2008 Woodie Awards
'Slinte!'
Our staff got together to sample some Irish whiskey to give your tastebuds something other than green beer on St. Patrick's Day. As our headline says in gaelic, "Cheers!"
Date created: 3/10/04 Section: ENTERTAINMENT
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We are rapidly approaching that time of the year again where we dust off our green clothing and our "Kiss me, I'm Irish" pins for a day of celebrating. And since it seems that the only beers that leave Ireland are Harp and the "holy water," Guinness, we decided that we would look at another "holy water"-Irish whiskey. But not just any swill that's out there.
The Skyline View taste test panel ran on over to Beverages and More, and invested in some whiskey so that you can put your green beer down, and have either some damn good Irish Coffee or something that is worthy of being sipped on into the wee hours of March 17. Worst case scenario, this hootch won't make you blind or give you a bitchin' hangover.
All whiskeys were sampled in the same fashion. One shot was poured out of the bottle into a brandy snifter to allow for swirling of the whiskey and better contact with the hand to warm the whiskey and bring out characteristics that are often hidden by slamming it back from a shot glass.
Now for the required disclaimer:
The Skyline View does not in any way, shape, or form, condone underage drinking, drinking all four of these at once, partying until you puke, or drinking and driving. Please use your better judgment and drink responsibly. All tasters were of legal age at the time the sampling was conducted.
Brennan's ($17.99)
This is an adequate Irish blended whiskey. It started with a heavy oak flavor with a spicy finish. As it warmed from the heat of one's hand, the aroma started to bring out hints of fruit, primarily melon with a hint of honey coming into the flavor. Sadly, the whiskey seemed to have a bit of a metallic aftertaste towards the middle, with a subtle metallic finish at the end. If you are looking for something to make Irish Coffee with, this is a good choice.
Jameson ($19.99)
A dark honey-gold hue, as opposed to the pale yellow of the rest sampled, Jameson was the darkest in color out of the lot. Also being triple distilled works as a double edged sword. The first sniff of the aroma was very grassy and the sip burned like fire. As the whiskey warmed, more fruit flavors came out, while the grassy nature subsided slowly. This whiskey benefits from being warmed greatly, and needs at least 3-5 minutes to get something easier to swallow than screaming veggies.
The Skyline View taste test panel ran on over to Beverages and More, and invested in some whiskey so that you can put your green beer down, and have either some damn good Irish Coffee or something that is worthy of being sipped on into the wee hours of March 17. Worst case scenario, this hootch won't make you blind or give you a bitchin' hangover.
All whiskeys were sampled in the same fashion. One shot was poured out of the bottle into a brandy snifter to allow for swirling of the whiskey and better contact with the hand to warm the whiskey and bring out characteristics that are often hidden by slamming it back from a shot glass.
Now for the required disclaimer:
The Skyline View does not in any way, shape, or form, condone underage drinking, drinking all four of these at once, partying until you puke, or drinking and driving. Please use your better judgment and drink responsibly. All tasters were of legal age at the time the sampling was conducted.
Brennan's ($17.99)
This is an adequate Irish blended whiskey. It started with a heavy oak flavor with a spicy finish. As it warmed from the heat of one's hand, the aroma started to bring out hints of fruit, primarily melon with a hint of honey coming into the flavor. Sadly, the whiskey seemed to have a bit of a metallic aftertaste towards the middle, with a subtle metallic finish at the end. If you are looking for something to make Irish Coffee with, this is a good choice.
Jameson ($19.99)
A dark honey-gold hue, as opposed to the pale yellow of the rest sampled, Jameson was the darkest in color out of the lot. Also being triple distilled works as a double edged sword. The first sniff of the aroma was very grassy and the sip burned like fire. As the whiskey warmed, more fruit flavors came out, while the grassy nature subsided slowly. This whiskey benefits from being warmed greatly, and needs at least 3-5 minutes to get something easier to swallow than screaming veggies.
