Of all the great things the Irish brought to the world, from the Book of Kells to Daniel O’Donnell, whiskey should come first. It has inspired poets like Brendan Behan, fueled many political debates, and was also quite useful as a general antiseptic before the advent of modern medicine. As a result, Irish whiskey makes a great souvenir to take home from your trip to Ireland.
Due to the special processes and ingredients involved in creating Irish whiskey, the taste is quite different from Scotch or Japanese endeavors (which also have a unique flavor palette), but this authentic Emerald Isle creation makes the perfect gift. to take home. for your close friend or family member.
Bringing whiskey from Ireland to the United States or Canada is also surprisingly easy – you just need to make sure you pack it well and don’t exceed the liquor allowance of each country’s customs agency. However, if you plan to travel elsewhere overseas before returning to the United States, you should check with the customs agency at the next stop on your trip to see how much whiskey you can bring without declaration.
Choosing the right Irish whiskey
Because you can get garden and plain Irish whiskey almost anywhere in the world, and often at a better price than in Ireland, you shouldn’t settle for any old bottle of whiskey you find in the country. Instead, you need to select a brand that is only available in Ireland.
Keep an eye out for the rarer brands and specialty mixes when crossing the Emerald Isle, as you don’t want to take home something like Jameson that you can get at the local liquor store. Although these whiskeys are certainly more expensive, they are even more satisfying when you can bring them out on a special occasion with a good memory of Ireland to share with your friends.
While you’re there though, get involved in the traditional tradition of drinking Irish whiskey on the rocks, and if you’re heading to a local party, no one will judge you for bringing an old whiskey bottle for mixed drinks.
Irish prices are notoriously high and liquor prices take the proverbial cookie, which only serves as another reason to recommend the rarer brands and mixes. However, one way to beat Irish prices is to head north, as Northern Ireland has significantly lower prices on alcoholic products. Visitors from outside the European Union should also be aware that they can avoid paying VAT by shopping at the airport.
However, the best strategy would be to visit a distillery or visitor center, then order in the store for the exclusive blend that is sold only there; Every distiller should have one that you won’t get anywhere else. Now that is a memory!
Irish whiskey packaging for flights
As airlines will no longer allow you to bring anything liquid, at least in ‘large’ quantities, or not purchased after security checks, into the cabin, the whiskey will have to go to the baggage hold in your checked baggage unless buy it The duty free area of the airport.
To be safe, you should buy styrofoam or bubble wrap filler to pack your whiskey before storing it safely in your luggage. Packing this inside a liquor bottle case could also reduce the chance of glass breaking in transit, but there really is no guarantee that your precious cargo will be able to return.
Bottom line: the sturdier your luggage and the better your packaging, the better your chances of bringing your whiskey home. Just keep in mind that United States Customs has certain rules and limitations on the amount of this amber liquid that you are allowed to bring into the country without declaring it as a domestic import.
