Whiskey on My Mind

Michelin drinks the Uisce, not Water, thank you very much

 

 

 

 

More than a few years back, we bought a bottle or 3 of Irish whiskey during the Celtic Festival at the Highland Stillhouse pub.  A confirmed Irish Whiskey drinker, I have been stubbornly loyal to our  "house" Bushmills.  Though, truth be told, I may have had to slum it with Jameson at certain heathen pubs, or concert halls. An Irish Girl's Gotta Drink. 

And there it was, we had 16 whiskeys in the home bar, of them 12 proud Irishmen.  There was nothing for it, but to have at home Irish Whiskey tasting.    Let us not stand on ceremony; We shall jump in the middle of some liquor-soaked fun and start with a random four whiskeys.  Michelin O'Flynn would be proud.

Taster's Qualifications

• Chevalier: Professional Chef
• Pixie: Irish
  

Powers Signature  $30. 

Pixie: Brown Sugar flavour, with a honey scent

Chevalier: Cinnamon and floral.  Honey on the tongue, finish is young with a rawness often found in "house" whiskey due to low price point. On par with non-aged Jameson or Bushmills. 

Recommendations: Tasty in traditional Irish coffee, or in a "Bloody Margaret" cocktail. 

Quiet Man $29.95  

Pixie: Pungent, bite is more to the front, less honey. Layered flavours. More Please!

Chevalier: I prefer this one over Powers, as it tastes similar to Brandy.  Light tobacco scent, due to the vanilla and oak cask. Less smooth on the tongue. 

Recommendation: We originally bought it for the name, but it has now become our House Whiskey.  Serve neat, in a short crystal tumbler or a Glencairn-style snifter.

Kilbeggan $19.95

Pixie: smoother than Quiet Man, but with less bite.  Oak scent.

Chevalier: Initial scent is smoke/oak.  Molasses flavours.

Recommendation: best for making a  Hot Toddy (Lemon, Honey & Hot water)

Tullamore Dew Phoenix.  No longer Produced

Pixie: Whew, this made my eyes water! scent is smokey campfire

Chevalier: Earthy pepperiness, caramel, honey smoke on the tongue. Similar sweetness to other Tullamore Dew.  This is my favourite, and I am sad it is no longer available.

 

In the infamous words of Himself ,"Well it's a nice, soft night, so I think I'll go and join me comrades and talk a little treason."

Sláinte!