Celebrate Ireland’s rich heritage of world-class distilling and brewing with their finest whiskey and beer.
The Irish know a thing or two about having a good time. Ireland’s history of alcohol production is over a thousand years in the making, yielding some of the world’s most coveted libations.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other national holiday. It’s a time of the year when anyone, no matter their background, can revel in the spirit of the Irish. But it’s more than fun and festivity—it’s about respecting tradition, exuding passion and uniting the community.
There’s no better place than BevMo! to find your favorite drinks from Ireland—plus, discover rare and unique offerings that you’ve never tried. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re highlighting some of our favorite imports from the Emerald Isle, tracing back the historical roots and revealing what makes Irish whiskey and beer so special.
Irish Whiskey
Did you know that whiskey originated in Ireland? It all traces back to Christian monks in the mid-5th century, who learned the art of distillation while traveling in the Middle East. Irish whiskey was one of the first distilled drinks in Europe.
Unlike most North American whiskey, Irish whiskey doesn’t toast its barley, allowing for a smoother taste and high alcohol content. Most Irish whiskey is triple distilled in a copper pot still, a technique pioneered by John Jameson. This results in cleaner, crisper flavors and a lighter golden color. Irish whiskey is among the world’s most accessible, drinkable spirits.
Jameson 18 Year Limited Reserve – Enjoy sweet aromas of lemon zest and coriander with the lush full-bodied flavors of fudge, vanilla and toffee. Matured for nearly two decades in oak casks, this rare whiskey is finished in first-fill bourbon barrels. Jameson is the top-selling Irish whiskey around the globe.
Redbreast 12 Year Old – Ireland’s only continuously produced 100% pure pot still whiskey, Redbreast is made with malted and unmalted barley to achieve its creamy mouthfeel and dynamic flavor profile. Enjoy flavors of sherry, vanilla, brown sugar, orange peel and cherry, resulting in a long, elegant finish.
Tullamore Dew Crock – Tullamore Dew’s ceramic crock of whiskey is a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Featuring smooth, accessible flavors and a pleasant malty finish, this classic crock is sealed with a cork and porcelain stopper. Established in 1829, Tullamore Dew is one of Ireland’s oldest remaining whiskey distilleries
Irish Beer
While Irish whiskey has a long and storied history, you have to travel even further back to uncover the legacy of Irish beer. Ironically, monks were not only responsible for whiskey, they also created Ireland’s earliest brews. In fact, even St. Patrick had his own brewer, who was also a priest. Monks would drink their beer while fasting, calling it “liquid bread.”
Traditional Irish ales and lagers are often red or amber. The unique color is imparted by the use of kilned malts and roasted barley. They typically have medium hops and a touch of caramel sweetness. Porters began to emerge in the late 18th century with breweries like Guinness specializing in the dark, highly roasted style of draught beer. Boasting a medium body and slightly bitter taste, Irish stouts are known for being dry and ultra-smooth.
Guinness Brewers’ Collection – Guinness is the world’s best-selling stout for good reason. In honor of its 200th Anniversary in America, Guinness unveiled this special-edition variety pack showcasing some its most unique releases. Perfect for parties, this allows your guests to try several types of Guinness and celebrate the origins and innovations of Irish beer.
Smithwick’s Irish Ale – Enjoy the original amber ale from Ireland, embodying the attributes of both ale and lager styles. This classic Irish brew is unbelievably clean and smooth with rich malts and notes of toffee and nuts. For something extra special, try combining Smithwick’s with Guinness Extra Stout to make a Blacksmith.
Harp Lager – This medium-bodied Irish pilsner features a sparkling golden color and a light, crisp taste. If you’re looking for a beer that’s clean and drinkable during the day, Harp offers aromas of sweet malt and floral hops with a velvety mouthfeel.
