Uisce beatha — “water of life.” Irish whiskey is triple-distilled (smoother than Scotch, which is double-distilled), traditionally unpeated, and aged in oak barrels. From a near-extinction in the 20th century to a dramatic revival.

Pro tip: try a comparison flight at the Irish Whiskey Museum in Dublin or at the Jameson Distillery Bow Street. Five names worth knowing: Jameson, Bushmills, Powers, Redbreast, Teeling.