St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect occasion to raise a glass to Ireland’s rich tradition of craft spirits, of which global exports reached €2.1 billion globally in 2024, a 19% increase from the previous year. But with so many options—whiskey, gin, poitín, and beyond—where do you start?

To help you sip like a true local, we turned to the Irish experts who know their drams from their drops... Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, has been on a mission to connect Ireland with international food and beverage industries through curated Spirit of Ireland Tasting Workshops. 

At the recent third edition of the Spirit of Ireland Tasting Workshop in Singapore, Bord Bia led media and industry leaders on a immersive tasting experience of various Irish spirits and liqueurs, which included virtual reality tours of Ireland’s distilleries, interviews with master distillers and barrel coopers, and intimate fireside chats with local representatives from the featured spirits. 

From smooth whiskeys to craft-distilled surprises, we delve into the seven Irish spirits as  shared by Bord Bia as great ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with! Sláinte!

1. Teeling Whiskey Small Batch

The Teeling Whiskey Distillery, which opened in 2015, was the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years. Known for innovation, Teeling specializes in unconventional cask finishes and maturation techniques, including rum, sherry, and wine barrels. Teeling has earned global recognition, including "World’s Best Single Malt” and “World’s best Single Pot Still” at the World Whiskies Awards in 2019 and 2022 respectively.

| Read more: Taste Testing Teeling’s Core Range Irish Whiskey: Single Grain, Single Malt, Single Pot Still & Blackpitts Peated Single Malt

2. Waterford Cuvee Argot Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Waterford Distillery is known for its single malt expressions that highlight the terroir of Irish barley. Argot Single Malt Irish Whiskey is one of their most celebrated releases, showcasing the distillery’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Aged in a variety of carefully selected casks, Argot offers a layered flavour with notes of vanilla, spice, and a hint of tropical fruit. Waterford was awarded "Best Irish Single Malt" at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards.

3. Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, crafted in County Leitrim by The Shed Distillery, is renowned for its unique fusion of Irish botanicals and exotic gunpowder tea. Launched in 2016, this slow-distilled gin balances citrus, spice, and herbal notes, creating a distinctive and refreshing spirit. Its striking blue bottle and bold flavour profile have earned it international acclaim like the Spirit Brand of the Year in the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards 2022, cementing its place in the premium gin market.

4. Baileys Original Irish Cream

Baileys Original Irish Cream, first introduced in 1974, is the world’s first and best-selling cream liqueur. Combining rich Irish dairy cream with aged Irish whiskey and cocoa, Baileys set the standard for indulgent liqueurs. Its velvety smooth taste and versatility in cocktails and desserts have made it a global icon, selling millions of bottles across over 160 countries.

5. Lost Irish Triple Distilled Whiskey

Lost Irish, founded to celebrate the adventurous spirit of the Irish diaspora, uses a unique global approach to whiskey-making. Aged in casks sourced from six continents, Lost Irish blends all three styles of Irish whiskey—grain, malt, and pot still–and it delivers a rich and complex character, making it a standout in the modern Irish whiskey landscape.. 

6. Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur

Five Farms is a true farm-to-table product, crafted from single batches of fresh cream that are combined with premium Irish whiskey within 48 hours of collection to become authentic Irish cream liqueur. The cream is sourced entirely from five family-owned farms in County Cork, run by families that have a deep connection to the land and a passion for their craft.

| Read more: Taste Testing Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur

7. Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey in Kombu Cask

Origin Spirits’ creative approach has garnered attention in the industry, and their commitment to quality is reflected in their whiskies’ recognition, including being named a finalist for Best New Whiskey at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards. A true innovator, their Single Malt Irish Whiskey in Kombu Cask is aged in casks that previously held kombu (a type of seaweed), imparting a distinctive umami depth that complements the smoothness of the malt