Saint Patrick’s day is once again upon us and the drinks are already flowing. But did you know, before all of the pub crawls and Shamrock Shakes, it was initially considered a ‘Dry Holiday”? Since it was classified as a religious event, The Feast of Saint Patrick strictly prohibited drinking, especially in Ireland. It was a day of prayer in remembrance of the country’s most notable patron saint. However, it all changed when the Irish government converted it into a national holiday around the 1970s and the ban was lifted.
Here at Boozy, we’re aware that the Philippines doesn’t necessarily celebrate Saint Patrick’s day the way they do across the pond. We’re not really the rowdiest of crowds when it comes to commemorating Catholic saints, but if you want a change of pace or just want to try drinking like an Irishman for the day, we got you covered on how you can start!
Jameson Irish Whiskey - ₱1,299.00
You can’t really go wrong with the classics.
It’s almost a tradition for many St. Paddy’s celebrants to take a shot of this Irish delight to get that pre-game buzz before they party the day away. Triple-distilled and matured in a combination of American oak barrels, Jameson Irish Whiskey is a hybrid of traditional pot still and grain whiskey. It emits a floral aroma and a spicy wood flavor from the oak. At the same time, its taste consists of a perfect balance of spices: an ideal combination of spicy, nutty, and vanilla flavors, as well as traces of sweet sherry for that unparalleled smoothness.
Baileys Irish Cream - ₱849.00
We all know a cup of strong black coffee can cure any hangover. Next to having a hearty and greasy meal, a proper mug can level you out just right. But if you don’t want to end the party just yet and you’re already craving that bitter blend, add a dash of
Baileys Irish Cream to your java for that little naughty spike. This popular cream liqueur overflows with rich vanilla and cocoa, stirred in with fresh Irish dairy cream to give it that velvety taste and texture. Finely balanced due to its articulate aging process, this creamy whiskey is surely a must if you want to amp up your Saint Patrick’s Day breakfast.
West Cork Single Malt Rum - ₱2,199.00
To give love to the single malt rums, here’s a
12-year-old labor of love straight from the Emerald Island. This whiskey is created entirely from malted barley, is triple-distilled in copper pot stills, and is then matured for at least 12 years in barrels that previously held bourbon. Rum barrels are used for the final stage of maturing whiskey, which gives it its distinct depth of flavor. Throughout this step, the whiskey absorbs some of the rich, sweet, and spicy elements of the rum, producing a complex and delectable whiskey with undertones of vanilla, toffee, and tropical fruits. Crazy holiday or not, this drink deserves to be in your collection no matter the occasion.
Tyrconnell Port Cask - ₱4,499.00
Another addition to the single malt choices, we give you a brand that is steeped in Irish history and tradition. Tyrconnell is named after a racehorse that beat the odds to win the Irish National Produce Stakes in 1876. It belonged to the Watt family, well-known whiskey distillers at the time. In addition to its heritage, Tyrconnell's smooth and approachable taste profile of citrus and chocolate can make it a great whiskey for celebrating with friends and family on St. Patrick's Day. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Tyrconnell's notes of vanilla, honey, and citrus can complement a range of festive foods and drinks.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin - ₱2,599.00
Before the green fanfare of Saint Patrick’s Day, one of the earliest depictions of St. Patrick was him sporting the color blue, and the official color of Ireland's chivalry, the Order of St. Patrick, was a sky blue known as "St. Patrick's Blue." And sporting the same color is the
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish, a premium gin produced in Ireland by The Shed Distillery. It's a handcrafted gin containing typical spirit botanicals like juniper, coriander, and angelica root, as well as exotic botanicals including gunpowder tea, meadowsweet, cardamom, and star anise. If you’re opting for something more unique, try out Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish gin to impress your friends.
Murphy's Irish Stout - ₱169.00
Here’s something delicious and light,
Murphy’s Irish Stout is a beer that goes down easy. Widely known for its creamy and smooth texture with little to no bitterness and a sweet finish, the beer is produced by combining roasted barley, malted barley hops, and water, giving it a rich and diverse flavor composition. It has an ABV of roughly 4% and is often served on tap, frequently with a unique nitrogen carbonation system that gives the beer its signature creamy head.
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout Can -₱149.00
And of course, to end the list on a high note, we recommend
the humble Guinness. Albeit a simple brewed beer, St. Paddy’s day enthusiasts know that next to the patron saint and the celebration of the religious zeal of Ireland, this is the heart of it all. Whether you celebrate the holiday in the motherland or in the United States, every pub that sports the four-leaf clover and the green banners automatically has this on hand. Insider even stated that in 2020, an average of 13 million pints of this liquid gold are served every time the day hits the calendar. And because of its popularity, people have dubbed the Guinness as the official drink of Saint Patrick’s day.
So what are you waiting for? A leprechaun?
Grab a pint–or two–now!