Irish Whiskey for Saint Patrick’s Day!
Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle.
He was born in Roman Britain during the fifth century and was kidnapped at the age of 16, taken to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he returned to Ireland and is credited with introducing Christianity to the Irish people.
In Armagh, Northern Ireland, where St. Patrick's legacy is still alive today, one can celebrate the life of the Irish patron saint every March 17th at the Home of St. Patrick Festival, as well as in many other countries around the world with a large Irish community.
Whiskey is believed to have originated between Ireland and Scotland, and of course Irish Whiskey is an essential part of any St. Patrick's celebration. But what exactly is Irish whiskey? Irish Whiskey is simply whiskey made in Ireland, however with a few differences from the rest of the world.
First, Irish whiskey has its own spelling, it is spelled with an e, unlike Scottish whisky for example.
Second, there are four main categories of Irish Whiskey: Malt, Grain, Blended and Pot Still.
Malt is made from 100% malted barley and is distilled in a copper pot still.
Grain is made from a maximum of 30% malted barley and unmalted grains such as corn, wheat, or barley, and must be distilled in a column still.
Pot Still must contain malted and unmalted barley and may also contain other unmalted grains, and must be distilled in a copper pot still.
Blended is currently the most popular style of Irish Whiskey. It is a mixture of two or more different styles of Irish whiskies, which can be distilled in pot stills or columns.
Any other whiskey made in Ireland that does not fall into this category is simply an Irish Whiskey.
Third, Irish Whiskey is well-known for its triple distillation process, in addition to column and double distillation.
How are you celebrating St. Patrick's Day?
The Sexton is a great example of a triple-distilled, 100% Irish malted barley single malt aged between 4 and 5 years in oloroso sherry casks. It is rich and well-balanced, with delicious notes of dried fruits and oak. It pairs perfectly with your favorite Guinness!
Sláinte! 🍀
