Ready for St Patrick’s Day? Here’s my latest list of good stuff, in this case all in celebration of Irish drink with a sampling of quality beverages I had the pleasure of trying at a recent Spirit of Sharing tasting event hosted by Irish Ambassador Daniel Mulhall and Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, at the Irish Embassy in Belgravia.
Ban Poitin
Small batch distilled from locally sourced potatoes, malted barley and sugar beets in Northern Ireland, Ban Poitin is a fierce yet flavoursome fire water worth seeking out.
Bertha’s Revenge Small Batch Irish Milk Gin
Bertha’s Revenge is distilled at Ballyvolane House, a country house in County Cork “offering warm hospitality, delicious food and extremely comfortable accommodation in a relaxed atmosphere of informality and friendliness” and apparently amazing gin too! Made from high quality whey spirit (yeah, cheese byproduct) and 18 botanicals, Bertha’s a light but deep flavoured revenge.
Clever Man Irish Craft Beer
Brewed in Wexford “in a spirit of adventure and curiosity,” Clever Man’s Ejector Seat Turf Smoked Stout and Little Willie Tank American Pale Ale were two of the tastiest beers I’ve had in a looong while. And both in one night? Made by the same brewery? Clever indeed!
Glendalough Seasonal Gin
Craft distillery Glendalough’s seasonal small batch gins with freshly foraged ingredients are among the best sips out there – from Ireland or anywhere. The Wild Winter Botantical is no exception. Bright and spicy with a clean finish, it’s a warming friend on a cold night.
