Well, folks, it’s March. It’s that time of year when, in the Northern Hemisphere anyway, spring approaches and our world begins to turn green. It is also the time of year where we in the whiskey world turn our attentions to Ireland for a little holiday called St. Patrick’s Day. Though the day was created as a holy day, it has become quite secular and is now a great time to celebrate Ireland, its people, and its culture around the world, most notably in other English speaking countries outside of Ireland such as the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and of course, the US. Naturally, we at Distiller prefer to celebrate Ireland by imbibing the liquid gold that is Irish Whiskey, so this St. Paddy’s we’ve put together a list of Irish whiskey recommendations just for you.
Irish whiskey recommendations for your St. Paddy’s Day
Next to New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day is the 2nd busiest day in the bar world. And best/worst of all, it is celebrated all day long. This year, why not stay in and share some drams and dance a few jigs with your friends and family. Here are some of my favorite Irish Whiskeys on the market, some new, some old, some high end, and others solid everyday drinkers…the point is that they are always welcome at our place!
The Pogues Blended Irish Whiskey
First of all, the black bottle is a great indicator of what’s inside with aromas of leather and smoke right from the start. Overall it is such a solid whiskey and a wonderful surprise that the product matches the celebrity collaboration. Ron Jeremy and Rum? Questionable. The Pogues and Irish whiskey? Yeah, oh so right.
Powers John’s Lane Release 12 Year
You don’t see it behind every bar, but when you do, you know you’re in a bar with great taste (and likely a really great whiskey list!). It makes a great nightcap, but on a day like St. Paddy’s, best to start the day with it.
Bushmills Black Bush
This holds a special place in my dark little heart. It is very much a right time and right place whiskey and nothing says that then sharing this with friends while listening to music. In other words, it’s the Craic.
Teeling The Revival 15 Year Single Malt
Ok, so if you’re in the States, you’re out of luck in finding this locally, but I do recommend finding an international retailer (or taking a trip across the pond would work too!). This is a fruity whiskey and yet, not one obtained by sherry casks, but rum which bring more tropical fruits to the party.
Tullamore Dew 10 Year Single Malt
This one is on the list because of its quadruple cask maturation coupled with its value. And I think that Tully as a whole is underrated.
Green Spot Single Pot Still
This is that special dram that I’d ask friends to smuggle me back from their visits abroad. Happy that it is here to help bring single pot still whiskeys to the forefront of whiskey drinkers minds (and mouths).
Knappogue Castle 12 Year Single Malt
There’s a lightness and a brightness that shines in this whiskey, quite reminding me of springtime. As such, it is one of my favorite breakfast whiskeys, drunk neat or in a spot of tea. And yes, perhaps it’s a bit of a waste to pour in an Irish Coffee, but what the hell, we live once.
Bushmills 21 Year Single Malt
Admittedly, this is not an everyday dram; but this is a special occasion, isn’t it? Have this one early on in the party or if you must spend St. Paddy’s alone, drink this and nothing else.
Jameson Caskmates Stout
I’m including this one purely for the genius that is aging Irish whiskey in a stout cask. Pair this with a stout beer to really intensify the experience (bonus points if it is perfectly poured)!
Redbreast 12 Year
Solid dram and for many, myself included, this was my first introduction to single pot still whiskey. I am always pleased when I have it and love recommending it to others. If they ever stop making this, it’ll be a sad day indeed.
Some advice from us to you:
Beer, YES!
Green beer, NO!
St. Paddy’s Day, YES!
St. Patty’s Day, NO!
And most importantly,
Drinking and Driving do not mix well. If you do go out, please stay safe and rely on public transit, taxis, Uber/Lyft, or have a designated driver.
Sláinte!
Looking for more Irish whiskeys?
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