Renowned Irish chef shares recommendations to enjoy premium spirits at home
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have returned just as consumer interest in whiskey hailing from the Emerald Isle is soaring, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and Irish Whiskey Association (IWA).
DISCUS reports that in 2021, more than 5.9 million 9-liter cases of Irish whiskey were sold in the United States, generating $1.3 billion in revenue for distillers. The category has developed a broad appeal with increased use in cocktails and has also benefitted from premiumization trends as more Americans reach for Irish expressions as their luxury whiskey of choice. Since 2002, high-end premium and super premium Irish whiskey grew at a staggering 1,112 percent and 9,102 percent, respectively.
“With more supply coming available of age-statement, super premium brands – from both established and newer distilleries – it is clear that Irish whiskey is going to be an increasingly competitive player at in higher-end whiskey market,” said William Lavelle, Director of IWA. “There are currently over 3.5 million barrels of Irish whiskey spirit maturing on the island of Ireland, and so we have yet to taste many of the innovative expressions stemming from this renaissance.”
Chris Swonger, DISCUS president and CEO, notes that this is not the first time the U.S. has been the largest and most-valuable market for the category.
“Irish whiskey was the most popular whiskey in the states prior to Prohibition and it is terrific to see the new surge of interest among Americans,” said Swonger. “Whether in a bar or restaurant – or in the comfort of your home – there is so much for consumers to discover this St. Patrick’s Day when it comes to the rich heritage and flavors of one of the world’s first whiskeys.”
When creating a St. Patrick’s Day entertaining menu, renowned Irish chef JP McMahon emphasizes that simplicity is key. From cheeses to oysters and even to chocolate, the depth and diversity of Irish whiskey pairs perfectly with a variety of cuisines and brings out the most exquisite flavors.
Below are some pairings courtesy of McMahon to enhance St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and enjoy responsibly:
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Bread and Butter: Good soda bread (or sourdough) and farmhouse butter is all you need to set up a simple food pairing that will delight. Because of the density of the bread, and natural oiliness of the butter, a pairing with Irish whiskey delivers a robust flavor on the palate.
Irish Farmhouse Cheeses: Irish whiskey pairs extremely well with cheese due to the ways in which the cheese acts as a foil for the robust quality of the whiskey. If tasting several cheeses with a number of whiskeys, start with the lightest and work towards the richest.
Charcuterie: Due to their aging, cured meats have great depth in flavor. For pairing with Irish whiskey, you can choose a variety of different cured meats, from pork and lamb to beef and game; and experiment with different whiskeys from light to sweet and mature.
Fish and Shellfish: Shellfish such as shrimp, scallops, oysters, mussels, and crab are ideal to pair with Irish Whiskey. Because of the unique clean flavor of shellfish, they are well paired with stronger, spicier whiskeys to draw out flavor.
Meat: The natural flavors of Irish whiskey will work with most meats including beef, chicken, lamb, and pork – and that goes for sandwiches too. Grilled meats pair well with strong malty, peaty or spicy whiskeys, while mature whiskeys that are finished in sherry barrels will match that charred flavored of most meats.
Chocolate: Try a few squares of good quality 70% chocolate with a pot still or a sherry matured whiskey. Nut and truffle-flavored chocolates will showcase the spicier tones of pot still Irish whiskey. Flavored chocolate such as salted caramel or orange chocolate balance with single malt Irish whiskey.
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The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the national trade association representing leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States.
Drinks Ireland | Irish Whiskey Association is the trade association of the Irish whiskey industry, representing producers of Irish whiskey from across the island of Ireland.