Each St. Patrick’s Day we gather to celebrate the Irish and all of their spectacular contributions to this world. One of the most important of these contributions is, of course, whiskey. And while no one can be certain where exactly the secrets of distilling originated, it is thought that the monks in Ireland were some of the first to master the craft. Today there are many different styles, brands, and distillers of Irish whiskey. In fact, Irish whiskey seems to be making a comeback and we are thrilled to share with you our top 3 whiskeys you should be celebrating with this St. Patrick’s Day.

Tyrconnel 16

The name Tyrconnell references the Irish racing horse that upset the whole field and ended up the winner of the prestigious National Produce Stakes horse race back in 1876. Tyrconnell’s owners were so thrilled with the win and all the buzz he was generating that they released a very limited bottle with his name on it. Cooley Distillery, looking to pull from that historic win, gave new life to Irish Whiskey. Cooley Distillery is now owned by Beam Suntory, under whom they continue releasing some delicious expressions. Our favorite is the 16-year exression.

The Tyrconnell 16-Year-Old Irish Whiskey was aged in ex-bourbon barrels and is bottled at 46%. The nose is very citrus and honey forward with a palate that brings out a more oily and viscous mouthfeel than I had expected. Overall, if you’re looking for a fresh and lively dram, this is one to put on your list.

Glendalough 13

Glendalough (Glen-da-LOCK) was established in 2013 and is in the process of creating a true craft distillery in Ireland. Taking Irish Whiskey back to its roots, they started distilling poitin, an ancient Irish spirit (with its legal status being cemented in 1556). Today, they have three different poitins and a delicious gin, but it is their 13-year old single malt that has captured our hearts. Obviously this 13yr-old whiskey is therefore sourced while they are waiting on their own stock to age.

This whiskey won the Best Irish Whiskey award at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and immediately popped up on every whiskey lover's radar.

This whiskey won the Best Irish Whiskey award at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and immediately popped up on every whiskey lover’s radar. As its name indicates, it is made from 100% malted barley and aged for 13 years in ex-Bourbon casks. Distilled in pot stills and bottled with its natural color, non-chill filtered and at 92 proof this whiskey has a nose of pure vanilla with a citrus oak undertone. The caramel carries onward to the palate, but towards the end you are hit with cloves and baking spices before it slowly fades away. The oily texture of this dram is really amazing and is something you can only get from a good pot-distilled whiskey.

Teeling Single Grain

Teeling distillery was first established in 1782 by Walter Teeling in Dublin. However, through a series of sales, the distillery was closed in 1923. The Teeling family got back into the Irish Whiskey business in 1987 when John Teeling purchased a facility in Cooley, opening it as The Cooley Distillery in 1989. This was one of the first Irish whiskey distilleries to launch and is said to have brought new hope and life into Irish whiskey. John’s sons, Jack and Stephen, worked with him at the distillery until it was sold to Beam in 2011.

This was one of the first Irish whiskey distilleries to launch and is said to have brought new hope and life into Irish whiskey.

As part of the sale the Teelings were able to keep 16,000 casks of aged Irish Whiskey. So, Jack and Stephen went back to where Walter started it all – Dublin. In 2015 the Teeling Distillery was established just a few blocks away from its original location. They produce some amazing whiskeys, but their Single Grain expression is one you really ought to try.

There is nothing ‘new’ about grain whiskey. In fact, there has been Scottish single grain whiskey being produced for years. But Teeling has decided to kick it up a notch and buck the trend a bit. They have taken a 95% corn mashbill and placed the distillate in California Cabernet wine barrels. This is amazingly complex for a five-year-old whiskey. Very little water is added prior to bottling, allowing it to retain that amazing oily characteristic of a quality Irish Whiskey.

The aroma is like a confectioner’s workshop; full of vanilla, caramel and toffee. This sweetness fades and blends into a grainy and earthy note that, upon your first taste, begins to bring fresh tropical fruits and very light spice notes. However, it is here where the whiskey really gets interesting when a deep nutty, rich fruit and leather flavor arrives on the back of the tongue. You will bounce back and forth between fresh and rich flavors, and this combination continues through to the finish. In the end, you are left in awe of what a 5-year-old Irish whiskey can be.