Learn about some of the fine Irish Whiskey served at The Irish Times

Jameson Irish Whiskey

John Jameson’s Dublin Distillery was founded in 1780 and laid down a tradition for quality and success. His family motto and guiding philosophy was “Sine Metu”, meaning “Without Fear”, which appears today on every bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey. He set new standards in whiskey distilling. He invested in the latest manufacturing processes. When he discovered that certain strains of barley made a superior whiskey, he persuaded local farmers to grow them by providing seed grain every spring. He also insisted that only the finest casks available were used for maturation. By 1820, John Jameson & Son was the second largest distilling company in Ireland. News about the quality of the Jameson whiskeys travelled far and wide and demand was growing not just at home but abroad. The combination of fine whiskey ingredients and superior distilling processes was making quite a name for Jameson whiskeys worldwide.

In 1858, a blight destroyed France’s vineyards and consequently supplies of brandy dried up. Traditional brandy drinkers switched to Irish whiskey and Jameson sales soared. By 1890, Ireland had about 90% of the global whisk(e)y export market and the Jameson distillery was making 10% of Ireland’s annual whiskey output. After more than 100 years of growth and success, Jameson Whiskey was about to be dealt two cruel blows Before Prohibition in 1919, Jameson was a best selling whiskey in America. But after Prohibition, exports of Jameson to the USA ground to a halt. Up until 1922, Jameson was the most popular whiskey in the British Empire. But after Irish Independence, English tariff barriers priced it out of the market. Without overseas demand, all 400 Irish whiskey brands fell into decline. The future looked bleak for John Jameson & Son and the Irish distillery market. By 1966, only four whiskey distilling companies were left in the Republic of Ireland. John Jameson & Sons was one of them. In a bold bid to keep the spirit of Irish whiskey alive, the four joined forces and formed Irish Distillers.

In 1975, Irish Distillers opened a new state of the art whiskey distillery in Midleton Co. Cork. Jameson Whiskey was then distilled outside of Dublin for the first time in 200 years. Today, over 220 years after John Jameson opened his doors, Jameson Irish Whiskey is the fastest growing international whiskey in the world. To this day John Jameson’s passion lives on in the exceptionally smooth Irish whiskeys that still bear his name.

The character of Jameson remains true to the pot still whiskey tradition laid down by John Jameson in the 18th century. The current Master Distiller, Barry Crocket continues this great distilling tradition by ensuring that John Jameson’s high standards are upheld.

• Color Rich, deep amber
• Nose Mellow pot still whiskey with toasted wood and sherry undertones
• Taste Smooth and sweet with woody and nutty tones
• Finish Incredibly smooth

Product of Ireland. ©2006. Imported by John Jameson Import Company, Purchase, NY.

Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey

One of Ireland’s finest and most widely distributed whiskeys, Tullamore Dew was first distilled in 1829 in the small town of Tullamore in County Offaly in the heart of Ireland. The name derives from the initials of an early owner, Daniel E Williams – DEW. Tullamore Dew is a favourite among Irish whiskeys for its distinctive, accessible taste, enjoyed on its own, over ice or with a little water. There’s no substitute for discovering this quintessentially Irish whiskey for yourself.

Perhaps you’re enjoying a glass of Tullamore Dew while sitting by an open fire in an Irish pub, sharing the company of old friends. Maybe you’re enjoying the lively atmosphere of a modern city bar, or relaxing at home. Wherever you are, settle back and savor a glass or two to discover this whiskey with hidden depths.

*Sip it slowly – with the merest splash of water to open the flavors – and it will reward you with the secrets of its gentle Irish character. How the experts describe Tullamore Dew, one of Ireland’s finest whiskies “Easily drinkable …subtle, smooth with a pleasant maltiness …a lemon grass finish and gently appetising”

C & C International Ltd, Kylemore Park, Dublin 10, Ireland
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Bushmills Whiskey

To begin with, we’ve been making whiskey for longer than any other distillery in Ireland, using skills and craftsmanship handed down over generations.cAnother special feature of the Old Bushmills Distillery is that malt distilling,maturation, blending, and bottling are all carried out here at the distillery so we have unique control over the high quality of the whiskey.Also, we have a pretty special recipe: we’re the only distillery to make triple-distilled Irish malt whiskey. This is a special type of whiskey: triple distilled for smoothness, and made from 100% malted barley for richness and sweetness. It gives all our whiskeys a unique depth of character. We distil our whiskey in relatively small stills, which lengthens the process and enhances taste and texture. Finally, we only use the very best hand-selected casks to mature our whiskeys.The care we spend on the production make Bushmills whiskeys, the distillery’s attention to detail, the use of the finest ingredients and above all the commitment and pride of the distillery team make Bushmills, we think, the bestlnsh whiskey money can buy.

It is smoother, lighter whiskey without the smokiness of scotch. Bushmills is best served neat or on the rocks. Enjoy

The BUSHMILLS and BLACK BUSH words, the pot still device and other associated logos are trade marks.© The Old Bushmilisl

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Paddy Irish Whiskey

Paddy is one of Ireland’s favorite whiskeys and is the only major Irish whiskey to use single malt in its blend, thus creating its uniquely rich & mellow flavour. First distilled in 1779, the whiskey originally sold under the unlikely name “Cork Distilleries Company Old Irish Whiskey” until a young salesman by the name of Paddy Flaherty joined the company in 1881. Paddy was a larger than life character who became famous in his native county for standing rounds of his favorite whiskey. Over time, Paddy became synonomous with the whiskey and publicans began writing to the distillery asking for another case of “Paddy’s whiskey”. Despite frequent differences of opinion with his employers concerning his unconventional sales techniques, the “Paddy whiskey” name stuck so much so that in 1912, the distillery owners bowed to public pressure and officially changed the name to “Paddy Irish Whiskey”. It could only happen in Ireland! Paddy is now enjoying export success, and has become an iconic brand with night-clubbers in France.

Paddy’s mellow flavor means it can be enjoyed mixed in a long drink with cola, lemonade or ginger ale, or in the more traditional manner – neat, on ice, or with water.

• Nose:Fresh and lively, aromatic – a complex interplay of nutty maltiness, woodland fragrances and spice, with hints of honey and vanilla.
• Taste: Mild, soft, a distinctive mellow maltiness, a touch of sweet oil, spiciness – and again those background notes of honey, vanilla, toasted wood.
• Finish: A sweetness gently fading, mellow maltiness and mild woody notes lingering pleasingly.

Paddy Whiskey is distilled three times from the finest quality barley and water. This ensures a whiskey, which is particularly light, well balanced and pure. Its relatively low pot-still content and uniquely high proportion of malt whiskey, ensures Paddy is

‘One of the softest of all Ireland’s whiskeys’
Jim Murray, International Whiskey Connoisseur.

Irish Distillers Limited – Registered in Ireland – Number 23732 – Registered office: Bow Street Distillery, Smithfield, Dublin 7, Ireland

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Powers Gold Label

Powers Gold Label is simply a brilliant whiskey. If you are broke and can afford just one bottle of Irish, make it Powers Gold Label’ Peter Mulryan, Whiskey CriticPowers Gold Label is a superbly made whiskey with that distinctive high Irish pot still whiskey now only emanating from the Midleton distillery. Powers is a rich, round, complex and full flavored drinking experience. It is considered by many drinks’ writers to be an outstanding whiskey. Selling over 6 million measures each year on the island of Ireland, it is the country’s favorite whiskey.

James Power founded his distillery in 1791 at John’s Lane in Dublin. His son, Sir John Power, expanded the business greatly in the 1800’s and alongside John Jameson, established the worldwide reputation of Dublin whiskey.

Powers is a great example of how tradition and craftmanship can meet innovation. While staying true to its traditional style of Irish pot still whiskey, Powers found new ways to bring the best to its customers. Powers was the first whiskey distiller to practice the art of bottling their own whiskey. This was to ensure consistent quality up to that time whiskey was sold in cask to Whiskey Bonders. The distillery bottled brand was called Power’s Gold Label to distinguish it from Powers White label which was the bonders’ brand.

The Distillery was also the first to introduce the miniature bottle, which was soon christened the “Baby Power” and is still going strong today.

Powers can be enjoyed in a number of ways. But we recommend the following:

Savor It: A little drop of water or some ice releases the natural flavour of the pure pot still whiskey. Enjoy spicy creaminess, a full flavored finish with a touch of fruit and honey.

Mix It: As a refreshing alternative, enjoy Powers with 7-Up or white lemonade. The marriage of a full bodied Irish whiskey with the sweet refreshment of white lemonade works really well and is a great long drink.

Heat It: A Hot Powers Whiskey, the perfect cold weather drink. While not strictly a cure for the common cold, there is something very soothing in the warm, sweet & spicy taste of a Hot Powers Whiskey.

Indulge: The Powers Irish Coffee is a great indulgence and makes for a wonderful end to a meal. A flavor-some full bodied whiskey meets rich coffee and sugar to create a delightful hot drink. Finished with a layer of fresh dairy cream, this is one to of the classic drinks of all time.

• Nose: Fruity, spicy with some dry peppery tones.
• Taste: Full flavoured predominantly pot still with honeyed spicy notes.
• Finish: Long, sweet and sour with lingering spice.

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