Women and Whiskey
Women and Whiskey
Back in the day women weren’t even allowed into bars let alone be considered whiskey drinkers, that was the preserve of the bearded male of the species. But all that is changing with a steep rise in women distillers, blenders, owners and ambassadors. Whiskey expert Mary Kelly has a few favourites to share.
Ask anyone to name a drink that is quintessentially Irish and the first answer will nearly always be whiskey. Irish whiskey of course being so much better than that harsh, smokey stuff from our Scottish neighbours! Whiskey is as much a part of the fabric of being Irish as bacon and cabbage or a pint of the black stuff.
We can trace the spirit back as far as the 12th century to a spirit distilled by the monks which was called, at that time, Aqua Vitae (water of life). This tasted very different to the liquid gold we taste today as it was made using aromatic herbs and had a slightly bitter taste.
During the 19th century Irish whiskey was one of the most popular spirits in the world until its downfall in the early 1900’s. A combination of prohibition (Irish whiskey was the number one spirit import in the USA), politics and Irish distillers’ reluctance to move with the times in terms of technology led to the demise of the industry. Now, after over a century of decline, the industry will soon hit a new peak in exports as it rides a resurgence in demand from a new crop of distillers. There has been a renewed interest in Irish whiskey in the past decade, having grown from just three distilleries to over 30 on the island of Ireland.
Whiskey producers are keen to add their own twist to the traditional spirit which has led to a great variety of whiskies, in flavour, finishes and strength. Historically, whiskey was mainly matured in bourbon and sherry casks. In recent times, it is now being aged and finished in a variety of different casks from stout to wine and rum to tequila. This brings new aromas and tastes to the finished product, and satisfies both the first time taster and the expert.
Such is the variety now that there is most definitely an Irish whiskey to suit every palate.
In the past, it was considered a hardy man’s drink in the pubs and taverns. It was frowned upon for a lady to frequent a drinking establishment (many did not allow women in) and it was unheard of for women to drink whiskey. Whiskey however never discriminated on the ground of gender and thankfully that has all changed. Whiskey is for everyone now. There has been a steady rise in women consumers of whiskey and we now boast many women among the leading producers and retailers. There are women involved in every aspect of whiskey here in Ireland and their expertise and knowledge has given Irish whiskey a new lease on life.. From master distillers to blenders, from distillery owners to whiskey experts. These trailblazing women have changed the way that Irish whiskey is perceived. It is no longer the drink of hardy bearded men but a dram to be enjoyed on its own, with ice, in a cocktail or any way you please!
There are some Irish whiskeys to enjoy, Jameson is known worldwide but there are so many more to try. Let's break it down to the three main types of whiskey:
Single Malt, made in a pot still using 100% malted barley from a single distillery.
Single Pot Still, made using 50% malted barley and 50% unmalted barley from a single distillery. Pot Still whiskey is only made in Ireland. A tax was imposed on malted barley in the late 1700’s and the wiley Irish overcame this by adding unmalted barley when making the whiskey. It became so popular and today Redbreast is still one of the most popular pot still whiskeys.
Single grain whiskey, made using malted barley and other grains and distilled using a column still
Here are a few old favourites and some new kids on the block:
Redbreast 12 - a favourite for generations. Something a bit special is Redbreast Lustau, this is the Redbreast 12 aged for another year in a Lustau sherry cask. Gorgeous spice notes from the Pot Still and a lovely sweet finish. Visit redbreastwhiskey.com
Tullamore Dew – a lovely sweet blended whiskey perfect on its own or in a whiskey Sour!Visit tullamoredew.com
Writers Tears - A new distillery in the heart of the country, their Copper Pot is a blend of Single malt and Pot Still giving a lovely honey, fruity notes. Very easy to drink and a great one to try if you’re new to Irish whiskey. Visit walshwhiskey.com
Sailor’s Home - new to the Irish whiskey scene they are producing whiskey that has been finished in casks from Jamaica, Barbados, Spain and the USA. They have three whiskeys, The Haven a Single Pot still with lovely spice and vanilla notes. The Journey a blended Irish whiskey matured in three different casks and The Horizon a blend of 10 year old grain and malt whiskey finished in rum casks from Barbados which give it a buttery toffee finish. Visit sailorshomeirishwhiskey.com
Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy – a very special treat. A blend pot Still whiskey matured in both ex bourbon and new oak barrels. Some of the liquid is as old as 25 years. Soft and delicate on the nose with citrus, toffee and spice on the palate and a very smooth finish. Visit midletonveryrare.com
So when someone asks if there’s a woman's whiskey, say there's no such thing! All whiskeys are women's whiskey.
Mary Kelly is based at L. Mulligan Whiskey Shop, visit lmulliganwhiskeyshop.com