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Paint the Town GREEN! Irish Whiskeys for St. Patrick's Day

Mar 05, 2021

We're diving into everything IRISH just in time for your St. Paddy's day celebration! 

With the beginning of March, we're feeling slightly warmer weather which has us yearning for spring. St. Patrick's Day is March 17th, so we're going to look at the differences in Irish Whiskeys and your best cocktails to go along with them. 
IRISH WHISKEY

Let's start with the basics. To be classified as an Irish Whiskey, it must meet the following requirements:
  • Made in Ireland
  • Include Malted Barley 
  • Fermented by Yeast
  • Distilled at less than 94.8% ABV
  • The distillate must have an aroma and flavor derived from the materials used
  • Aged a minimum of 3 years in wood casks
  • Be bottled at no less than 40% ABV
JAMESON COLD BREW

The die hard Irish wake up and are at the bar by 6:00 am for Kegs & Eggs. So of course we need some caffeine to go along with it. If you've read our blog in the past, you can skip ahead because you know we're smitten with the newest from Jameson, their Limited Edition Cold Brew. Launched about a year ago, "The Coffee Lovers' Irish Whiskey" is the perfect balance of Irish heat paired with the bold richness of coffee. Amazing on the rocks or in a cocktail, the hard work is done for you. But don't be fooled by leprechaun's gold, this is not a pre-made cocktail. It is your classic Jameson infused with Cold Brew Coffee. Made with Arabica beans from Brazil & Columbia; no sugar is added. The taste is full bodied, smooth, and luscious. We love adding Irish Cream or enjoying it as a Brew-Tini: Combine 2 Parts Jameson Cold Brew, 1 Part Cold Brew Coffee, 1/2 Part Simple Syrup, Shake & Strain into a Martini Glass. And if you're still making that quarantine whipped coffee, spike it with Jameson Cold Brew, duh! 
JAMESON BLACK BARREL

As you've probably guessed, Jameson is the highest selling Irish Whiskey in the world. But have you met Jameson's sophisticated older brother, Black Barrel? The barrels used to age this whiskey are double charred, bringing about a richer, more complex flavor profile, while providing an even smoother finish. Nutty meets smooth wood, spice, and vanilla, this is perfect as a Jameson Old Fashioned.   Add ice to your mixing glass, pour in 2 ounces Jameson Black Barrel, .75 ounce simple syrup, 2 dashes orange bitters. Stir until cold, pour into your rocks glass over a large ice cube or sphere. Slice the rind of an orange, twisting so the oils go into the glass and around the lip of the glass. Garnish with orange peel. As the Irish say, Sláinte!

POWERS IRISH WHISKEY


In 1791, James Powers founded Johns Lane Distillery, creating a Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey using only the heart of the distillate, so more of the heads and tails is discarded than any other Irish Whiskey. Powers Gold is made from malted and unmalted barley using a single copper pot still, then aged in American oak barrels for 2-3 years. This creates a complex whiskey with a crisp warm flavor. You'll find cinnamon and clove spice, apple and pear, vanilla and toasted oak. Try it neat, on the rocks, in coffee, or our favorite: as the Powers Sour. It's refreshing and strong, ideal to compliment this brisk March weather we're enjoying after such a cold February. To make, simply shake up 2 parts Powers Gold, 1/2 part fresh lemon juice, 1/2 part fresh lime juice, 1/2 part simple syrup with ice. Then strain into a rocks glass over ice, and garnish with an orange wedge and Luxardo cherry.


But buyer be aware: fans of the brand will notice a recent change in label and bottle design. We're loving the modern update which still has a timeless feel. It's certainly going to grab your attention on the shelves. Stores may still have the classic bottle until they get an updated inventory, but never fear! Either way you're getting the same wonderful ambrosia inside.

GREEN SPOT


Spot Whiskeys hold an interesting history; the Mitchell Family started as a confectionary and bakery in 1805, even holding the reputation of "Confectioner to Her Majesty." At the time, Jameson's distillery would sell their spirit to bonders who matured them in wine casks. It wasn't until 1887 that the Mitchell Family became reputable for their Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. The barrels were marked with a colored spot of paint to indicate how long they should be aged for - blue for 7 years, green for 10 years, yellow for 12 years, and red for 15 years. Today, Green Spot is blended from whiskeys aged between 7-10 years in new bourbon, refilled bourbon, and sherry casks. This award winning whiskey "is a whiskey you don’t throw around...it has a very, very unique style. It’s very full in the mouth. It’s very mellow." Therefore, we feel it's best to preserve the quality by enjoying it simply with a Spot & Soda  - the effervescence of club soda creates a clean compliment to the apple, spice, and oak of Green Spot. Find the recipe here. You'll combine 35 ml Green Spot, 25 ml Apple/Mint Syrup, 5 ml Malic Acid Solution over ice in a Collins glass and fill with Soda Water. However, this whiskey is also incredibly mixable, and perfect for a well crafted cocktail as well. Check out more cocktail ideas on their website.


Famous fans of the brand include Playwright Samuel Beckett, Singer Mick Jagger, and Actor Daniel Day-Lewis. Grab a bottle and see what all the excitement is about!

REDBREAST 12 YEAR


What makes Redbreast unique is they age their 12 Year Old whiskey in both bourbon and sherry casks. You'll notice spice, orchard fruit, and charred wood on the nose and flavor profile that's complex and balanced. The star contributor to this aged whiskey is the sherry steeped wood that's impregnated into the liquid, giving it a subtle redness to the color, which may be part of the reason for the name. The long finish will have you sipping this exquisite whiskey neat in order to cherish every drop.


Redbreast's history began with the wine importer & distillers called Gilbeys in 1857, and by 1875 they held the largest stocks of Irish Whiskey in the world, selling 83,000 cases that year. Using John Jameson & Son's "sole make" to fill their sherry casks, Redbreast was bottled in bond under Gilbeys' Castle Grand label and guaranteed to be at least 6 years old. It wasn't until 1912 that the name Redbreast was first used in advertising. Thought to be the nickname for the red and white labeled 12 Year Old Whiskey, it is said to be attributed to the Chairman of Gilbeys of the time, who was a bird enthusiast.  For the serious whiskey enthusiast, this is the ideal bottle for you.

That's all for now - we're hoping that no matter your level of fascination with Irish Whiskey, you've been provided some insight on what to look for on the store shelves. We're excited to pair these with the saltiness of corn beef & cabbage or a nice big Rueben sandwich with a side of french fries! Don your best Kelly green attire, kiss an Irish Lass, do a little jig, and enjoy the day!


Check out Hart Agency's social media for up to date details on events in your area. Be sure to tag us on social media with your favorite Irish Whiskey too!


Erin Go Bragh!


Slainte,

The Hart Team

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