Margaret Swaine’s Spirit Picks: Whiskies

The silky smooth dance of Ireland’s triple distilled whiskies on your palate will have you believing in fairies in no time. Find these St. Patrick`s day picks via www.WineAlign.com/MargaretsPicks.

Writers Tears Pot Still Irish Whiskey  $47.95 (93 Points)

Throughout history many Irish poets and writers have sought inspiration in drink – this whiskey evokes the type enjoyed at the time of Yeats and Joyce a century ago in Dublin. A blend of pot still malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled and matured in American bourbon casks, it`s velvety smooth with bourbon notes on a bed of malt. It slips down with ease leaving a honeyed vanilla tinged fruit and kick of ginger to linger hauntingly.

The Irishman Single Malt   $59.95 (94 Points)

Triple distilled and matured a decade in bourbon and sherry casks, this limited batch produced whiskey is rich and full with great depth. Uplifting floral honey notes grace the bouquet. Creamy textured with yummy flavours of honeyed almonds, toasted malt and fruit, it lingers happily for a long time on the palate.

Kilbeggan Our Finest Blend LCBO $34.95 (91 Points)

Established in 1757 on the Brosna River in Westmeath, Kilbeggan claims to be the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Grain and malt whiskeys are blended together to make their distinctive sweet tasting whiskey with a lovely malty finish. Sweet toffee on the nose carries through on the palate which is ultra smooth with good fruit and hints of spice. Perfect for making Irish Coffee or a hot whiskey.