Explore the stories behind Ireland’s great whiskeys from the comfort of your armchair.
Perhaps your #StayHome experience occasionally involves a drop of Irish whiskey to warm the heart and lift the spirits.
Whether you prefer a single pot still, single malt, single grain or blended variety, you will know that Irish whiskeys have a unique flavour – smooth, light and sometimes with a hint of sweetness.
And as Irish whiskey has undergone a huge renaissance over the last decade, there are an increasing number of excellent brands to choose from. New arrivals from distilleries like Slane, Dingle, Walsh and Echlinville now stand beside centuries-old favourites like Bushmills, Jameson, Teeling and Tullamore D.E.W.
Irish whiskey holds a central place in the hearts of the people and the character of the island of Ireland. IrishWhiskey360° will give you a feel for the importance of the master distillers, who combine quality Irish ingredients and a variety of cask finishing to create new and exciting flavours.
Last year 17 distilleries on the island of Ireland welcomed over one million visitors for tours that give a behind-the-scenes insight into their products. While visits are not currently possible, you can still discover the stories of Ireland’s whiskies on websites and through virtual tours.
Old Jameson Distillery Visitors Centre, Dublin City
Jameson is the world’s best-selling Irish whiskey and you can take a virtual stroll through its visitor centre and view the elegant tasting room. Meanwhile at Teeling Whiskey you can hear about the innovative approach being taken by its owners and the role that Dublin played in the history of whiskey in Ireland.
Or why not find out about the birth of Walsh Whiskey in beautiful County Carlow in Ireland’s Ancient East. It’s one of Ireland’s newest distilleries and makers of the popular Writers’ Tears and The Irishman brands. The Writers’ Tears range is named for Ireland’s great literary tradition, and includes the world’s first organic single pot still Irish whiskey.
The world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery is Bushmills in County Antrim on Northern Ireland’s spectacular north coast. It has been operating since 1608 and here you can read the ups and downs of its fascinating 400-year story.
Whatever your favourite Irish whiskey tipple is, you’ll enjoy it even more by knowing the places, characters and passion that goes into making it.
Why not get together, virtually, with some whiskey-loving friends and enjoy tasting some new varieties of uisce beatha? Neat or in classic or experimental cocktails, you’ll realise anew why it’s called the ‘water of life’.
www.ireland.comTeeling Whiskey Distillery, County Dublin
