In light of the imminent National Irish Coffee Day (Monday, Jan 25), we thought it pertinent to take a look at a few interesting Irish whiskeys with which to make this popular classic.
Sure, you could go with the old standby, Jameson, which makes for a fine Irish coffee. But if you want to try something new and have a nice whiskey to sip on when the coffee is finished, try one of the following Irish whiskies.
Yes, we said we would suggest something other than Jameson, and, in a way, we are. Caskmates has been aged in oak barrels that previously aged a stout from Franciscan Well Brewery of County Cork. The resulting whiskey contains notes of coffee, chocolate, and butterscotch. Sound good in a coffee? We thought so, too.
Bushmills takes their original whiskey up a notch in Black Bush. Aged in Oloroso sherry casks for eight to ten years, Black Bush sports notes of baked apple, nutmeg, maple syrup, and licorice, making for an excellent core ingredient to the sweet creamy flavor of Irish coffee.
The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes Rare Irish Whiskey
Sure, it’s a long name, but it is well worth asking the clerk at your local liquor store if they have any in stock (for a more convenient option, order it from our online store here, or drop by our store if you are in North County, San Diego). With notes of honey, citrus, banana, and vanilla, the Wild Geese will add layers to your Irish coffee that you never thought possible.
So the question, then, is whether to wait until National Irish Coffee Day to try these concoctions, or to give in and start early…
Whatever your choice, enjoy the warmth of Irish Coffee and the friends with whom you share it.
Cheers, or should we say, Sláinte! Recipe below.
Irish Coffee Recipe
1 cup piping hot coffee
1 shot (1.5 oz. Irish Whiskey)
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 dab heavy whipping cream
Combine coffee, whiskey, and brown sugar in mug. Add whipping cream, slightly whipped if desired. Serve and enjoy!
