Sip Into Something More Comfortable

with Marcy Rudershausen, Master of Whisky for Johnnie Walker® & the Diageo® Whisky brands

It has always amazed me how every March 17th the entire nation becomes the sons and daughters of Ireland. Saint Patrick’s Day is just weeks away. This year it falls on a Saturday which means there will be plenty of parties to celebrate one of the most festive holidays of the year. Corn Beef and Cabbage!! Yeah…uh...I mean…Guinness, Baileys and Bushmill's Irish Whisky ah! Yes much better. Let the festivities begin.

Now, I know most of you are scotch lovers. So am I.  I highly recommend you take a moment to take stroll to the Irish side and give one of Bushmill's fine Irish whiskies a taste. Bushmill’s is unique in that it is the oldest working distillery in Ireland. Whiskey making on the Bushmill’s site draws on centuries-old traditions, as well as the first license to distill whiskey, granted for the county of Atrim in 1608. At Bushmill’s, we make both malt and blended whiskeys, because there should be a great tasting whiskey to match every occasion.

If you would like to start off with a cocktail one of my favorites is Bushmill’s Black Bush and ginger ale.  It’s light and refreshing, the perfect way to start the evening. Perhaps you prefer something a little more flavorful, then you have quite the selection between Bushmill’s 10 year old single malt (*Top Irish whiskey pick in The New York Times competitive tasting of 16 Irish whiskey), Bushmill’s 16 year old single malt matured in a combination or Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks, then matured for several months in port wine barrels, and Bushmill’s 21 year old rare single malt finished for 2 years in Madeira casks.

You may prefer something a little sweeter and creamier, then Bailey’s is the call for you. 50 million gallons of milk per year go into the making of Bailey’s Original Irish Cream liqueur. A mere 40,000 dairy cow produce the daily cream requirement for Bailey’s. And now you have a few flavors to choose from Mint Chocolate, Caramel and the beloved Original Bailey’s Irish Cream.

If an ice cold beer is more your style, then by all means Guinness is the way to go. In 1759 Arthur Guinness signed a 9000 year lease on the brewery at St. James Gate in Dublin, Ireland. Still brewed at the St. James Gate Brewery and at only 125 calories a pint Guinness’ complex, robust taste is extremely full bodied and has the creamiest of aftertastes.            

So whether you choose to raise a pint of Guinness, sip a little chilled Bailey’s or toasted the evening with a fine Bushmill’s Irish whiskey may you do it amongst friends and family and as always sip into something more comfortable responsibly.

Slainte! Salud! Cheers!

© 2007 Tasters Guild Orlando