March 27 is International Whisk(e)y Day, the perfect occasion to enjoy a glass of liquid gold from the island where passion is poured into every drop.
The island of Ireland has a long history of whiskey distilling and a reputation for excellence, innovation and passion for the golden spirit.
The name whiskey comes from the Irish uisce beatha meaning water of life and the spirit has been distilled for centuries on the island. Having enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, Irish whiskey now comes in many flavour profiles and new arrivals from distilleries like Slane, Dingle, Sliabh Liag and Hinch now stand beside centuries-old favourites like Bushmills, Jameson, Teeling and Tullamore D.E.W.
If you’re new to Irish whiskey or just want to expand your experience of it, a whiskey tour is ideal.
Dublin is home to five whiskey distilleries that you can visit to discover what is unique about each blend. A guided tour of the Jameson Distillery, original home of the world’s best-selling Irish whiskey, is a must, but Teeling, Pearse Lyons, Roe & Co and Dublin Liberties distilleries all offer engaging tours and tasting opportunities.
For serious whiskey buffs, Whiskey Island offers seven different guided whiskey trails spanning two or three days that will take you behind the scenes at distilleries old and new and introduce you to the depth and diversity of Irish whiskey. Three of the trails are centred on Dublin while others cover Northern Ireland, the Boyne Valley, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East and combine whiskey tastings with sightseeing.
If you prefer to explore the distilleries on the island of Ireland at your own pace, check out IrishWhiskey360°, which provides information on 28 distilleries that you can visit. This makes it easy to incorporate a whiskey experience into your vacation no matter where you are on the island.
Distillery tours give fascinating insights into the stories behind each whiskey and in the newer artisan distilleries you will get the chance to meet the people whose passion and enthusiasm have created a new generation of Irish whiskey.
But, of course, you can also enjoy an Irish whiskey in a pub or restaurant. Some bars, like Revolution in Waterford, offer an extraordinary range of brands that can take you on a whiskey journey around the island without leaving your bar stool.
There is a saying in Ireland “What whiskey will not cure, there is no cure for.” So, this International Whisk(e)y Day raise a glass of the water of life and drink to your good health.
