Skip the Shamrock Shake and green beer this St. Patrick’s Day—and go for a solid Irish whiskey … [+]
Photo Illustration: Kristin Tablang
Every single time St. Patrick’s Day comes around, I find myself trying to figure out what my whiskey game plan is going to be.
There’s no question that I’ll be enjoying several truly delicious expressions from the Emerald Isle. (Lately, I’ve been drinking a lot of West Cork IPA Cask, Writers’ Tears, and Teeling Brabazon Series Edition 2—purchased directly from the distillery during a 2019 visit to Dublin.)
But there’s something extra delightful when you touch base with a fellow enthusiast to geek out about what they’ve been enjoying—and what they’re planning to indulge in on March 17th. So I reached out to Katie Auth to check in and ask for more recommendations. And she gladly obliged.
Auth is the real deal and is an alumna of New York City’s Dear Irving on Hudson, Blue Quarter, and Talk Story Rooftop. She’s also the founder of New York-based Katie Sips, where she creates customizable cocktail experiences—such as facilitating cocktail classes in your home and curating personalized cocktail kits if you want to have a go at it yourself.
Katie Auth is the founder of New York-based Katie Sips, where she creates customizable cocktail … [+]
52 Chefs/Katie Auth
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“In order to select this list of whiskeys, there were a few things I looked at. Given my occupation as a cocktail bartender, it was important to look at the category broadly as well as specifically,” Auth says. “A few considerations were top of mind: How well does it mix with other spirits? How well does this mix with ingredients such as various juices and syrups? What is best to drink neat? What is most cost effective but still a quality product? These questions along with several others helped me put together this list of my favorite Irish whiskeys on the market.”
And with all the innovations going on in the category, it’s difficult to narrow everything down to a list of less than 20. But Auth leans towards single pot stills and nearly every expression that has spent time in a sherry cask: “I absolutely love Irish whiskeys with finishes. They can be an excellent choice for many reasons but personally, I really enjoy the diversity they can bring. Nowadays, many distillers are finishing in casks such as rum, Cognac, Oloroso sherry, and beer—all of which bring additional qualities to each of the whiskeys and with that an added level of complexity.”
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With 17 of the Best Irish Whiskeys
TEELING SINGLE POT STILL ($70)
“The first whiskey to be distilled in Dublin in nearly 50 years, Teeling Single Pot Still is a 50/50 split of malted and unmalted barley,” Auth says. “Tropical fruit and biscuits linger on the palate as it finishes with hints of almond and spice. If you’re looking for a classic representation of Dublin style Irish whiskey, this is the pick for you.”
“Created by all female run team, Roe & Co is a great choice if you’re looking for a blended whiskey,” Auth says. “Mid-tiered in price, it tastes of whipped cream, stone fruit, green apple, and lemon.”
TYRCONNELL 10 YEAR SINGLE MALT PORT CASK FINISH ($77)
“A port finished single malt, Tyrconnell is owned by the oldest distillery in Ireland: Kilbeggan Distilling Company,” Auth says. “Jammy with notes of tropical fruit, the port beams through in this whiskey.”
MIDLETON VERY RARE: 2017 EDITION ($846)
“This is a splurge but worth every penny,” Auth says. “This whiskey is comprised of single pot still and grain whiskeys drawn from a batch of ex-bourbon barrels with an age span of 12 to 32 years. It’s savory finish along with notes of fragrant apricot and vanilla create an impressive dram.”
“With a heavier influence of single pot still, Jameson Black Barrel is the perfect introduction to this style,” Auth says. “Black cherry, vanilla, and barrel char are the dominant notes in this whiskey.”
REDBREAST 12 YEAR OLD CASK STRENGTH ($107)
“Truly one of my all-time favorites, this Redbreast expression is outstanding,” Auth says. Elements of spearmint paired with baked goods and toffee make this hard to pass up.”
“If you enjoy Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength, but don’t like the heat, this expression is for you. Spice, fruit, and sherry shine with a long complex finish.”
KNAPPOGUE CASTLE 16 YEAR OLD TWIN WOOD ($105)
“Aged for a minimum of 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels, this single malt radiates with notes of bright melon and citrus,” Auth says. “It’s nutty and vanilla characteristics shine on the finish.”
POWERS THREE SWALLOW SINGLE POT STILL ($55)
“Tastes like poached pears,” Auth says. “Do I need to say much more? Qualities of baked brioche and smoke linger on the palate—making it an incredible post dinner experience, especially if you aren’t a dessert person.”
GREEN SPOT POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY ($65)
“Perhaps my favorite to date, Green Spot is a wonderful addition to any whiskey collection. It’s light in body, with just enough caramel qualities that make it the perfect dram for any occasion.”
“A tried a true blended Irish whiskey. Easily accessible and perfect for an Irish coffee or whiskey and ginger ale.”
CONNEMARA PEATED 12 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT ($75)
“Another single malt, this peated whiskey glistens with notes of wood and spice,” Auth says. “Upper middle tier in price, I prefer this neat or with a splash of water. It’s lemony, fresh with a light finish.”
TEELING SMALL BATCH IRISH WHISKEY ($33)
“The unconventional aging techniques of this whiskey make it unique and excellent in a stirred cocktail or neat,” Auth says. “Not only is this aged in ex-bourbon barrels, but it also sees time in ex-rum barrels giving it a unique dried fruit profile.”
REDBREAST 15 YEAR OLD SINGLE POT STILL ($120)
“Comprised exclusively of pot still whiskeys, it’s a sophisticated, round expression that radiates flavors of croissants, custard, and a touch of pine.”
JAMESON CASKMATES STOUT EDITION ($32)
“A surprising addition to any back bar, it’s the perfect match to a pint of Guinness,” Auth says. “Notes of cocoa, caramel, and coffee are found on the nose and palate making it a lot of fun to drink.”
TULLAMORE D.E.W IRISH WHISKEY ($36)
“A classic versatile blended Irish whiskey that pairs well in sour style cocktails or in a highball. Blended, mid-range, and easily accessible—what more could you ask for?”
PROPER NO. TWELVE IRISH WHISKEY ($22)
“An interesting blend that I’ve found works beautifully in cocktails with fruit or high acid,” Auth says. “Hints of vanilla, toasted wood, and honey are found within this Irish whiskey.”