I love this day. It is a day of celebration of all the contributions that the Irish brought and contributed to America. St. Patrick's Day is now celebrated in Ireland from tourism pressure, it was previously a religious holiday.

There are some things that I don't care for when celebrating St. Paddy's. The stereotypes of drunken debauchery,fighting along with the obnoxious display of clothing promoting this kind of behavior. It's like wearing a big Afro wig on MLK day. Just not cool.

There are some right ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day that honor the spirit of Ireland and show respect for all the things that this wonder culture has to offer.

One of them is whiskey making. The Irish (and Scottish) settling in the Appalachian regions were the first to bring whiskey making to the U.S. Let's take a look at where they learned it. Irish whiskey in the U.S. was limited for many years to the two big names (you know them) but in the past few years a plethora of new products have swept into the market elevating this spirit category to and pushing Irish Whiskey to the forefront. Most Irish whiskies we've seen in the past were blends, but nowadays the are many amazing simgle malt Irish whiskies that truly showcase the Emerald Isle's ability to make great craft spirits as well.

Take Knappogue 12 year for instance: triple distilled single malt aged in bourbon barrels. Pale gold in color the elegantly light whiskey stands on it's own with hints of spice and fruit. Along side this one is Knappogue 14 year Twin Wood. This amazing little beauty is also a single malt that is aged in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry barrels. The sherry barrel and the extra two years adds a smoothing depth to the juice with being overpoweringly sweet and truly showcases their motto "Passion for Perfection"

Now if by chance you are like me and have to make everything into a drink, give Clontarf 1014 and Celtic Honey Liqueur a try.

Irish Kiss

• 2 oz Clontarf 104 whiskey
• 3/4 oz Celtic Honey Liqueur
• 1/4 oz dry vermouth
• 2 dashes Whiskey Barrel Bitters

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garish with lemon twist.

So this St. Patrick's Day celebrate what is good and true of Ireland.