Drink of the Week: Natterjack Irish Whiskey

As we recently explored in our Drinks Atlas column, Irish whiskey is experiencing a renaissance. From near oblivion less than a century ago, the industry has rebounded with both historic makers pushing the category and new brands entering the fray. Natterjack Irish Whiskey was conceived of by entrepreneur Aidan Mehigan, who aimed to create a contemporary Irish whiskey, both incorporating American techniques and paying homage to the spirit of the island. (The handsome toad on the label is Ireland’s indigenous Natterjack.)

A chance meeting between Mehigan and longtime distiller Jordan Via (Breckenridge Distillery, Savage & Cooke) led to an apprenticeship for Mehigan and the collaboration that ultimately created Natterjack Irish Whiskey. Made from a mash of 80 percent corn and 20 percent malted barley, the whiskey is triple distilled in the Irish tradition before spending its first three years in ex-bourbon casks followed by a final year in new American oak. The resulting whiskey is lively yet smooth, rife with notes of vanilla, orange zest, and spice. Easy to enjoy on its own, the whiskey also performed well in cocktails including a bright whiskey sour and a genuinely delicious take on a Shamrock Shake.

Founded in 2019, Natterjack managed to weather a multitude of upheavals—including the pandemic, a cease-and-desist order from Jack Daniels, and the birth of three children for Mehigan and his wife/business partner Faye. Neverless, Natterjack Irish Whiskey can be now found across 13 states and counting. The new cask strength, launched last year, was named Irish Whiskey of the Year in Jim Murray’s 2024 Whiskey Bible. Grab a bottle not just to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but for a delicious insight into the evolving world of Irish whiskey. $39.99/original, $89.99/cask strength, shop.natterjack.com