Irish whiskey as a souvenir? Certainly, why not ... actually it comes highly recommended. But a recent reader’s question cuts to the chase: “My fiancee and I are visiting Ireland on our honeymoon and wanted to bring home a bottle of whiskey for her father. Is it as simple as packing it well and putting it in check luggage or is it more complicated?“ Well, yes and yes. Here’s the lowdown on taking Irish whiskey home as a souvenir.
Is Irish Whiskey a Recommended Souvenir?
Definitely – of all the great things the Irish brought into the world, from the Book of Kells to Daniel O’Donnell, whiskey (always with an “e”) should take the top spot. It has inspired poets like Brendan Behan, has fuelled many a political debate and was also quite handy as a general antiseptic. Even though today many folks tend to sin against whiskey by mixing it with other stuff, it is still drunk neat (and without ice) by real connoisseurs. So, yes, Irish whiskey is a great souvenir.
The latter will also tell you that due to the special processes and ingredients involved the taste is quite different from Scottish whisky or Japanese efforts (though these have become really good).
Will Any Irish Whiskey Do?
No – not as a souvenir!
What you should aim for are the rarer brands or special blends that are on offer. You want to take something home you won’t get in the Wal-Mart two miles away, don’t you? Though these whiskeys are certainly pricier, they are all the more satisfying when drunk on a special occasion with a fond memory of the Emerald Isle. They are special treats for special occasions.
If you are looking for a cheap buzz with an Irish label, hit the nearest Aldi or Lidl – both of these discount food markets sell a generic Irish whiskey that is Irish, but not very special – good for mixers, though.
Irish Whiskey and Irish Prices
Here comes the (credit) crunch – Irish prices are notoriously high and Irish prices for alcoholic drinks take the proverbial biscuit. Another reason to recommend the rarer bands and blends. Quite bluntly said: if you buy a common-or-garden whiskey like Bushmills, Jameson’s or Paddy’s, your very likely to find it cheaper at home.
One way to beat the Irish prices (and certainly worth a try) is to head north. Northern Ireland has significantly lower prices on alcoholic goods.
Visitors from outside the EU should also note that they may avoid paying VAT, check my hints on saving this huge chunk of costs here.
How Do I Pack my Irish Whiskey?
This is a tricky question – as airlines will no longer allow you to take anything liquid in large quantities into the cabin, the whiskey will have to go into the baggage hold. Unless you buy it in the duty-free area of the airport. But ... you can never be sure to find the whiskey you want there.
So buy in time off-airport and pack wisely.
We have transported wine from Hungary and vodka from Poland in a backpack, swaddled in clothes and towels, with no problems ... the main risk you are taking is a thorough soaking of your luggage with amber liquid. Which will come out in a wash. To be a bit more on the safe side, you may also purchase styrofoam padding and boxes for bottles, though ultimately (as in your luggage tumbling from a 747 cargo hold onto the tarmac) crossed fingers and a bit of luck are still needed.
In short: the sturdier your luggage and the better your packing, the higher the chance of getting your whiskey home.
Ooops, I Nearly Forgot ... Can I Bring Irish Whiskey Home at All?
Ah ... there is no problem on the export side, but import may become trickier. Taking a bottle to the US or Canada should be no problem, being stopped at Iranian customs with the same might interfere with your further travel plans. So please check with your destination country’s authorities on how much whiskey you can bring in without declaration.
Any Recommended Irish Whiskey Dealers?
There are a number of good off-licenses everywhere in the country that will stock decent whiskey, so shop around. My personal recommendation, however, would be a trip up to the Bushmills Destillery in County Antrim, where you’ll see (and smell) the whiskey being made, have a first taste and buy direct from the producer. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a whiskey emporium, head for the Celtic Whiskey Shop in Dublin.
