The Cunning Whiskey from Ireland Vol 2

The enchanting emerald isle of Ireland has long been associated with whiskey craftsmanship. But in 1785 AD, King George III imposed a tax on malted barley. The resilient Irish responded by adding unmalted barley to their concoction, distilling it in a single pot still within a single distillery. This process imparted a spicier and richer character to the golden elixir, propelling it to become a beloved whiskey worldwide.

Now, while the previous box was all about the glorious revival of Irish single pot still whiskey, this box is all about cunningly crafted whiskey blends that dare to embrace new flavor combinations that will captivate and enchant the modern palate.

First up, we have Writers' Tears Copper Pot. Now, before you get all teary-eyed on us, know this: these tears are worth their weight in liquid gold. This whiskey is a harmonious blend of single pot still and malt. Triple distilled, matured in oak bourbon barrels, and non-chill filtered - it's pure, unadulterated, no-nonsense whiskey.

Next in line is The Irishman The Harvest. This blend is more than just a pretty face—it's a trailblazer. Comprising 70% single malt and 30% single pot still spirits aged in ex-bourbon casks, this dram brings a layered complexity and grain spice that sets it apart from the crowd. And with Gold Medals dripping off the bottle like honey, it's clear that we're not the only ones who think so.

Last, but by no means least, is Keeper's Heart Irish + American Whiskey. This is not just a fusion, but a celebration of the delicate sweetness of Irish grain whiskey, the richness of Irish pot still whiskey, and the boldness of American rye whiskey. The result? An explosion of orchard and tropical fruits coated in baking spices and balanced with charred oak. Also, prepare for a finish as long and pleasant as an Irish summer's day!

When you blend a rebellious spirit and bold flavor combinations you know you're in for a cunningly good time. Here's to whiskey that knows how to make a statement!

Smartass Corner:

1. Single pot still whiskey is exclusively made in Ireland and is similar to single malt, with the big difference being the use of malted and unmalted barley. This mixed mash bill makes the spirit spicier - what many call a "pot still character".

2. The percentage of unmalted barley differs between brands, but it's an important decision, as it affects the final product. Whiskey makers sometimes even add other raw unmalted grains such as oats and wheat.

3. The rules of what makes an "Irish pot still whiskey" are: it has to come from Ireland; it has to be aged for at least three years; the minimum amount of each sort of barley has to be at least 30%; and it has to be made in a pot still. 

4. Scotch whisky is usually distilled twice, but Irish whiskey goes for a triple distillation! This extra round makes Irish whiskey mellow and smooth.

5. Scotch whisky often has a fuller, heavier taste, while Irish whiskey is known for its lighter, smoother profile.

6. The name 'Writers' Tears' is inspired by the old tale that Irish writers sought inspiration from the "water of life" i.e., whiskey. Now that's a spirited muse!

7. The Irishman Whiskey is part of Walsh Whiskey - a distillery that prides itself in maintaining traditional distilling methods. It's like a time machine, transporting you back to the golden age of Irish whiskey!

8. Patrick and Michael O'Shaughnessy, two cousins and lifelong friends, breathed life into their Irish-American heritage through the establishment of the O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company. Keeper's Heart was born from their desire to not only create something they could be proud of but also to bring people together, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.