It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day, so of course it’s the perfect time to be thinking about Irish whiskey.

Traditionally, Irish whiskey is triple distilled in copper pot stills versus the usual practice of double distillation for Scotch whisky which produces a silky smooth whiskey that finishes crisp and clean. Additionally, Irish whiskey is generally not exposed to peat smoke as are many Scotch whiskeys.

After a period of decline during the 20th century due to prohibition and Irish independence, Irish whiskey is now the fastest growing spirit in the world!

Relaxed production rules and the recent resurgence of Irish distilleries have allowed Irish whiskey to offer a very diverse array of styles.

 

In anticipation of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day, here are a few of our selections that demonstrate the diversity of the Irish whiskey flavour profile.  Sláinte!

 

 

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Jameson – Caskmates Stout Edition

Triple-distilled, blended Irish whiskey that has been patiently finished in Irish craft beer-seasoned barrels.

Taste: The initial sweet mouth coating typical of the Irish pot still inclusion is quickly complemented by the subtle touch of hops and cocoa beans from the beer cask finish.  Long and sweet with milk chocolate and butterscotch.

 

 

 

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Connemara Peated

Unique among Irish whiskeys, Connemara is the only Irish Peated Single Malt Whiskey available today. Inspired by the 18th century art of drying malting barley over peat fires, Connemara possesses a distinct peaty flavour and aroma, instilling a delicate smokiness and smooth, sweet taste.

Taste: An aroma of sweet barley with wafts of peaty smoke, kippers and well baked apple crumble. Tastes of lightly honey sweet, subdued clean rather than sooty smoke with peaty vegetal notes, sweet barley water, light spice and vanilla oak.

 

 

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Teeling – Single Malt

Made from 100% Malted Barley from a range of different ages including Malt whiskey distilled in 1991. This Single Malt bottling consists of a vatting of 5 different wine cask (Sherry, Port, Madeira, White Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon) finished Irish Malt whiskeys.

Taste: A balance mix of dry fruits, citrus, vanilla, spice and cloves. Long finish with sweetness in harmony with dry tannins from the wood.

 

 

 

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Glendalough – 7 Year Old, Single Malt

This single malt is aged for 7 years in American oak barrels and finished in porter barrels. Black Pitts porter brings this single malt to incredible depths. Made with roasted chocolate barley, it amplifies the malt notes while layering on rich, dark flavours.

Taste: Smooth and warm flavour with mandarin orange, cocoa, toffee and cooked fruit, followed by clove and peppery spices. Long and spicy finish with toasted oak, treacle and brown-sugared coffee notes.

 

 

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Red Breast – 15 Year Old, Single Pot Still

For more than a century Redbreast has stayed true to the Irish Pot Still whiskey making tradition. Today it is considered to be the definitive expression of this quintessential style of Irish whiskey making. The extra years in the barrel have given Redbreast 15 Year Old a more mellow taste profile than it’s younger sibling, Redbreast 12 Year Old.

Taste: Fully round and mellow with the succulence of fleshy fruit combined with spices and toasted wood. Long and sophisticated finish.

 

 

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Check your local Crowfoot Wine & Spirits for Irish Whiskey in stock.