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| Irish Whiskeys Rise Above the Annual Celebration | Irish Whiskeys Rise Above the Annual Celebration |
| (about 20 hours later) | |
| It’s that time of year again, when St. Patrick’s Day approaches and the thoughts of beverage writers across the land turn to Irish whiskey. But for American spirits drinkers, Irish whiskey is clearly no longer a once-a-year fling. | It’s that time of year again, when St. Patrick’s Day approaches and the thoughts of beverage writers across the land turn to Irish whiskey. But for American spirits drinkers, Irish whiskey is clearly no longer a once-a-year fling. |
| Irish whiskey has been the fastest-growing spirit in the country, with sales soaring over the last 15 years. Consider that in 2002, just 434,000 cases were sold in the United States, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, a trade group. | |
| By 2016, that number had reached more than 3.8 million cases, growing by almost 19 percent in that year alone, an astounding growth rate that was nearly three times that of the next highest category, American whiskey, at 6.8 percent, according to the council. | |
| I have to admit that the spirits panel may not have been paying close enough attention to this surge. It’s been more than 10 years since we last tasted Irish whiskeys, and though many of the whiskeys available now are familiar names, the selection has expanded greatly. | I have to admit that the spirits panel may not have been paying close enough attention to this surge. It’s been more than 10 years since we last tasted Irish whiskeys, and though many of the whiskeys available now are familiar names, the selection has expanded greatly. |
| Thus it was that the spirits panel assembled recently to sample 20 whiskeys from Ireland. I was joined by two drinks writers, David Wondrich and Robert Simonson. Florence Fabricant was traveling and could not be with us. | |
| What makes whiskey Irish? Simply that it must be distilled on the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland. Otherwise, it can be a lot of things. | What makes whiskey Irish? Simply that it must be distilled on the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland. Otherwise, it can be a lot of things. |
| Some Irish whiskeys are a blend of grains, and some are entirely barley. Some are a blend of malted and unmalted grains, but more and more are single malts, made only from malted barley. | Some Irish whiskeys are a blend of grains, and some are entirely barley. Some are a blend of malted and unmalted grains, but more and more are single malts, made only from malted barley. |
| Some are the products of a single pot still, the ancient, distinctively rounded vessel for distillation that produces the most flavorful whiskeys. Others are made in the more efficient column still, and some are blends of both. Some whiskeys are triple distilled, but not all. | Some are the products of a single pot still, the ancient, distinctively rounded vessel for distillation that produces the most flavorful whiskeys. Others are made in the more efficient column still, and some are blends of both. Some whiskeys are triple distilled, but not all. |
| Despite the surge, Irish whiskey is far from the top-selling spirit. The 3.82 million cases sold in 2016 were well below the 21.75 million cases of American whiskey sold, to say nothing of the 17.14 million cases of Canadian or the 7.41 million cases of blended Scotch, according to the council. Surprisingly, last year, Irish whiskey outsold single-malt Scotch, which was at 2.14 million cases. | |
| No matter how robust whiskey sales may seem, they are dwarfed by those for vodka, America’s most popular spirit: close to 70 million cases in 2016, more than all categories of whiskey combined. | |
| Judging by Irish whiskey’s inroads in the United States, it may not be surprising that the whiskey business has changed enormously inside Ireland since our last tasting in 2006. Back then, only three distilleries were operating on the island, which accounted for all of the available brands. Now, more than a dozen distilleries are making whiskey, and that number is rapidly growing with at least 12 more in the planning stages. | Judging by Irish whiskey’s inroads in the United States, it may not be surprising that the whiskey business has changed enormously inside Ireland since our last tasting in 2006. Back then, only three distilleries were operating on the island, which accounted for all of the available brands. Now, more than a dozen distilleries are making whiskey, and that number is rapidly growing with at least 12 more in the planning stages. |
| As it is, most of these newer distilleries are so young that they haven’t issued any whiskey commercially yet. So a good deal of further growth is coming. | As it is, most of these newer distilleries are so young that they haven’t issued any whiskey commercially yet. So a good deal of further growth is coming. |
| David and Robert both agreed that the revival of the pot still, which in the mid-20th century had largely given way to the column still (used mostly for clear spirits like vodka), had played an important role in elevating Irish whiskey. Where once purists had to search long and hard for a traditional single pot still Irish whiskey, now examples abound, including at least three among our top 10. | David and Robert both agreed that the revival of the pot still, which in the mid-20th century had largely given way to the column still (used mostly for clear spirits like vodka), had played an important role in elevating Irish whiskey. Where once purists had to search long and hard for a traditional single pot still Irish whiskey, now examples abound, including at least three among our top 10. |
| To complicate matters further, single malts are also pot still whiskeys. But the term “single pot still” refers to whiskeys that are a blend of malted and unmalted grain, hence not single malts. | To complicate matters further, single malts are also pot still whiskeys. But the term “single pot still” refers to whiskeys that are a blend of malted and unmalted grain, hence not single malts. |
| Not to worry. The pleasure is in the drinking, not the recitation of facts. And for drinking, our tasting showed many excellent, distinctive whiskeys, ranging from young and fresh to deep and complex, with most showing a sense of purity and freshness. | Not to worry. The pleasure is in the drinking, not the recitation of facts. And for drinking, our tasting showed many excellent, distinctive whiskeys, ranging from young and fresh to deep and complex, with most showing a sense of purity and freshness. |
| “The best ones had a subtlety that is rare in Scotch whisky and almost nonexistent in American,” David said. In nearly all the bottles, he said, he found depth, elegance and clarity. | “The best ones had a subtlety that is rare in Scotch whisky and almost nonexistent in American,” David said. In nearly all the bottles, he said, he found depth, elegance and clarity. |
| Robert agreed. “Even with all the expansion, it’s all identifiable as Irish whiskey, fruity and lighter in body,” he said. | Robert agreed. “Even with all the expansion, it’s all identifiable as Irish whiskey, fruity and lighter in body,” he said. |
| The 20 bottles in our blind tasting ranged in price from $23 to $95 (we limit ourselves to bottles under $100), and we apparently preferred the more expensive bottles, which tended to have more age. Even so, we found worthy entry-level whiskeys, like Kilbeggan for $30 and Clontarf for $23. They are young, but don’t ignore these good values even if they couldn’t crack our top 10. | The 20 bottles in our blind tasting ranged in price from $23 to $95 (we limit ourselves to bottles under $100), and we apparently preferred the more expensive bottles, which tended to have more age. Even so, we found worthy entry-level whiskeys, like Kilbeggan for $30 and Clontarf for $23. They are young, but don’t ignore these good values even if they couldn’t crack our top 10. |
| Our favorite was a new brand, Barr an Uisce (pronounced bahr-an-ISH-kah). The single malt 1803, aged 10 years, was wonderfully complex and smooth, with flavors of fruits, caramels, spices and oak. It first showed up in the United States last year and, like many new Irish whiskeys, is currently made under contract with an existing distillery, West Cork, until its distillery is built. | Our favorite was a new brand, Barr an Uisce (pronounced bahr-an-ISH-kah). The single malt 1803, aged 10 years, was wonderfully complex and smooth, with flavors of fruits, caramels, spices and oak. It first showed up in the United States last year and, like many new Irish whiskeys, is currently made under contract with an existing distillery, West Cork, until its distillery is built. |
| Next were a couple of old favorites, the Knappogue Castle single malt 12 years old, classic and complex with flavors of butterscotch and heather, and the 12-year-old single pot still Redbreast, a once rare but now widely available whiskey that was pure, smooth, fresh and delightful. At $57, the Redbreast was our best value, although it’s still pretty expensive. | Next were a couple of old favorites, the Knappogue Castle single malt 12 years old, classic and complex with flavors of butterscotch and heather, and the 12-year-old single pot still Redbreast, a once rare but now widely available whiskey that was pure, smooth, fresh and delightful. At $57, the Redbreast was our best value, although it’s still pretty expensive. |
| The last in the top echelon was the Irishman Single Malt, a minimally aged whiskey that nonetheless was lovely in its floral, mossy freshness. | The last in the top echelon was the Irishman Single Malt, a minimally aged whiskey that nonetheless was lovely in its floral, mossy freshness. |
| At No. 5 was a rich, round and complex 10-year single malt from Lord Lieutenant Kinahan’s. The No. 6 was the 12-year Yellow Spot, a single pot still whiskey that was our most expensive bottle at $95 but showed layers of flavors. Its sibling, the No. 8 Green Spot, is a slightly younger single pot still whiskey, and the difference was apparent. Where the Yellow Spot showed flavors of fruits, nuts and caramel, the Green Spot was grassy and fresh. | At No. 5 was a rich, round and complex 10-year single malt from Lord Lieutenant Kinahan’s. The No. 6 was the 12-year Yellow Spot, a single pot still whiskey that was our most expensive bottle at $95 but showed layers of flavors. Its sibling, the No. 8 Green Spot, is a slightly younger single pot still whiskey, and the difference was apparent. Where the Yellow Spot showed flavors of fruits, nuts and caramel, the Green Spot was grassy and fresh. |
| In between the two Spots was the distinctive Connemara peated single malt, the rare Irish whiskey in which the grain is dried over a peat fire as is traditional with so many single malt Scotches, giving it an almost Islay-like smokiness, although its gently floral undertones identify it as an Irish whiskey. | In between the two Spots was the distinctive Connemara peated single malt, the rare Irish whiskey in which the grain is dried over a peat fire as is traditional with so many single malt Scotches, giving it an almost Islay-like smokiness, although its gently floral undertones identify it as an Irish whiskey. |
| Don’t disregard the last two on our list, the subtle Bushmills, a 10-year-old single malt, and the fresh and floral Donegal, just $34 for this minimally aged whiskey. | Don’t disregard the last two on our list, the subtle Bushmills, a 10-year-old single malt, and the fresh and floral Donegal, just $34 for this minimally aged whiskey. |
| The level of quality in all of these bottles was thrilling, and with new distilleries and new whiskeys on the horizon, it is hard not to be excited about what comes next. Irish whiskey may be about to have its annual moment in the spotlight, but that moment could last a good long time. | The level of quality in all of these bottles was thrilling, and with new distilleries and new whiskeys on the horizon, it is hard not to be excited about what comes next. Irish whiskey may be about to have its annual moment in the spotlight, but that moment could last a good long time. |
| ★★★½ BARR AN UISCE IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE MALT 1803 10 YEARS 92 Proof, $85 | ★★★½ BARR AN UISCE IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE MALT 1803 10 YEARS 92 Proof, $85 |
| Gorgeous, complex and smooth, with creamy flavors of fruit, caramel, spices and oak. (Niche Import, Cedar Knolls, N.J.) | Gorgeous, complex and smooth, with creamy flavors of fruit, caramel, spices and oak. (Niche Import, Cedar Knolls, N.J.) |
| ★★★½ KNAPPOGUE CASTLE IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE MALT 12 YEARS OLD 80 Proof, $58 | ★★★½ KNAPPOGUE CASTLE IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE MALT 12 YEARS OLD 80 Proof, $58 |
| Classic and complex, with rich flavors of butterscotch, heather and apricot. (Castle Brands, New York) | Classic and complex, with rich flavors of butterscotch, heather and apricot. (Castle Brands, New York) |
| Best Value | Best Value |
| ★★★½ REDBREAST IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE POT STILL 12 YEARS OLD 80 Proof, $57 | ★★★½ REDBREAST IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE POT STILL 12 YEARS OLD 80 Proof, $57 |
| Pure, smooth, rich and fresh, with flowery aromas and flavors of caramel, grain and moss. (Pernod Ricard USA, Purchase, N.Y.) | Pure, smooth, rich and fresh, with flowery aromas and flavors of caramel, grain and moss. (Pernod Ricard USA, Purchase, N.Y.) |
| ★★★½ THE IRISHMAN IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE MALT 80 Proof, $53 | ★★★½ THE IRISHMAN IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE MALT 80 Proof, $53 |
| Lovely and light, with floral, grassy aromas and a fresh note of moss. (Palm Bay International, Port Washington, N.Y.) | Lovely and light, with floral, grassy aromas and a fresh note of moss. (Palm Bay International, Port Washington, N.Y.) |
| ★★★ LORD LIEUTENANT KINAHAN’S IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE MALT 10 YEARS 92 Proof, $59 | ★★★ LORD LIEUTENANT KINAHAN’S IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE MALT 10 YEARS 92 Proof, $59 |
| Rich and round, with complex flavors of fruit, caramel and grain. (Winebow, New York) | Rich and round, with complex flavors of fruit, caramel and grain. (Winebow, New York) |
| ★★★ YELLOW SPOT IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE POT STILL 12 YEARS 92 Proof, $95 | ★★★ YELLOW SPOT IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE POT STILL 12 YEARS 92 Proof, $95 |
| Nutty and toasty, with complex, lingering flavors of fruits, caramel and chocolate. (Pernod Ricard USA) | Nutty and toasty, with complex, lingering flavors of fruits, caramel and chocolate. (Pernod Ricard USA) |
| ★★½ CONNEMARA IRISH WHISKEY PEATED SINGLE MALT 80 Proof, $45 | ★★½ CONNEMARA IRISH WHISKEY PEATED SINGLE MALT 80 Proof, $45 |
| Smoky and grainy, with underlying aromas and flavors of flowers and honey. (Kilbeggan Distilling, Deerfield, Ill.) | Smoky and grainy, with underlying aromas and flavors of flowers and honey. (Kilbeggan Distilling, Deerfield, Ill.) |
| ★★½ GREEN SPOT IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE POT STILL 80 Proof, $60 | ★★½ GREEN SPOT IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE POT STILL 80 Proof, $60 |
| Sweet and grassy, with the fresh scents of meadows and moss. (Pernod Ricard USA) | Sweet and grassy, with the fresh scents of meadows and moss. (Pernod Ricard USA) |
| ★★½ BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE MALT 10 YEARS 80 Proof, $53 | ★★½ BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY SINGLE MALT 10 YEARS 80 Proof, $53 |
| Oaky yet fresh, with subtle flavors that gather dimension in the mouth. (Proximo Spirits, Jersey City) | Oaky yet fresh, with subtle flavors that gather dimension in the mouth. (Proximo Spirits, Jersey City) |
| ★★½ DONEGAL IRISH WHISKEY 80 Proof, $34 | ★★½ DONEGAL IRISH WHISKEY 80 Proof, $34 |
| Light, fresh, floral and fruity. (Star Industries, Syosset, N.Y.) | Light, fresh, floral and fruity. (Star Industries, Syosset, N.Y.) |
| What the Stars Mean: Ratings, up to four stars, reflect the panel’s reaction to the spirits, which were tasted with names concealed. The whiskeys represent a selection generally available in good retail shops and restaurants and on the internet. Prices are those paid in the New York region. Tasting coordinator: Bernard Kirsch | What the Stars Mean: Ratings, up to four stars, reflect the panel’s reaction to the spirits, which were tasted with names concealed. The whiskeys represent a selection generally available in good retail shops and restaurants and on the internet. Prices are those paid in the New York region. Tasting coordinator: Bernard Kirsch |
| Recipe Pairing: Oyster and Blue Cheese Pie | Recipe Pairing: Oyster and Blue Cheese Pie |
| An Irish drink calls out for oysters. Stout, especially Guinness, is a classic with the mollusks. Irish whiskey, with its light touch and occasional hints of fruit and brine, is another excellent choice. Shuck the oysters, serve them cold and shimmering, pour a few drams, and you’re home free. I wanted something more elaborate for an appetizer to pair with the whiskey: an oyster pie layered with blue cheese. Fredrik Berselius, the chef and owner of the Nordic restaurant Aska in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has an unusual poaching preparation for the oysters. He serves them shucked, in a broth tarted up with pickled gooseberries and a creamy sauce. He barely cooks the oysters, for just four or five minutes, at 140 degrees. It is enough time, he said, to avoid any potential problems with raw oysters, something that may concern a chef. It’s a genius method because oysters done this way are a snap to open and do not taste cooked. They are suitable for any recipe not calling for strictly raw bivalves, like my oyster and blue cheese pie. All you need is a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. FLORENCE FABRICANT | An Irish drink calls out for oysters. Stout, especially Guinness, is a classic with the mollusks. Irish whiskey, with its light touch and occasional hints of fruit and brine, is another excellent choice. Shuck the oysters, serve them cold and shimmering, pour a few drams, and you’re home free. I wanted something more elaborate for an appetizer to pair with the whiskey: an oyster pie layered with blue cheese. Fredrik Berselius, the chef and owner of the Nordic restaurant Aska in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has an unusual poaching preparation for the oysters. He serves them shucked, in a broth tarted up with pickled gooseberries and a creamy sauce. He barely cooks the oysters, for just four or five minutes, at 140 degrees. It is enough time, he said, to avoid any potential problems with raw oysters, something that may concern a chef. It’s a genius method because oysters done this way are a snap to open and do not taste cooked. They are suitable for any recipe not calling for strictly raw bivalves, like my oyster and blue cheese pie. All you need is a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. FLORENCE FABRICANT |