Kilbeggan - from the Heart of Ireland

Irish whiskey often does not get the same admiration or respect from drink enthusiasts that its Scottish or American cousins get.  A quick glance into any spirits magazine not published in March will clearly show more deference to high end single malts or fantastic bourbons from Kentucky.    This is a shame, because Irish whiskey has an enormously proud tradition and some exceptional whiskies that deserve a lot of praise and recognition.

On that note, today’s post will focus on Kilbeggan – a fantastic Irish whisky that offers a very approachable and delicious flavor for a very appealing price.  Kilbeggan is quintessentially Irish.  To begin with, Kilbeggan has a traditionally Irish name which means “church of Becan”.  The distillery is not only the oldest distillery in Ireland, but can lay claim to being the oldest distillery in the world.  Adding to its Irish charm is the creaking timber waterwheel that adorns the distillery and truly adds to the magic of its setting.

Irish names and waterwheels aside, a great whiskey needs to have a great flavor to be relevant and Kilbeggan does not disappoint.  As a seasoned whiskey lover, my first adventure with this spirit had to be a neat pour which enabled me to enjoy the whiskey on its own.  It stood up beautifully.  Like many Irish whiskies, it was instantly approachable but offered a lot of smooth malt sensation with a very nice finish.  In short, it was a great whiskey to drink neat and a prime example of how great an Irish whiskey can be.

Cheers! from the Booze Whisperer 

Below is a recipe recipe is from  Darren McGettigan, mixologist at Bar Beoga of the Menlo Park Hotel in Galway, Ireland.  It's a light, fresh cocktail, not too sweet. Perfect for early summer evenings.  I tried the original recipe first, and it was good.  I made the tweaks below for variation and to make it little less appley.  Try whichever suits you or both!

Cheers! from the Bar Fly
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Kilbeggan Waterwheel

1 1/4 Parts Kilbeggan® Irish Whiskey
2 1/2 Parts Pressed Apple Juice
1 1/4 Parts Pressed Pineapple Juice
6 Fresh Blueberries
1 Dash of Fee Bros Cherry Bitters
1 Bar Spoon of White Sugar

In a Boston shaker, add blueberries and sugar, muddle hard. Fill the shaker with ice, and add all other ingredients. Shake well, and double strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with blueberries on a cocktail pick

Bar Fly's Version
1 1/4 Parts Kilbeggan® Irish Whiskey
2 1/2 Parts Pressed Apple Juice   Fresh Watermelon Juice*
1 1/4 Parts Pressed Pineapple Juice
6 Fresh Blueberries  Strawberries
1 Dash of Cherry Bitters Bittercube Orange Bitters
1 Bar Spoon of White Sugar

*To make the watermelon juice, fill a blender about halfway with watermelon chunks and blend.  Strain through a fine mesh strainer.