Today marks a day of great pride. On this day one year ago, my third son was born and many years ago my father was, too. Six years ago tomorrow, my second son was born. Additionally, we have some Irish ancestry in our immediate family, so March 17th carries a lot of importance to us around these parts.

I know that across the country and particularly in the swath of the I-95 corridor stretching from Boston down to Philadelphia, there are many folks taking pride in their Irish roots by participating or attending parades, heading out to a favorite beverage establishment, or enjoying the day humbly and quietly at home. While the outward celebration in the streets is what we are typically used to seeing, the latter method of observance would not be surprising at all. After all, St. Patrick himself was a humble figure in history.

Quick history lesson as I did in my St. Valentine's post: As a teenager, he was captured by pirates in Roman Brittania in the 5th century and enslaved for six years in Ireland, herding and tending to sheep. During his time in captivity, he turned to Catholicism and had a vision that he was to leave Ireland and return home, eventually escaping and finding sailors at the coast who he convinced to bring him back to Brittania. While home, Patrick joined the priesthood, working his way to a bishop. At this time, another vision had him going back to the very place in which he was enslaved to spread Catholicism, so he ventured to Ireland. Here, Patrick began converting the people to Catholicism and built numerous churches across the country, giving all of himself to the cause right up to his death in the middle of the 5th century.

On this day of observance, I know that plenty of Guinness and Jameson will be consumed. Heck, Jameson Irish Whiskey is popular in the U.S. all year long as it makes up 78% of all Irish whiskey sales. Guinness Stout's consumption in the U.S. somewhere near a BILLION liters per year! While these are delicious beverages, it also pays to explore a little. Consider this my attempt to get you to branch out (not convert you). Now, I am no beer authority, but it sure seems like there is a craft movement happening in Ireland. And if you can find any of the beers listed here (even if the post is two years old), I say dive in.

As for whiskey, well...I have you covered. If you need to, feel free to reference my Whisky vs. Whiskey post for general production information

West Cork Distillers Blended Irish Whiskey Bourbon Cask ($20-ish): This is a blend of grain and malted barley to make a light-bodied whiskey with a lot of vanilla flavor. A solid alternative option from Jameson.

The Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey (about $40): Kilbeggan Distilling created a creamy and full-bodied example of Irish whiskey made completely from malted barley with a long, fruity finish.

Green Spot Château Leoville-Barton Cask Finish ($90-ish): This is a fantastic way to treat yourself. This single pot still Irish whiskey first ages in a combination of Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks, then finishes in casks that held legendary classed growth Bordeaux wine for 12-24 months. The spectrum of flavor is wide and deep, showing everything from peach and plum fruit to sweet baking spices to more savory salt and pepper spices.