Irish Whiskey Flight

Irish Whiskey Flight
Originally uploaded by Lokis world

My loyal readers...(if there are any of you out there), it's time for another Flight of booze. A few months ago I did a tequila flight using the three common Patron versions. Interestingly, it is one of my most viewed blog entries. Well, with St. Patrick's day coming up next month I thought an Irish Whiskey flight was in order.

I'm no expert on Whiskey, but I enjoy them. I drink what I like and that's all I can do is tell you my opinion for what its worth.

The word whiskey is an ancient Gaelic term "uisce beatha", translated as "Water of life". I'm sold already. When refering to Irish Whiskey there is an "E" between the k and y. All other whiskies from any other region is spelled Whisky. With the exception of American Whiskeys, that must use at least one E in the name.

The three Irish Whiskeys in this flight are Kilbeggan, Tullamore Dew, and Powers Gold Label. These are all blended. Most Irish Whiskeys are distilled three times and aged in wooden casks for a period of not less than three years. The Kilbeggan is distilled twice as are all whiskeys distilled at Cooley Distillery.All three use unpeated malt (which makes them sweeter than Scotch Whisky). All cost less than $20USD per .750.

All were tasted using two ice cubes, allowing some water to be added due to ice melt. I usually enjoy tasting this way, as the flavors and aromas seem to come alive as ice melt it added.

Kilbeggan-Medium color, very pleasant aroma, had a nice oakey taste, became very mellow as the ice melted. IMO, it was the most well rounded of this group.

Powers Gold Label-This was the darkest of the three in color, but only slightly. There is a slight medicinal aroma, followed by oak. Of the three the Powers had the most punch of flavor. You just knew you were drinkng Whiskey with this one. It has the characteristic sweet flavor expected from whiskey.

Tullamore Dew- The coolest name by far. It was the most mellow of the three. Almost like drinking water with no bite or punch. Almost to a fault. We felt it had a flat finish. Just not a lot going on in terms of the classic whiskey taste. Don't get me wrong, it's good, but if you want flavor this is not the one for you. If you want to try your first Irish Whiskey, this may be a good starting point.

When we do the next flight, we will try some of the single malt whiskeys.