Tampa-based Irish 31 now has its own signature blend of whiskey.
Launching with a free tasting event on Friday at the pub house and eatery's Hyde Park Village location, i31 Whiskey is the result of working closely with Ybor City's Florida Cane Distillery to develop a custom mash bill, plus perfecting the recipe over nine months with 26 ingredient combinations and multiple distillation processes and aging techniques.
A group of patrons even tasted and critiqued each blend till i31 Whiskey was born.
Great as a chilled shot or in an Irish 31 specialty cocktail (New York Sour, anyone?), the new whiskey — made from malted barley, rye and sweet corn — is aged in 53-gallon white oak barrels. This creates a smooth flavor with a touch of sweetness. The caramel-colored spirit is available at the local restaurant brand's five outposts.
Additional tasting events are planned for the Westchase and Amalie Arena locations on Oct. 6. Go for complimentary i31 Whiskey samples, in cocktail and ice-luge shot form, but stay for the live music and giveaways.
