St. Patrick's Day is here, and thoughts of the usual celebrations come to mind: green apparel, pubs full to the rafters with patrons claiming their Irish roots, parades, and men and women of every age (over 21 of course!) imbibing two of Ireland's most successful beer exports—Guinness and Kilkenny.
Often seen as the poor cousin to Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey (the Irish include the 'e,' the Scots drop it) has a unique flavor profile that will tempt you away from your favorite pint, or pints, on March 17!
Currently, in terms of sales, Scotch whisky makers across the North Channel from Ireland rule supreme, but at the turn of the 20th century, Irish distillers were market leaders. America's prohibition dampened the Irish monopoly, while the introduction of Scotch-blended whisky and its use of continuous distillation took over the market after the United States lifted its alcohol ban.
Irish and Scottish influences and expertise gave birth to Jameson Irish Whiskey. John Jameson married into the Haig family, who were well-known Scotch whisky distillers. Later, John's son also married into a whisky family, the Steins, who at the time were one of the largest producers in Scotland. The Steins also owned the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin, and in 1780, John Jameson acquired the Bow Street premises and founded Jameson.
Produced using a mixture of sprouted barley and unmalted barley, and distilled three times (as opposed to most Scotches, which are distilled twice), Jameson has a lighter taste in contrast to Scotch varieties that have heavier peat flavors.
Matt Tallentire, Jameson's senior brand manager, points out that this lighter texture is what makes this whiskey attractive.
"It's not like other whisky brands that need to be sipped and savored," he said. "Jameson's advantage is its 'mixability.' When consumers drink Jameson, they end up sticking with the brand because of its approachable nature."
Try an Irish whiskey cocktail to add some fizz to your celebrations. But if you start talking to leprechauns and attempt to follow one to buried treasure, you, my friend, have enjoyed your March 17 a little too much and would be well-advised to head home, drift off to sleep, and face March 18 in all its glory.
Macree Raspberry Burst
2 ½ tbsp. Jameson Irish Whiskey
2 ½ tsp. Chambord Liqueur
2 ½ tsp. lemon juice
2 ½ tsp. sugar syrup
1 ½ tbsp. cranberry juice
1 tbsp. raspberry juice
4 fresh raspberries
Muddle and stir all ingredients in a tall glass. Add a handful of crushed ice and muddle again. Fill the glass with ice and garnish with fresh raspberries.
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