In the 6th Century AD, Irish monks journeyed to the Middle East and it is thought that it was there they observed how the alembic was used to distil perfume. On returning to Ireland they invented their own version - the 'Pot Still'. This "Pot Still" was used to create a new spirit known as 'Uisce Beatha' - 'The Water of Life' BARLEY - MALTED AND UNMALTED Irish Whiskey is made either from malted barley or from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley and other cereals. In Ireland the malt is dried in closed Kilns unlike in Scotland, where malt is dried over open peat fires. This method which was developed made the malting process used for Irish Whiskey avoids the smokey taste but also ensures a smooth and natural flavour.