Uisce Beatha - A Discussion of Irish Whiskey

[Brad Bowers]

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I thought we should start a discussion thread devoted to Irish Whiskey. I have not tried any yet, though I have seen it on our liquor store's shelves. My money usually has to be spent replacing my depleted Scotch/Rye/Gin stock, (which is always low, I can't figure out why ) but one of these days I will try a bottle or two.

I know the distilleries have consolidated in Ireland, so perhaps the variety might not be there as it is in Scotland. What should one look for in a good Irish Whiskey?

Brad

 

[Bull Moose]

I have had Jameson before, and its pretty good. I hear Bushmills is good too.

 

[Smithy]

I'm a very occasional Irish drinker as I am far more of a scotch and single malt fan.

But some to my taste buds can be vaguely reminiscent of Islay malts having similar smoky/peaty flavours.

Only really drunk Jameson's, Bushmills and Old Dublin though.

 

[Jack Traeger]

Single Malt Irish

Tyrconnell is a reasonably priced Irish single malt. Comparable in smoothness to a good single malt scotch, but without the smokiness. Great with a
Puros Indios cigar

J T

 

[dr greg]

top of the morning

As someone who in his younger days put away a bottle a day, I can assure you that Irish whisky will give you less of a hangover than Scotch, I believe it to be due to the fact that it is thrice distilled.

 

[Deleted member 3716]

given the choice, i will normally go for Paddy whiskey.
it is a little sweeter than the likes of Jameson, so perhaps not to everyones taste...

 

[Miss Crisplock]

Having grown up drinking Irish Whiskey, specifically Tullamore Dew, and having had on occasion Usiach Braugh I can attest to its lovely and smooth qualities.

That said, Jamesons and Bushmills were commonly refered to by my Father as "Horse Linament".

I did get my horse tipsy on Jamesons once.

 

[Lulu-in-Ny]

It was Tullamore Dew in my house, as well- Irish Whiskey all the way. Although, my grandmother was a great Scotch drinker, so we let her slide...

 

[Highlander]

Well, I like the Jamesons.... So, I guess Horse Lament is pretty good

 

[Fly Boy]

Two Irish whiskies that are spectacular -

Redbreast and Green Spot. Both from Midleton.

Connemara is alright too though nothing spectacular.

 

[Dan'l]

Whiskey is good

When I was a younger lad I had this thing about drinking whiskey while watching old western movies. That seems to be the start of what has become a love for whiskey, not everyday mind you.
I enjoy Scotch, really enjoy KY bourbons, and am very fond of Irish whiskey.

I've always liked Bushmills. Recently I tried the 16 year old Bushmills and thought is was good but I need to try it again just to be sure. Better yet, I should try a bottle so I can be positive.

I agree with Dr. Greg. From my experience Irish seems less of a hangover than Scotch. Better yet, moderation is the best deterrent for hangovers.

Cheers

 

[CopperNY]

discovered Knappougue Castle ($38 750ml for the 1995) and have found my brand.

subtle, hidden smoke and vanilla.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

I've got 33 bottles of Irish (no duplicates). It's my preferred drink of choice when it comes to the hard stuff.

Currently I am trying to find a bottle of Redbreast 15 yr. It's a pure pot still Irish whiskey which IDL announced is coming to the United States in fall 2010. IDL's Redbreast 12 year PPS is wonderful stuff -- in fact, it's what started my passion for Irish whiskey. I can't wait to taste the 15 yr appellation, as it was only released once recently (2005) and in limited quantities only.

My regular Irish whiskey is Powers Gold Label. If I had all the money in the world I'd drink something else but per Jim Murray (author of the Whiskey Bible 2010), "an entire nation cannot be wrong". PGL is the #1 seller by volume in Ireland itself. At $21/bottle it's very hard to beat; you cannot get that level of pot still character in a NAS Jameson, Tully or White Bush.

 

[rkwilker]

I second that Red Breast recommendation. Nice whisky.

 

[HepKitty]

It was Tullamore Dew in my house...

first tried the stuff when they were giving away samples in the grocery store... not on this side of the pond obviously lol it's excellent!

no this is not really fftopic: have a cake recipe

Irish Whiskey cake

2 1/2 c dried fruit, diced (I like mango, cranberries, and wide flake coconut, will try apricots and cherries sometime)
2/3 c Irish whiskey + 2-3 tbsp
1 1/2 c butter, room temp
2 1/4 c sugar
6 large eggs
2 tsp grated orange zest
2 tsp grated lemon zest
2 tsp almond extract (real please!)
1/4 tsp salt
3 c unbleached pastry flour (all purpose works fine too)
1 tsp baking powder
1 c chopped almonds, toasted
2-3 tbsp powdered sugar

preheat oven to 325F

simmer on low dried fruit and whiskey in a saucepan for about 10 minutes (until fruit has softened). set aside to cool

beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. add eggs one at a time, beating after each. add zest, extract, and salt.

sift together flour and baking powder and add to butter mix in several additions, mixing by hand after each. fold in dried fruit and almonds

butter and flour a 10" bundt pan, pour in batter, bake 1.25-1.5 hours until knife comes out clean. cool 10 minutes and remove from pan, cool completely. brush warm cake w/ whiskey and dust w/ powdered sugar

**variation (which I've not tried but I love marzipan): reduce butter to 1 1/4 c and sugar to 2 c, omit extract and add 1/4 c almond paste

from the moosewood restaurant book of desserts

 

[Optionseeker]

After gaining some inspiration from this thread, I am just now sitting down to my first taste of Irish Whiskey, a bit of Redbreast 12yo.........

:eusa_clap

 

[HepKitty]

After gaining some inspiration from this thread, I am just now sitting down to my first taste of Irish Whiskey, a bit of Redbreast 12yo.........

:eusa_clap

well? how is it?

 

[Optionseeker]

well? how is it?

Very good, much sweeter than I was expecting. Vanilla and gingerbread with a gentle burn. I think I may be a convert.

I usually add a splash of water to Scotch but drank this neat. Any opinions?

J

 

[Fly Boy]

After gaining some inspiration from this thread, I am just now sitting down to my first taste of Irish Whiskey, a bit of Redbreast 12yo.........

:eusa_clap

Good man yerself! :eusa_clap

 

[jamespowers]

I agree with most of those brands mentioned here but one of my favorites has been Clontarf Single Malt. They also make a blend that is likely better for beginners but the single malt is much more refined and polished with less vanilla and more malty for want of a better term.
I also need to mention Wild Geese Irish Soldiers and Heros. There are severl incarnations but my experience is only with what I can get my hands on and that has been the classic blend. I can't find the single malt around here. :eusa_doh: