World Whiskey Day is Sunday 21st May, and celebrates the rich history and diverse flavours of this popular spirit. Irish whiskey has seen a particular increase in popularity in recent years, with many entrepreneurs taking advantage of the growing popularity of Irish whiskey around the world. Order a bottle from Clinks this weekend and try out some classic whiskey cocktails. Cheers!
Whiskey, or whisky, is a distilled from fermented grain mash. There are several types of whiskey, each with its own unique characteristics.
Scotch Whisky is made using malted barley and aged in oak casks for at least three years. It is known for its smoky, peaty flavours.
Bourbon Whiskey is made using a minimum of 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels for at least two years. It has a sweet, smooth taste and is only produced in the United States.
Irish Whiskey is made from a combination of malted and un-malted barley, as well as other grains, and is typically triple-distilled, giving it a smooth and mellow flavour profile.
More recently, Japan has become a whisky producing country, production there began around 1870, but the first commercial production was in 1923. Broadly speaking, the style of Japanese whisky is more similar to that of Scotch whisky than other major styles.
To taste whiskey, start by pouring a small amount into a glass and swirling it to release the aroma. Take a small sip, allowing it to coat your tongue and mouth. Look for flavours like caramel, vanilla, and spice. Note the texture and finish of the whiskey, paying attention to any lingering aftertaste.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of new distilleries in Ireland, with many entrepreneurs taking advantage of the growing popularity of Irish whiskey around the world. This increase in distilleries has been driven by a number of factors, including a resurgence of interest in traditional Irish whiskey-making techniques, as well as increased demand for high-quality, artisanal spirits.
Many of these new distilleries are smaller, boutique operations that focus on producing small-batch, premium whiskeys that are highly sought after by whiskey enthusiasts and collectors. They often use traditional methods and equipment, such as pot stills and wooden barrels, to produce unique and flavourful whiskeys that stand out from the mass-produced offerings of larger distilleries.
Overall, the increase in new distilleries here is a testament to the rich history and tradition of Irish whiskey-making, and to the ongoing innovation and creativity of the industry as a whole.
We have some great Irish whiskeys and more on the Clinks App, available to order at your convenience. There are three classic whiskey cocktail recipes below. Why not order a bottle and choose a one (or two!) to try this weekend? At Clinks HQ we are partial to an Old Fashioned, but made with Great Earl Single Grain Irish Whiskey. It has the sweetness of a bourbon and is made locally by Kinsale Spirit Co.
Old Fashioned: In a rocks glass, muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of bitters. Add ice and pour in 60ml of bourbon. Stir and garnish with an orange peel and cherry.
Manhattan: In a shaker, combine 60ml of whiskey, 30ml of sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a cherry.
Whiskey Sour: In a shaker, combine 60ml of whiskey, 25ml of fresh lemon juice, and 15ml of simple syrup. Add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a cherry and orange slice.
Happy World Whiskey Day from Clinks!
