In the Spirit: Irish Eyes Are Smiling Over Whiskey!

Saint Patrick was a gentleman
Who through strategy and stealth
Drove all the snakes from Ireland
Here's a drinkee to his health!
But not too many drinkees
Lest we lose ourselves and then...
Forget the good Saint Patrick
And see them snakes again!

St. Patrick's Day is a day to honor your Irish heritage, and if you're not a descendent of the Emerald Isle, you can pretend just like everyone else donning his or her rarely worn green garments. And what could be more patriotic on the day that everyone is Irish than to drink Irish whiskey?

History isn't completely clear on the subject about Irish whiskey, but it most likely has its roots in a Celt journey from India where they were shown how to distill grains and botanicals. This early liquid intoxicant was probably more reminiscent of gin than modern day whiskey, but it was the start of something distinct. Some even claim that it was actually Irish monks that showed the Scots how to distill grains. Ireland was first.

There are three identifying features that the distillate needs to be deemed Irish whiskey. First, it needs to be aged in wood a minimum three years. Next, it needs to be bottled at no less than 40 percent alcohol by volume. Last but not least, the grains used in distillation must come from the island of Ireland. One other important distinguishing feature of Irish whiskeys is that the vast majority of them utilize three distillations, which makes for a distinct smooth and soft style.

To keep the power of three going, until the more recent resurgence and increased demand for Irish whiskey around the world there were only three distilleries in Ireland. The current count is at eight with a couple more coming in the next year or so. Compare that to more than a hundred in Scotland.

So before you sport your Kelly green shirt and search out a shamrock, here are EDGE's picks for your top o' the morning of March 17.

Jameson
Produced by the Midleton Distillery, Jameson is probably the one brand familiar even to those who don't drink it. Recognizable as quintessentially Irish, they began in 1780 with Master Distiller namesake John Jameson who is said to have allegedly discovered the three-distillation method that has become identified with Irish whiskey. This smooth and easy spirit is perfection in a classic Irish coffee or even a Jameson Irish Mule!
Jameson, $28

Redbreast 12 Year
Redbreast 12 Year is a wonderful example of a Pure Pot Still distillation from the Midleton Distillery and specific usage of Oloroso sherry casks, which give Redbreast its unique spiciness along with round citrus fruit, almonds and, of course, sherry notes.
Redbreast 12 Year, $50

Kilbeggan
Kilbeggan comes from the Cooley Distillery (still independently run) where it is distilled then transported back to Kilbeggan to mature in their 1,200-year-old granite warehouse. This is their entry-level whiskey, quite approachable with aromas of icing and tastes of caramel. Try the Kilbeggan in a Hot Toddy!
Kilbeggan, $20

Wild Geese
Wild Geese is a third-party production from the Cooley Distillery. Their single malt Irish whiskey is a gem: clean, ripe and balanced. They utilize an extended second distillation (ruling out the concept that all Irish whiskeys do three). Another component that gives this whiskey a unique flavor is that they use only American Oak barrels from bourbon... but only once used. That toast imbues strong vanilla and custard roundness and a decadent mouthfeel.
Wild Geese Single Malt, $75

Bushmills
Bushmills is the namesake from this flagship distillery. It is a blend of single malt whiskey and a lighter grain. This light style is aged with oak casks from the U.S., Spain and Portugal. Maturation softens the light gold liquid into an approachable libation with spicy vanilla notes and a fresh finish. It is great as a cocktail with ginger ale.
Bushmills, $25

Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary Limited Edition
If you can get your hands on it, the Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary Limited Edition special would be an item not found at most retail. Utilizing "Crystal Malt," which is a result of experimentation at the distillery. This blend combines this unique malt with the classic Bushmills (aged in American and Spanish oak casks) with a touch of Irish grain whiskey. They also bottle this at a higher alcohol by volume (46%) and with no chill filtration which adds to the soft mouth feel and protects the distinct flavors and aromas.
Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary Limited Edition, $90-120