Luck of the Bourbon

St. Patrick’s Day might conjure thoughts of clovered hills, fiddles, and frothy pints—but this year, let’s tip our hats (and glasses) to something a little different. Enter Kentucky Owl St. Patrick’s Edition: a limited-release bourbon that pays homage to both the Emerald Isle and the Bluegrass State. With its emerald-accented label and a story that involves Irish whiskey master blender Louise McGuane, this bottle is more than just a festive pour—it’s a tale of transatlantic collaboration.

Whether you’re donning green or just chasing gold, this is one whiskey celebration you won’t want to miss.

The Tale of Two Traditions

Kentucky Owl is already a name whispered reverently among bourbon lovers—known for its powerful blends and limited releases. But in 2022, they released something unexpected: a bourbon blended by none other than Ireland’s Louise McGuane, the founder of JJ Corry Irish Whiskey.

Her task? To bring an Irish sensibility to a classic American spirit. The result is a beautifully layered bourbon that feels both familiar and fresh, soft around the edges yet packed with personality.

Tasting Notes: Shamrocks and Spice

• Nose: A delicate bouquet of honeyed vanilla, green apple, and soft oak, with a faint wisp of herbal freshness—almost like stepping into a spring meadow kissed by Kentucky sun.
• Palate: Creamy and inviting. Notes of butterscotch, pear, cinnamon bark, and toasted almond give way to a warming spice that evokes both Irish pot still character and Kentucky richness.
• Finish: Medium-long, with a honeyed malt sweetness and a drying touch of white pepper and oak tannin. It lingers just enough to call you back for another sip.

This is a whiskey that tells its story in layers—just like a great Irish yarn.

Pairings: Feast Day Favorites

Here are some St. Paddy-approved pairings that complement the Owl’s Irish-tinged charm:

• Corned Beef & Cabbage: The sweet spice of the bourbon enhances the salt and savor of the meat while taming the vegetal earthiness of the cabbage.
• Irish Soda Bread with Honey Butter: Echoes the bourbon’s butterscotch and malt notes perfectly.
• Dark Chocolate Mint Torte: For dessert, the cool mint and bittersweet cocoa sing alongside the warming spice in the finish.

How to Celebrate with Kentucky Owl St. Patrick’s Edition

Want to impress your whiskey-loving guests this March 17th? Here are some ways to let this bourbon shine:

• Neat or with a Drop of Water: Let those Irish blending nuances do the talking.
• Bourbon Irish Coffee: Swap the traditional Irish whiskey for this bourbon in your coffee and top with fresh cream and nutmeg.
• Gold Rush Cocktail: Lemon juice, honey syrup, and this Irish-kissed bourbon make for a St. Paddy’s sipper like no other.

The Final Sip

The Kentucky Owl St. Patrick’s Edition is more than a novelty—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, storytelling, and the magic that happens when worlds (and whiskies) collide. As we toast to shamrocks, shenanigans, and spirited surprises, let this limited-edition bourbon be your gold at the end of the rainbow.

Sláinte and cheers, my friends. May your pour be bold, your friends be many, and your luck be endless.