The History of Irish Whiskey

          St Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching and we thought it would be a good idea to take a trip down memory lane. The history of Irish whiskey has a large impact of our well-loved American whiskey. 

          Irish whiskey dates all the way back to 1405, over 300 years before the birthday of the United States! In 1608, the world’s first licensed distillery was started in Ireland. Old Bushmill Distillery is still one of Ireland’s most popular distilleries. Mid 1800’s, England placed a tax on whiskey by taxing the barley used to make whiskey. Causing several whiskey brands to switch from using barely, to corn or rye. While many distilleries shut down due to not being able to afford the taxes, more severe financial issues began during the United States’ Prohibition. With America being the largest customer of Irish whiskey, several distilleries in both Ireland and America had to close their doors, never to reopen.

          Rum was the first spirit of choice in America but soon after the Revolutionary War. Whiskey quickly became America’s top pick of liquor. The idea of distilling whiskey came to the USA by colonists from, you guessed it, Ireland. Since barley is not native to North America, it took awhile to adapt to our soil. In the mean time, rye became the go-to to make whiskey, eventually leading to the use of corn. Corn is America’s most abundant crop and what makes up 51% of American whiskey. 

         The Whiskey Rebellion Trail is made of many wonderful American whiskey distilleries in the Mid-Atlantic region. Each of these distilleries celebrate the history of whiskey every day. If you are located in the Greater Pittsburgh Area, Liberty Pole Spirits has many great options for whiskey lovers. Pick the pass that works best for you and start discovering all that American whiskey has to offer this upcoming St Patrick’s Day!