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Irish Whiskey
In tradition of St Patrick's Day this month we have decided to do this newsletter on Irish Whiskey. I know that many people will be out celebrating this March for this much loved holiday, maybe try something different. Many people will be enjoying the Irish beer or even going out to the bar and enjoying the loved 'green' tap beer at the bars. Hopefully this newsletter will give you some new ideas and maybe even a new love of the Irish (not that we would need any).
The history of the Irish Whiskey is about as long as history of whiskey itself. Over time Irish Whiskey has been some what over shadowed by Scotch Whiskey but it still seems to be a favorite. The history of Irish Whiskey actually dates way back to Irish Missionary monks. The knowledge of the distilling process spread through the church and eventually past the monastery walls. Bushmills distillery actually claims to be the oldest surviving licensed distillery. It actually received a license from James 1 in 1608. However the production of whiskey did not start until the late 18th century. Scotland actually claims to have approximately 90 distilleries. However Ireland only has four working distilleries. And because of economic difficulties in the past few centuries they have had many mergers to keep the much loved brands that they have now. Each distillery actually produces multiple Irish Whiskeys.
Irish Whiskey comes in several different forms. Most Irish Whiskey contains alcohol continuously distilled from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley and other grains. This is much different than the single malt Irish Whiskey. It is much lighter and more of a neutral taste to it. The few Irish Whiskeys that are made from 100% malted barley and distilled using pot stills. Such whiskies when distilled by a single distillery is a single malt whiskey. Irish Whiskey has more of a natural and softer taste because it is triple distilled.
There is actually a Irish Whiskey Act that puts down rules for the Irish Whiskey to follow before it can be sold and to define what Irish Whiskey really is.
1. Irish Whiskey must be distilled and aged in the Republic of Ireland or in Northern Ireland.
2. The contained spirits must be distilled to an alcohol by volume level of less than 94.8% from a yeast fermented mash of cereal grains.
3. The product must be aged for at least three years in wooden casks.
4. If the spirits comprise a blend of two or more such distilleries, the product is referred to as a 'blended' Irish Whiskey.
I hope this gives everyone a new perspective on Irish Whiskey. Irish Whiskey has a long history and it has survived like it has for a good reason. Many people love Irish Whiskey, and I hope I gave you a couple good reasons to try it. I wish everyone a wonderful St Patrick's day and in closure I have some good recipes you could try for the big holiday.
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