What does one drink on St. Patrick’s Day when celebrating? Let’s be honest, most years I’m out celebrating St. Patrick’s Day people are either drinking beer or Guinness. This year, as the good Christian that I am, for Lent I gave up all things beer including, Guinness. I know that’s a problem! My boyfriend even told me I was not allowed to give this up again next year, because he feels like he must give it as well. To his defense, this is about the third year in a row I’ve done this, so… I can see how it’s getting old.

The upside, there is always the option of drinking a good Irish whiskey to help celebrate the day.

Here is a list of a few of my favorite Irish whiskies to try other than Jameson.

1. Kilbeggan: Great tasting whiskey that has the bonus of being very affordable. Don’t let the price fool you into thinking the quality is not there. This is high quality whiskey one can enjoy for less.
2. Powers: I’ve tasted both the Powers Gold Label and the Powers Gold Label 12-year. Although you can’t go wrong with either, for the purposes of this blog the one to go with is the Powers Gold Label. It is also one of those whiskies that is low in cost but high in quality and taste.
3. The Irishman: The Founder’s Reserve is a must try. Also, a whiskey that is low in cost but will blow you away in taste and craftsmanship. Another option would be to try their 12-year expression. It is a bit more expensive; it is smooth with an explosion of spices and hints of sweetness.
4. Teeling: The newest distillery and the first to open in Dublin in 125 years. The Teeling Small Batch Whiskey is amazingly smooth, creamy and bursting with notes of vanilla, spices and cinnamon.
5. Connemara: I’m a huge fan of this brand. I will however say, it may not be for everyone. Unlike traditional Irish Whiskies, Connemara is peaty. If you don’t like peaty whiskies but still want to try this brand, I would suggest trying their 12-year expression. It is a bit pricier but it is unexpectedly mild and the peat is easier on your tongue than the younger Connemara.
6. Green Spot: My favorite to date, their Château Léoville Barton. This expression is a bit more expensive but to me it is truly something special. A great whiskey to drink during the holidays, but the original Green Spot is certainly perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. It is smooth with notes of spices and fruit.

Since every year, Boston hosts a St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston. I wanted to throw in two local Massachusetts whiskies in the mix. Now we all know that for an Irish Whiskey to be called Irish Whiskey it must be made in Ireland. Both local whiskies below are produced in Ireland.

1. South Boston Irish Whiskey: For this expression, GrandTen partnered with an Irish distillery to produce the whiskey. It is then labeled and bottled here in Boston at GrandTen Distilling. It is an affordable whiskey that is far from gimmicky. It is light, smooth and solid.
2. Flaming Leprechaun: Local location is in Franklin, MA, while Malcolm Brown Ltd distills the whiskey in Dundalk, Ireland. Another Irish Whiskey that is affordable. Their Special Reserve Blended Irish Whiskey is smooth, well blended with notes of fruity, oak and spices.

Yes, there are loads of other Irish whiskies I enjoy, but these are the ones I’m currently enjoying the most. If you are out and about on St. Patrick’s Day always be sure to drink responsibly and be safe.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.