With St. Patrick’s Day almost here, it’s time for a reminder that there’s more to Irish spirits than just the big-name, macro-produced whiskeys that leave much to be desired in terms of flavor, craft, and overall quality. In fact, thanks to an ongoing Irish spirits renaissance, a wide array of exceptionally crafted spirits have emerged. No matter your spirit preference, there is every reason to celebrate the Irish spirit in more ways than one. Here are three choices for an authentic celebration this St. Patrick’s Day.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

Gunpowder Irish Gin has managed to put the tiny town of Drumshambo, County Leitrim, on the map of distilling. This individualistic gin uses oriental botanicals, most namely gunpowder tea. Otherworldly ingredients include oriental grapefruit and kaffir lime, as well as the more typical botanicals: juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, and lemon peel. And, because the brand was keen to keep its recipe close to home, it added meadowsweet foraged in its own hometown.

Everything from its curious name, peculiar label art, and sleek bottle indicates a distinctive gin, and sampling confirms it. It starts with a swift pop of vibrant and sharp citrus while the earthy botanicals tame and balance the brightness. Floral notes are joined by lime, anise, and bold juniper, standing up well to its 43% ABV. This gin carries many of the base qualities of London Dry but offers more in every department and in no way resembles anything remotely conventional. It tastes new, creative, and completely uninhibited by tradition.

Keeper’s Heart Irish American Whiskey

Keeper’s Heart is the birthchild of two industry veterans: Master Distiller and Ireland native Brian Nation (Redbreast and Midleton) and David Perkins, founder of the renowned High West Distillery. Together, the pair developed a straightforward concept: to combine the soft nature of Irish whiskey with the full-bodied spiciness of rye – a simple idea with a result that is anything but simplistic.

Composed of a blend of Irish single-grain and single-pot still whiskeys and American rye, this core brand expression offers a striking copper color. Aromas of sweet vanilla, pastry, and floral notes are countered by spice and bold oak. Flavor notes of caramel, candied ginger, lemon zest, and black pepper combine for a stunning balance of genres. Given its complexity, combined with its “Best Irish Whiskey” award at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and an MSRP of just $29.99, it makes for one heck of a bargain. With an admittedly Irish-American holiday soon coming, you can celebrate with an original Irish-American whiskey.

McConnell’s Sherry Cask Finish Irish Whiskey

This Belfast-based distiller has origins dating back to 1776 when it was founded by brothers John and James. Although production closed during the near-death of Irish whiskey in the mid-1900s, McConnell’s has since been restored to its former glory. With a catalog consisting of just two whiskeys – its flagship expression and this sherry-cask finish – McConnell’s keeps things straightforward, approachable, and enjoyable for any level of whiskey drinker.

A maroon label distinguishes this expression on a rustic, brass-ornamented bottle that houses this ruby-hued dram. Dry sherry immediately comes through on the nose, as well as rich leather and caramel notes brought out by its five-year ex-bourbon barrel aging. Those same notes are notable on the palate, along with warm vanilla, dark fruit, and baking spice. An ABV of 46% makes for a wonderfully bold sipper that allows the sherry subtleties to shine. Plus, it’s totally affordable at around $35.

Each of these spirits proves that craft Irish distilling has arrived despite its infancy. Instead of relying on massive brands that overwhelm the market, these smaller-scale operations offer more personal, unique, and arguably more authentic Irish spirits. And as a bonus, they’re offered at a competitive price point.