Joshua Bennett
The idea that whiskey has a religion was prominent in the US in the 1960s and 1970s. The widely accepted version is that Jameson is Catholic whiskey and Bushmills is Protestant whiskey. However, this is considered a myth by some, who argue that whiskey has no religion. In reality, both brands have had Catholic and Protestant master distillers.
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What You'll Learn
Irish-American beliefs about whiskey religion
Irish-Americans' beliefs about whiskey and religion are varied and often contradictory. Some sources state that there is no such thing as "Catholic whiskey" or "Protestant whiskey", arguing that religious affiliations with whiskey brands are simply myths. Others acknowledge that while these affiliations may be based on myths, they hold significance for many Irish-American families and communities.
The most common whiskey brands associated with religious affiliations are Jameson and Bushmills. Jameson is often considered a Catholic whiskey, while Bushmills is seen as Protestant. However, the reality is more complex. John Jameson, the founder of the brand, was a Scottish Protestant who set up his business in Dublin, which had a significant Protestant population around 1780. On the other hand, Bushmills was established in a predominantly Protestant area of Northern Ireland, contributing to its Protestant image. Nonetheless, the current Master Distiller of Bushmills, Colum Egan, is Catholic, challenging the simple binary associations.
The religious divide between whiskey brands is particularly prevalent among Irish Americans, with some expressing strong opinions about which whiskeys are acceptable based on their religious beliefs. This divide seems to be less prominent in Ireland itself, with one commenter noting that their Irish relatives would find the idea confusing. The myth may have emerged from the historical context of the Irish struggle for freedom, where religious affiliations played a role in the complex political landscape.
The association of whiskey with religion among Irish Americans can be understood within the broader context of identity construction. Irish Americans, particularly those of Scotch-Irish descent, have a history of shaping their identities through oral traditions, political beliefs, and religious affiliations. The religious divide in whiskey preferences may be one way for Irish Americans to connect with their ethnic and cultural heritage, fostering a sense of pride and community.
While the religious associations with whiskey brands are largely mythical, they continue to hold cultural currency among certain segments of the Irish-American population. These beliefs reflect the complex interplay between history, memory, and identity within the Irish-American community.
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The history of Irish whiskey
Irish whiskey has a long and complex history. It is said that Irish monks, inspired by their Muslim Moorish counterparts, first invented the drink around the 12th century. The Moors' stills were used for medicine, but the monks were so fond of the drink they created that they named it "uisce beatha", meaning "water of life" in Gaelic.
The earliest written mention of whiskey in Ireland dates back to 1405, although the evolution of Irish whiskey is hard to trace due to a lack of documentation. Instead, knowledge of distillation techniques was passed down orally, and much of the early distilling happened away from the east coast of Ireland, beyond the control of the British. An Act was passed by the English Parliament in 1556, making aqua vitae illegal to produce without a license from the Lord Deputy, but this was largely ignored beyond the Pale, the lands controlled by the English Crown around Dublin.
In the 17th century, whiskey production had become a thriving industry in Ireland, with licensed distillation starting in 1608. Distilleries were dotted throughout the countryside, and in the 19th century, the Dublin distilleries became the largest in the world. By the 1890s, Ireland boasted over 30 distilleries. However, a long period of decline followed, and by the late 19th century, the industry had been severely damaged. This decline was caused by various factors, including the Irish War of Independence, the subsequent civil war, a trade war with Britain, prohibition in the United States, counterfeiting, and protectionist policies introduced by the Irish Free State government. By the 1990s, the number of distilleries had fallen to just three.
In recent years, the Irish whiskey industry has seen a resurgence. As of 2018, sales of Irish whiskey stood at 10.7 million 9-litre cases, up from 4.4 million in 2008. In 2022, there were 42 distilleries on the island, with sales projected to reach 24 million cases by 2030. Irish whiskey is known for its smooth finish and versatile aromas, and it is enjoyed by many people worldwide.
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Whiskey distillation processes
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains. The process of making whiskey can be broken down into three main steps: fermentation, distillation, and maturation.
Fermentation
The first step in the whiskey-making process is fermentation. This is where the sugar within the grains is extracted through a process called mashing. The grains are ground up and mixed with hot water to create a porridge-like substance called mash. The sugars in the mash are then converted into alcohol through the addition of yeast. The yeast feeds on the sugars, typically taking a few days to convert them into alcohol. This process also introduces different flavours into the mash, creating a beer-like liquid with around 10% alcohol by volume.
Distillation
The second step is distillation, where the fermented liquid is heated into a vapour and then condensed back into a liquid, separating the alcohol from the wash. This process adds more alcohol to the liquid. The distillation occurs in a still, and whiskey is usually distilled two or three times. The first distillation produces low wines with an alcohol content of about 20%, while subsequent distillations produce high wines with an alcohol content of 60-70%.
The stills used for distillation play a significant role in influencing the flavour profile of the whiskey. There are two main types of stills used: pot stills and column stills. Pot stills are traditionally used for single malt whiskey, while column stills are used for grain and blended whiskey. Column stills work continuously, removing the need for the batch process of pot stills. The vapours in the column still condense on each plate, helping to remove heavy substances and increase the alcohol content.
Maturation
The final step in the whiskey-making process is maturation. The distilled spirit is filled into wooden casks, typically made of oak, and stored in warehouses. During this time, some of the alcohol evaporates, known as the "angel's share". The whiskey is aged for a minimum of two years, and the maturation process imparts a distinct flavour and smell to the whiskey.
While the basic steps of fermentation, distillation, and maturation are consistent, each distillery has its unique specifications and processes, resulting in a variety of whiskey flavours.
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Whiskey drinking culture
One interesting aspect of Irish whiskey drinking culture is the perceived religious affiliation of certain whiskey brands. It has been commonly believed that Jameson is the whiskey of choice for Catholics, while Bushmills is associated with Protestants. This notion, however, has been characterised as a "gross oversimplification" by experts like Jack McGarry, a managing partner at the Dead Rabbit bar group and an Irish whiskey expert. McGarry notes that while Bushmills may have some Protestant roots, the current Master Distiller is Catholic, and the company is owned by a Mexican spirits company. Furthermore, both distilleries have had Catholic and Protestant master distillers throughout their history.
The association between whiskey brands and religious affiliation may have emerged from the historical context of discrimination faced by Irish Catholics. During the famine, Irish Catholics experienced significant hardship and aligned themselves with Irish nationalist organisations, creating an "us-vs-them" mentality. As a result, Irish Americans sought to honour their ancestors' struggle by embracing their Catholic identity, even in their drinking preferences. This led to the perception of certain whiskeys being linked to specific religious groups.
Despite these historical associations, it is important to recognise that whiskey has no inherent religious affiliation. As one commentator notes, "Whiskey has no religion. It is either good or it is not. All Irish whiskey is great. No matter where it is produced." Whiskey drinkers are encouraged to explore the diverse range of Irish whiskeys and make their choices based on taste and preference rather than religious connotations.
In addition to Jameson and Bushmills, there are several other notable Irish whiskey brands worth mentioning. Powers, for example, is historically associated with Catholicism, while Paddy and Redbreast from Midleton, County Cork, are well-known whiskeys. The Dingle Distillery in County Kerry produces a new-school single malt that has received acclaim for its taste. Other whiskeys like Kilbeggan, Tullamore, and Dunville's Three Crowns also contribute to the diverse landscape of Irish whiskey.
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Whiskey brand ownership
While whiskey has no religion, there are some interesting beliefs about whiskey brand ownership in Ireland. Some people believe that whiskey brands are either Catholic- or Protestant-owned. For instance, it is believed that Jameson is the Catholic whiskey, while Bushmills is the whiskey made by Protestants. However, this is not true. The widely accepted Irish-American version is that Jameson is Catholic whiskey and Bushmills is Protestant whiskey. But, in reality, religious affiliation is not a defining factor for either brand. In fact, Bushmills, located in Northern Ireland, a predominantly Protestant region, has had both Catholic and Protestant master distillers.
Jameson, one of the most popular Irish whiskeys, is owned by the French liquor giant Pernod Ricard, which acquired the brand through its subsidiary Irish Distillers. Irish Distillers was formed in 1966 through a merger of Cork Distilleries Company, John Jameson & Son, and John Power & Son. In 1988, Pernod Ricard acquired Irish Distillers through a white knight takeover to protect the company from a hostile takeover attempt by other companies. Today, Irish Distillers is the largest distiller of Irish whiskey, producing popular brands such as Powers and premium whiskeys such as Redbreast and Midleton Very Rare, in addition to Jameson.
Bushmills, on the other hand, is owned by the Mexican spirits company Becle, which also owns Jose Cuervo. The distillery was officially licensed in 1608, but it was not founded until 1784. Despite being located in a predominantly Protestant region, Bushmills has had a diverse religious background among its master distillers.
Besides Jameson and Bushmills, there are several other notable whiskey brands in Ireland. Some of these include Paddy, Tullamore DEW, Redbreast, Dingle, Dunville's, and Knappogue Castle. Paddy, an old-school whiskey, is now owned by Sazerac but continues to be produced at the Midleton Distillery. Redbreast, a twelve-year-pot still Irish whiskey, is also produced at the Old Midleton Distillery. Dingle is a new-school single malt whiskey produced at the Dingle Distillery in County Kerry. Dunville's whiskey was originally produced at the Royal Irish Distillery in Belfast but was later resurrected by the Echlinville Distillery in 2013. Finally, Knappogue Castle is part of the Irish Distillers portfolio of Irish whiskeys, which also includes Clontarf, added in 2021.
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Frequently asked questions
Irish Catholic whiskey is a term used to refer to whiskey that is distilled by companies with historical links to Catholicism. It is a way for Irish Americans to honour their ancestors' struggle by aligning themselves with their Catholicism.
Jameson is often regarded as the Irish Catholic whiskey, particularly in the United States. However, it is important to note that the company that owns Jameson, Pernod Ricard, is not affiliated with any religion.
Powers (or Power's) is historically considered a Catholic whiskey. However, whiskey is not inherently religious, and it is essential to recognise that religious affiliation is not a defining factor for whiskey brands.
