As National Irish Coffee Day approaches on January 25th, whiskey enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of the most recognized cocktails. Recently listed as the 11th most trending cocktail globally by Bacardi, the Irish Coffee has evolved from its nostalgic origins into a staple in modern mixology. To understand what constitutes a perfect Irish Coffee, I connected with Alex Chasko, Master Distiller & Blender at Teeling Whiskey, who shared his journey and insights.

Chasko, the first employee at Teeling, moved from Lake Oswego, Oregon to Dublin in 2008, drawn by a passion for brewing and distillation. Initially, he studied chemistry at the University of Oregon but soon realized his true love was in the art of making beer and whiskey. This led him to earn a master’s degree in brewing and distilling at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

When Chasko arrived at Teeling, the team was small, comprising only him and the founders. His early experiences were filled with challenges — from managing production to marketing. He recalls collecting pens from various desks just to have enough supplies for his tasks. Yet, this hands-on approach allowed him to shape the foundation of Teeling’s innovative whiskey style.

He shared memorable collaborations that illustrate Teeling’s innovative spirit, including one with the University of Notre Dame, which resulted in a commemorative whiskey for a legendary football game. This collaboration exemplified how Teeling intertwines tradition with innovation, allowing their products to connect with rich histories and stories.

As Teeling continues to expand, Chasko’s role has transitioned from involvement in day-to-day tasks to mentoring a team and fostering a creative atmosphere. He takes pride in the company’s awards, received for their unique flavor profiles and innovative approaches to whiskey-making, which demonstrate the hard work of the entire team.

When discussing how innovation coexists with tradition, Chasko emphasizes the importance of balancing consumer desires with creativity. Teeling has experimented with over 300 types of casks to craft distinctive flavors and engage whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

Chasko’s vision for Teeling in the next decade includes maintaining their reputation for quality while continually exploring new avenues for innovation. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs in the whiskey industry to understand their market, deliver outstanding products, and be willing to innovate.

Teeling whiskey is often included in Irish Coffee, a drink that has a storied past, allegedly born out of a need to warm up weary travelers at Shannon Airport. Chasko highlights the importance of quality ingredients when making an Irish Coffee, recommending their Small Batch whiskey for its approachable profile. He advises using high-quality cream and freshly grated nutmeg to achieve the perfect balance.

Overall, Chasko’s journey from an intrigued chemistry student to a key figure in the whiskey industry underscores both the challenges and rewards of crafting exceptional spirits. For him, enjoying Teeling, whether neat or in cocktails, is about exploration and sharing unique experiences with others.

For more on Teeling Whiskey, visit Teeling Distillery.