How to Celebrate St. Paddy's

by **Jon Barleycorn** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 4:16 am

First of all - hello everyone, this is my first visit in a few years!
I'm a single malt fan that has tried a few Irish whiskies, though haven't found one in the affordable range that I thought had the depth and "gravitas" of a Scottish malt. Thought for St. Patrick's Day I'd pick up a bottle of something appropriate. I like Redbreast and Jameson 12 pretty well, but is there something in a similar price range I should try? I've heard Bushmills 12 highly spoken of - any advice?
Slainte! :mrgreen:

Jon Barleycorn

by **John Barleycorn** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 11:27 am

Hi Jon

You must be my long lost distant cousin from across the pond. I have not tried the Bushmills 12, but if liked the Redbreast then I would suggest you try Irelands other pure pot still, Green Spot, which in my opinion is the better of the two.

Wishing you a very happy St Patrick's Day. :thumbsup:

Cheers John

by **Aidan** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 3:34 pm

Happy St Patrick's Day to the Barleycorns...

Cooley have some nice ones, but they're a little expensive. If you can get an independent bottled Cooley at cask strength, generally they're very good.

by **Jon Barleycorn** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 3:37 pm

Great to hear from you, cousin! How are Don and Ron Barleycorn?
I've read about Green Spot, but don't think it's available over here, at least not in this area. Someday...
I saw a "John L. Sullivan" Irish whiskey recently, named after a legendary boxer. The one review I found was positive, and for 20-some dollars it looks like a good value.
Thanks for the suggestion, Aidan. I'll see what's available here.

Jon B

by **pkt77242** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 5:07 pm

Connemara CS is a really nice peated single malt Irish ($45 out here). In the slightly less expensive range I would say Black Bush. A very nice Irish blend.

Sean

by **kyorke1** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 9:26 pm

I didn't realise there was a Bushmills 12 other than the distillery reserve. If its anything like the 10 then I say avoid like the plague, black bush and the 16yo are in a different league.

by **Aidan** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 11:00 pm

I think the Bushmills 10 is fine. It's certainly improved in recent years and I enjoy it now.

by **ClubSmed** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 11:02 pm

I also quite like the Bushmills 10
I can now also recommend "the Irishman" Single Malt

by **lockejn** » Thu Mar 18, 2010 12:40 am

I agree, the Bushmills 10 is pretty good. The 16 is great, too, but Black Bush is at least as good at half the price.

by **Jon Barleycorn** » Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:49 am

Well, I ended up at the liquor store with the lowest prices, but not the best selection. Got a Jameson 12 and was disappointed. I seem to remember it having more flavor - or perhaps my tastebuds are getting dull with age. Oh well, I'll try your suggestions. Erin go bragh and me go sleep. :sleep: