Irish Pot Still Whiskey

An icon of the past and future

From 93 distilleries in 1835 to three by 1960s, Irish Pot Still whiskey has had a tough run. Crushed by socio-economical events as well as, some could claim, poor decision making when new technologies such as the Coffey still was invented, Irish whiskey still managed to survive through a coalition of ‘Irish Distillers.' After over 50 years of difficult times, we are finally seeing a comeback of the liquid through new distilleries and quality products slowly reappearing and making a mark on the market.

Irish pot still whiskey has not got enough credit for its impact and achievements on the industry. After all, it was Irish pot still whiskey that turned the world onto whiskey and it was this same liquid which was in such high demand during the temperance movement in the USA. Let's remind ourselves that Prohibition with its speakeasies as well as the promotion of hard liquor allowed a boom in mixed drinks, and more specifically, cocktails.

If Irish pot still whiskey was so popular during prohibition, surely, cocktails back then were made with the liquid while they were still able to illegally import it? With its full body and creaminess, it is a perfect candidate for mixing, having a great character which plays well with other components. Irish pot still whiskey has infinitely more applicable uses in whiskey cocktails, as often, it's delicate and smooth flavours are of a less volatile nature than its Scottish counterparts.

I wanted to create a pre-prohibition drink with Pow...

• By : Charles Montanaro
• In : Cocktails
• Issue : 130
• Page : 58
• Words : 729