Cheers to World Whisky Day!
Irish whiskey is enjoying a huge revival. And so, on World Whisky Day, I find myself thinking about our native spirit and the role it’s played in shaping tastes around the globe.
In recent years, it’s shaped my tastes too. I’ve grown to really love Irish whiskey and, through my work with some great whiskey brands, have become somewhat of a hobbyist connoisseur.
Starting out with Jameson, Ginger and Lime – a refreshing long drink that I still gravitate towards at the beginning of a night out, my palette has grown to appreciate the subtle complexities of different whiskies and particularly, pot still Irish whiskey. Now, I’ll happily sip slowly on a quality whiskey neat. I’m also partial to the odd whiskey cocktail too.
Truth be told, it’s the unique storytelling that really made me fall in love with Irish whiskey.
The article that follows is made up of excepts from several pieces I penned for a special Irish whiskey magazine for Dillon Bass – the owner of world-leading brands including Jameson, Powers, Redbreast and Midleton in Northern Ireland.
Working with these great brands over the last few years has given me a unique insight into the world of Irish whiskey – and the relished opportunity to better understand the passion, science and craft that’s required to create it, from grain to glass.
Midleton Distillery's Master Cooper, Ger Buckley. Picture by Joe Magowan, Powers Irish Whiskey Ambassador
THE COMEBACK KID
History, it’s said, has a habit of repeating itself. It’s not always a good thing but every now and then, a comeback is a thing of pure beauty. Enter Irish whiskey.
Consumers today are more discerning and demanding than ever. They want brands that have a story to tell, that are crafted and nurtured, but that are also innovative and creative. Irish whiskey has stepped up to the challenge and this once traditional spirit has been reborn.
Driven by Jameson – the world’s number one Irish whiskey – the category is undergoing a revival and is growing globally, bringing a whole new legion of fans along with it.
THE ART OF CRAFTING IRISH WHISKEY
Producing whiskey is a combination of art, craft and science.
Patience is a virtue and this is certainly the case with whiskey. Many are produced in small quantities and occasionally in limited runs. Ageing is arguably the most important factor; to be called whiskey in Ireland, the spirit must be aged in wooden casks for at least three years. Some rest for 12, 15 or 21 years.
It’s not a quick process but then the best things in life are worth waiting for. Barry Crockett, master distiller emeritus of Midleton Distillery once said: “Nothing happens in the whiskey business in days or weeks, not even years. It takes decades of effort to effect change.” In every sip of Irish whiskey, there’s a rich history of Irish craft and tradition at play.
Irish whiskey has a great story to tell and it’s this authentic and captivating heritage – and its superior taste - that’s winning over legions of new fans around the world.
Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork. Picture by Joe Magowan, Powers Irish Whiskey Ambassador.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
For the novice, Irish whiskey is a great place to start. Compared to its Scottish and American cousins, Irish whiskeys are very approachable, without the tastes and aromas that newbies often find tricky, such as peat- smoke. And it’s much smoother too, thanks to the triple distillation pioneered by Irish distilleries.
Irish whiskey is no longer an old man’s drink with strict rules like ‘never water down your whiskey’ long shaken off. Today, Irish whiskey has a much broader appeal, largely thanks to bartenders bringing it to life in cocktails, inventive new serves and mixed drinks, creating a whole new generation of modern day whiskey enthusiasts.
WHAT I’M DRINKING ON WORLD WHISKY DAY
I’ll be toasting World Whisky Day at home tonight with a dram of Powers Three Swallow and a lovely Redbreast 12 Year Old.
Powers Three Swallow
A solid pot still Irish whiskey, Powers Three Swallow is the perfect introduction to the pot still style. Robust, spicy and powerful, Powers 3 Swallow is matured primarily in American bourbon barrels, amplifying the classic Powers taste with a strong wood character. Marrying these attributes with a small sherry aged component gives Powers Three Swallow balance and finesse.
Redbreast 12 Year Old
Redbreast is the world’s number one pot still Irish whiskey and with good reason. The classic and much-loved Redbreast 12 Year Old is amongst my favourites in the range and amongst connoisseurs, it’s often cited as the finest Irish whiskey in the world.
I’ll drink to that.
There are endless options when it comes to whiskey cocktails. If you’re starting out, begin with a Jameson, Ginger and Lime over ice and then move onto the classics – a Manhattan, Whiskey Sour or Mint Julep. And don’t rule out the classic Irish Coffee – it hasn’t become famous the world over for no reason.
If I were heading out tonight (which sadly, I’m not), I’d opt for an Old Fashioned (made with either Powers Gold Label or Jameson Black Barrel) or a classic Whiskey Sour.
WHERE TO BUY...
THE FRIEND AT HAND
Willie Jack, the man behind The Duke of York, The Harp Bar and The Dark Horse (often referred to himself as The Dark Horse of the Belfast hospitality scene) recently opened Belfast’s first and only dedicated whiskey shop. ‘The Friend At Hand’ on Hill Street in the Cathedral Quarter is a glorious emporium that stocks a huge collection of popular and rare Irish whiskeys.
If you’re looking for gin, vodka or rum, you’ll have to go elsewhere as this gem of a store only stocks Irish whiskey and is the first dedicated Irish whiskey shop of its kind. A pleasure to browse with an unrivalled selection of whiskeys, you will find yourself lost in this epic collection, which features a range of over 300 never-to-be-sold bottles that are kept under strict lock and key.
Expert help is at hand to help you make your choice and each purchase is presented in a bespoke Ulster linen gift bag.
THE VINEYARD
A true Belfast institution, The Vineyard on the Ormeau Road in South Belfast is another spot not to be missed. At any one time they have over 40 varieties of Irish whiskey available, making it the perfect place if you’re searching for a gift for someone special. Friendly and approachable but bursting with knowledge and enthusiasm, the staff here seriously know their stuff.
TASTING EVENTS
This month iconic Irish whiskey brand Powers is at the heart of the celebrations locally, as an official partner of this year’s World Whisky Day. A host of events have been taking place across Northern Ireland in the last few weeks but there are still more on the horizon. Here’s my pick of the best that’s yet to come…
Sunflower Boilermaker Evening
Sunflower Public House, Belfast, Wednesday 24th May, 7.30pm, £15
The traditional boilermaker combined a shot of whiskey, chased by a glass of bear. From humble beginnings in 19th Century Pennsylvania, steelmakers were said to have drank a shot of whiskey, chased by a glass of beer, after a tough day of factory life. Visit popular Belfast bar, The Sunflower Public House to experience three expertly paired Irish whiskeys and local beers, including Jameson Caskmates and Boundary Export Stout; Powers Three Swallow and Northbound Pale Ale and Redbreast 15-Year-Old and Farmageddon Mosaic IPA. Call The Sunflower for tickets 028 9023 2474.
Bailies Coffee & Powers Event
Finegan & Son, Newry, 1st June
Join Powers Irish Whiskey Ambassador, Joe Magowan in Finegan & Son, Newry, for an innovative coffee and Powers Irish Whiskey event in conjunction with Bailies Coffee. Mini burgers will be matched with whiskey and a twist on an Irish coffee, created. Tickets can be purchased from Finegan & Son on 028 3025 7141.
If you want to find out more about Belfast's whiskey history, check out the Whiskey Walk tour. Read my review here.
STILL NEED MORE INSPIRATION?
Check out whiskeyclub.com for more info on whiskey news and events in Belfast and beyond.
