Let your lips guide you and take in the perfumed aroma, slight oiliness and full-bodied nature of Irish whisky. Slainte!

Distillation of Irish Whisky
The main difference between Irish and Scotch whiskies is the method used to dry the malted barley. In Scotland the barley is dried over smouldering peat, resulting in a smoky flavour. The Irish dry their barley in sealed ovens, concentrating the malt flavour. Irish whisky is triple-distilled and the result is a clean and pure spirit. The tipple is then matured in oak casks for three years.

Brands of Irish Whisky
Jameson is probably the best known brand when it comes to the Irish spirit. Ultra smooth and mellow, it goes down at a scarily easy pace. Matured in charred American oak, this is a variety of satisfying sweetness.

Bushmills has an assortment of whiskies under its belt. Bushmills Original is delicate with a light, slightly spicy character. The ten year old version is fuller flavoured with citrus, vanilla and floral hints. For an even fuller hit of flavour, give sixteen year old Bushmills a try – it’s smooth, spicy and sweet while Black Bush has noticeable sherry undertones.

Paddy Old Irish Whisky is probably the softest of all and is exceptionally light and delicate. Tullamore Dew is a popular aperitif, but it’s the least Irish tasting of the main whiskies.

Irish Coffee
Invented at Shannon airport in the 1940s, the potent concoction is a hot drink hit. Combining a generous measure of Irish whisky, light brown sugar, some whipped cream and some hot filter coffee all of the ingredients with the exception of the cream are combined before the cream is spooned on top and the coffee mixture is drunk through the cream.

Irish coffee is served at Irish pubs and bars across London and makes a perfect pick me up particularly at the end of a meal or in the winter months.

Natasha Vuckovic