Whenever we start talking about single malt whiskies, it feels as though there’s a built in assumption that we’re talking about Scotch. Well, what better time to break out of that silly little rut (granted, if one has to be stuck in a rut, then a single malt Scotch rut is a pretty good choice) than now, when we should all be Irish for a day. And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Irish single malt.
Two in particular come to mind immediately. The first is Knappogue Castle 12 year, a crisp, unpeated, slightly citrusy, refreshing whiskey (if it’s okay to call a whiskey refreshing) with an interesting back-story and an American connection. For more go to www.knappoguewhiskey.com.
The second is Connemara Peated Single Malt. From the Cooley Distillery, it’s one of the only peated Irish singles. Though not as over-the-top smoky as Laphroaig or Lagavulin, the smoke is definitely front and center. Interestingly enough, as one of only a handful of operating distilleries in Ireland, Cooley has supplied whiskey for some of Kanppogue Castle’s recent bottlings. For more about Connemara, visit www.connemarawhiskey.com and to learn about Cooley go to www.cooleywhiskey.com.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!