Beyond Bourbon: Irish Whiskey at Little Turtle

Building on the success of our Scotch night last month, the Central Ohio Whiskey Society returned to Little Turtle Golf Club for the second installment of our “Beyond Bourbon” series. This time, we crossed the Irish Sea to explore the “Belfast style” and the storied history of triple-distilled spirits.

The evening began with a personal connection to Irish distilling history. Research into the Tim Cowan family ancestry recently uncovered William Cowan, a distiller in Belfast who produced an outstanding Irish whiskey for nearly eighty years starting in 1829. Though the brand originally succumbed to the pressures of the Irish Civil War and American Prohibition, its lineage lives on through reproduced vintage advertising and a shared passion for the craft.

The Presenter: Patrick Madden

We were joined by Patrick Madden, a representative for the Jameson brand family under Pernod Ricard. Patrick brought a personal tie to the evening; his father was a first-generation Irish immigrant from Galway who immigrated to the United States in the 1950s. Working closely with the Middleton Distillery in Cork, Patrick shared insights from his time with master blenders and fifth-generation coopers like Ger Buckley.

Our flight showcased the versatility of Irish whiskey, from modern innovations to the quintessential single pot still style.

  • Jameson Orange: A recent innovation representing the first run at a flavored whiskey for the brand. Clocking in at 60 proof, it is flavored with natural orange peel and oils, making it an excellent “plus one” for highballs or light cocktails.

  • Jameson Black Barrel: Designed as a “bridge” for bourbon drinkers, this expression uses a higher component of double-charred bourbon barrels alongside sherry butts. It features mature cuts aged between 7 and 10 years, offering a profile rich with vanilla and oak.

  • Jameson Triple Triple: A United States exclusive that emphasizes a “triple” approach: triple distilled and aged in a trio of barrels—Bourbon, Sherry, and Chestnut casks. The result is a richer, smoother finish than the traditional Jameson flagship.

  • Redbreast 12 Year Single Pot Still: The “grand finale” and a favorite for those seeking a robust profile. As a single pot still whiskey, it uses a combination of malted and unmalted barley—a style born from 19th-century tax evasion that accidentally created a signature creamy mouthfeel. Aged for a minimum of 12 years, it delivers notes of dried fruits and toasted oak.

It was a fantastic evening of education and camaraderie, proving once again that there is a world of flavor to explore beyond our usual bourbon pours. A huge thank you to Patrick Madden for sharing his expertise and family history with the group, and to the staff at Little Turtle for being such excellent hosts.

Whether you walked away with a new appreciation for the complexity of Redbreast or a newfound interest in the versatility of the Jameson lineup, these sessions continue to show the depth of the whiskey world. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the next main meeting at Pinnacle featuring Woodford Reserve. Until then, sláinte!