Diplomatic relations...

This evening, I met my first ambassador to Finland. It was a spiritual occasion -- because Jessica O'Flynn is the Jameson Whiskey Ambassador here in Helsinki, having moved here in September.

I was intrigued by the missionary nature of her work, bringing news of the Irish distilling industry to the population of a country where all of the liquor stores are owned by the state (and called Alko, which always makes me smile).

The meeting had been arranged by the International English Speaking Association of Finland, whose website I had happened upon by accident. Around 15 of us were there, for a presentation on the history of the Irish whiskey industry and the production process.

We learned that Irish whiskey differs from Scotch in a couple of ways. First, the malt is dried over an anthracite fire rather than peat, which does not impart the smoky taste of a Scotch. Secondly, it is triple distilled (once more than most Scotches, apparently) which removes more impurities.

After the theory came the practical. We had five samples, starting with the standard Jameson. This had a light flavour, fairly smooth and quite pleasant. Next came the Powers Gold Label, which has a higher proportion of pot still Whiskey and a more spicy, aromatic flavour. The third of the Jameson family was their 12 year old, my favourite. It is matured in sherry casks and has a more nutty, sweet flavour and a smooth finish.

We then compared them to a standard Scotch and a Bourbon. The Scotch was smoky as expected and not as smooth as the Jameson standard, but as a fan of the peaty, Islay malts, I quite enjoyed it. The Bourbon, made from maize rather than barley and only single distilled, was awful. No-one in the room took more than one sip, it seemed.

So, we were left to muse on the challenge of Jessica's job. There are apparently 331 Alko stores in Finland and 329 of them sell Jameson products, so it appears that at least part of her role will be trying to find which 2 are not doing their bit for Irish exports. I wish her good luck and Sláinte!