Undoubtedly, one of the most, if not ‘the most’ exciting categories in the world of Whisk(e)y over the last few years, has been that of all things Irish!
Back in 2011, when we reviewed the then newly released Redbreast 12 Year Old
Cask Strength, we confidently predicted that it was the start of an Irish
Whiskey Renaissance - and how right we were!
There may
well be an ever-growing gang of new kids on the block that are now driving the
category forward, but those big established heritage brands have kicked away
those cobwebs of complacency and are now giving the newbies a run for their
money, with regards to innovation and the targeting of a new generation of
whisk(e)y consumer.
Not that
pouring and exploring something dramspankingly delicious from the emerald isle
should be limited to St Patrick’s Day (March 17th) but here are five of some of our favourites for you to share, sip and savour on the big day and indeed
beyond, along with a few of our favourite serve suggestions.
There are now a multitude of amazing Irish whiskeys available to suit every budget, but this year we wanted to make our recommendations from those retailing to around the £40 mark, so everyone can sip something suitably celebratory this St Patrick's Day.
There are now a multitude of amazing Irish whiskeys available to suit every budget, but this year we wanted to make our recommendations from those retailing to around the £40 mark, so everyone can sip something suitably celebratory this St Patrick's Day.
Slane Irish
Whiskey – 40% ABV
One of the newer kids on the Irish dramming block, this is one gutsy and glorious, big bang for buck blended belter. A superb solo sipper that lends itself magnificently well to a multitude of cocktails. We love this one poured tall and cool with Fever Tree ginger ale.
One of the newer kids on the Irish dramming block, this is one gutsy and glorious, big bang for buck blended belter. A superb solo sipper that lends itself magnificently well to a multitude of cocktails. We love this one poured tall and cool with Fever Tree ginger ale.
Available from Master of Malt for £26.90
Writers
Tears Copper Pot – 40% ABV
A vibrant and vivacious, bountifully balanced blend, that makes for one moreish marvel. Designed as a pure sipper in our opinion, but on those warmer evenings it does lend itself rather well to a Highball.
A vibrant and vivacious, bountifully balanced blend, that makes for one moreish marvel. Designed as a pure sipper in our opinion, but on those warmer evenings it does lend itself rather well to a Highball.
Available from Master of Malt for £33.99
Redbreast 12
Year Old - 40% ABV
A deeply delish, richly rounded, sumptuous smacker of a single pot still sipper, which in our opinion is a drop of pure Irish dramming class in a glass!
A deeply delish, richly rounded, sumptuous smacker of a single pot still sipper, which in our opinion is a drop of pure Irish dramming class in a glass!
Available from Master of Malt for £40.90
Teeling
Single Grain Whiskey – 46% ABV
A stunningly, sassily, sweet and spiced seductress of a solo sipping superstar, which makes for one of our favourite whisk(e)y bases in an Old Fashioned.
Available from Master of Malt for £45.34A stunningly, sassily, sweet and spiced seductress of a solo sipping superstar, which makes for one of our favourite whisk(e)y bases in an Old Fashioned.
Jameson Irish Whiskey – 40% ABV
A consistent cracking core range classic, that never disappoints! As well as being a real treat poured neat, it serves up superbly in the likes of a Julep, and in our opinion still makes for the ultimate whisk(e)y base in an Irish coffee.
Available from Master of Malt for £22.50
*Prices correct at time of publishing
Sláinte!