Irish whiskey: John L. Sullivan ($21)

( John L. Sullivan / March 20, 2012 )

Sadly, most people experience Irish whiskey only as a shot or dropped into a beer on St. Patrick's Day. If this is the case you are missing out on some light but complex and well-crafted drinks. Characterized by its smooth, light and approachable flavor, Irish whiskey may be a blend of malted barley and grain whiskey, or a single malt of just malted barley.

Use in this cocktail: An Irish Ricky is a refreshing classic whiskey drink that allows the John L. Sullivan to show off the vanilla, honey and oak flavors it picks up from the used Bourbon barrels it is aged in for four to 10 years.