When you think of St. Patrick’s Day, visions of shamrocks, parades, and pints of Guinness likely spring to mind. But for whiskey lovers, March 17th is also the perfect time to raise a glass of something stronger. While we at Bourbon Women clearly love our American-made spirit, St. Paddy’s Day is the ideal excuse to explore the world of whiskey beyond bourbon—and trust us, there’s a whole globe of goodness to discover. So, let’s take a spirited journey through the basics of Irish whiskey, Scottish whisky (no “e”!), and Japanese whisky.
Irish Whiskey: The Friendly Spirit
Hailing from the Emerald Isle, Irish whiskey is known for its smooth, approachable character. It’s often triple-distilled, which gives it a lighter, silkier profile compared to other whiskeys. By law, Irish whiskey must be distilled and aged in Ireland for at least three years in wooden casks.
Flavor Profile: Expect notes of honey, vanilla, and orchard fruits with a touch of spice.
Try This: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a classic Irish Coffee—smooth Irish whiskey, hot coffee, a touch of sugar, and a layer of cream. It’s a cozy, boozy hug in a glass.
Did You Know? The world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery is in Northern Ireland—Bushmills, dating back to 1608. Talk about a legacy!
Scottish Whisky: The Bold & Smoky Legend
In Scotland, it’s “whisky,” not “whiskey”—and they take their craft seriously. Scotch must be distilled and aged in Scotland for a minimum of three years, but many expressions age for much longer. There are five whisky-producing regions in Scotland, each with its own distinctive style: Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Islay, and Campbeltown.
Flavor Profile: Smoky and peaty from Islay; honeyed and fruity from Speyside; light and floral from the Lowlands. There’s a Scotch for every palate.
Try This: If you’re new to Scotch, start with a Speyside single malt for a gentler introduction. Feeling adventurous? An Islay whisky with its signature smoky, maritime vibe will take you on a flavor adventure.
Did You Know? The Scots spell it without the “e” because… tradition. But whether it’s whisky or whiskey, it still makes for an excellent dram.
Japanese Whisky: The Art of Precision
Inspired by Scotch-making traditions, Japanese whisky makers have elevated the craft with meticulous attention to detail. Japanese whisky often focuses on balance, precision, and elegance, with many distilleries aging their spirits in unique casks like Mizunara oak.
Flavor Profile: Delicate and refined with notes of floral, citrus, and subtle smoke. Japanese whisky is all about harmony in every sip.
Try This: A highball—Japanese whisky with soda water over ice—is a refreshing, low-key way to enjoy this complex spirit. Bonus points if you use crystal-clear ice like they do in Tokyo cocktail bars.
Did You Know? The first Japanese whisky distillery, Yamazaki, was founded in 1923. In just over a century, Japanese whisky has become one of the most sought-after spirits worldwide.
So, What’s in Your Glass?
Whether you’re toasting with an Irish whiskey, a Scottish whisky, or a Japanese dram this St. Patrick’s Day, the beauty of whiskey is that there’s always more to explore. And if you happen to sneak in a little bourbon along the way—well, we won’t judge. Sláinte, cheers, and kanpai to sipping across borders!