I prefer American rye or bourbon, but that may just be because the selection is best for me in America. If I can go top shelf, it's bourbon for me if it isn't scotch.

Given the choice and the cash-in-hand, my favorite Irish whiskey is Bushmill's Black... Bushmill's in general is more to my tastes, not as heavy as Jameson. (Don't believe the old chestnut about Jameson/Bushmill's being a Catholic/Protestant debate--that myth is thoroughly busted here.)

My preference runs to Bourbon over either Irish or Canadian. Some bourbons are as complex in flavor profile as the finest whiskeys in the world. This is particularly true in the single barrel range of several bourbons, most notably the Van Winkles. My favorite Whiskey of all of them is single malt scotch with Highland Park 18 yo and Macallan 18 leading the pack.

For me it depends what I'm in the mood for. For a long time I mostly drank George Dickel...#8 for mixing and #12 for sipping.

When I went to Ireland about 10 years ago, I toured both the Bushmill's distillery and the Jameson's and came away for a fondness of Irish whiskeys. My favorite after sampling all available nearby is Bushmill's 10 though Bushmill's Black Bush is not far behind. For the price Kilbeggan is very good and Powers Gold is too. If you have deep pockets Middleton Rare is super.

During a hunting trip to British Columbia a few years ago, the host introduced me to Wiser's Deluxe which after sampling the better known Canadian whiskys became my favorite. Then during a hunting trip last fall, I was introduced to Pendleton Canadian which is very good too. For deep pockets Crown Royal Cask #16 is very nice.

The bottom line is I keep several bottles of each type on hand in an attempt to keep my changing pallet satisfied and can't say which is the best. That's for you to decide what is best for you.

Jim...my ha'pence worth

Ok, this is getting good. I'll add my widow's mite. Between Jameson & Bushmill I find I prefer Bushmill. It seems to me to have more fruity notes than the Jameson. As for American Whiskies I use to be a big fan of Maker's Mark but now seem to prefer Jack Daniels. I hear George Dickel is good and need to try it. I haven't tried any Canadians yet and don't know where to start.

I'm a whiskey drinker, and I can say they all have their place in my bar. I prefer Bushmills, but it is just peronal taste. I use them to make a few drinks, namely my Belfast Bombers. I also like to sip Irish whiskey when I drink Guiness.

By American do you mean blended whiskey? or Bourbon?

I do like my Forty Creek, and I find it to be a fine spirit to accompany cigars.

My preference is small batch bourbon and 12+ year old scotch with McClelland 18 being my favorite right now.

I guess my answer is: whatever I'm in the mood for.

I too am a George Dickel fan. It's hands down better than Jack Daniel which seems syrupy to my taste. YOu need to try the Barrel Select, which I consider a small batch.

I could of swore that I had a 24 year GD, but I cannot find the empy bottle, so it may have been the 12.

Incidentally, I keep different bourbons in the house. Right now I have Booker's, Baker's, Jim Beam (for mixing), Elijah Craig 12.

I will occasionally sip a single-barrel bourbon. Other than perhaps George Dickel, I don't care for any other American or Canadian whiskey. Irish I absolutely love; Jameson and Bushmills both high on the list. We prefer the older and/or the single-malt ones. We visited the Jameson distillery two years ago. Brought back several bottles of their "Distillery Reserve" 12-year old whiskey. We drink our "Irish" just as we do our "Scotch," neat or with a wee dram o' spring water. FTRPLT

I did end up trying the Jameson, It was good but for the money I'll just stick with my Rye or Bourbon.

If you want to try a really good Irish whiskey than I would suggest John Powers Gold Label. It is probably the smoothest whiskey I have ever had. It's not #1 in Ireland for nothing.
I still prefer a good Bourbon but this is a good change of pace for me.