Get Paddy To America!
A Sláinte reader (See Michael's entry over in the Comments) has posed a question which I know weighs heavily on the minds of the Irish whiskey drinking brethren here in the States. And that is, where can you buy Paddy in the U.S.? Now, I invite Sláinte readers to prove me wrong, but the answer boils down to this: Ya can't.
Yet, anyway.
Leaving aside creative, enterprising or expensive solutions (and there are some of those) getting Paddy to the U.S. usually involves a stop at Duty Free on the way home from Ireland. (somebody else did, and that's often the reason why you found it in a U.S. bar or store). It's possible to order it online but you'll pay a hefty premium in both price and shipping. Even then, you have to live in a state that allows liquor shipments. Many don't. The makers of Paddy -- Irish Distillers, a unit of spirits giant Pernod Ricard -- simply don't make it available for the U.S. market.
Yet, anyway.
"Wow, That's Really Smooth!"
There are many excellent Irish whiskeys that aren't available in the States. Green Spot, Greenore and others come to mind. So why is Paddy most frequently the object of desire and determined web searches? Simple. With its high malt whiskey and low pot-still content, it's probably the smoothest, softest and most relaxed Irish whiskey you can find. It just slides down the throat in a way that often surprises and delights even non-whiskey drinkers. The looks on their faces and words from their mouths say, "Wow, that's really smooth!" That's the reason why I use Paddy as an Irish whiskey recruitment tool of sorts. It helps break down pre-conceptions of what whiskey in general and Irish whiskey in particular is supposed to taste like. It opens newbies up to further explorations of the world of Uisce Beatha. That's why I consider Paddy a "gateway whiskey." Finally, it's really, really, really drinkable stuff. Dangerously so, in the fun-dangerous way.
Easy To Love
Paddy is easy to love. However, some veteran whiskey drinkers feel that it's smoothness translates into a lack of depth and taste. It's not a "bad" whiskey, rather, it's just sort of shapeless to some. But I think that actually supports my "gateway" idea. You have to have tried other whiskeys and expanded your whiskey palate and knowledge to develop the opinion in the first place.
Paddy's a good start. It makes people think that Irish whiskey is pretty good stuff. It makes them say "where can I get this stuff?!" Surely, if you check around a little you'll find it, right?
Nope.
Not here in the States anyway. Hell, you can't even get to the Paddy website if you put the U.S. as your home country on the mandated web entry form (It will bump you out or re-direct you to the Pernod Ricard corporate site. Try listing Canada.). Irish Distillers apparently has no plans to offer Paddy in the U.S, as "Seen Through A Glass" blogger Lew Bryson notes in his Feb 20, 2007 note about his excellent interview with David Quinn, the head of quality control at the Midleton Distillery. (you can read more of the interview here.). The company is focusing more on its hugely successful Jameson brands.
Who the hell put ice in the glass?
I'm Not Going to Take This Standing Up!
So what's a poor, Paddy-deprived, American Irish whiskey drinker to do? There are three broad choices:
a. Acknowledge the inherent unfairness of existence while quietly accepting one's fate and hoping wistfully and in vain for things to change.
b. Shrug, order another pint and a Bushmill's neat, goddammit, and see what games are on TV.
c. Do something!
While a. and b. have their merits (I guess), I'd go with c. Here are some ideas:
1) Contact Irish Distillers directly. Let them know of your enthusiasm for Paddy and encourage them to offer it in the U.S. Tell them how much you, your friends, co-workers, family, teammates, etc., would love to buy and share Paddy and drink it when out. Being a fine, upstanding believer in brand loyalty, tell them it would encourage you and others to buy and try many of their other fine whiskeys. And at this writing, St. Patrick's Day is coming soon (last time I checked it was less than a year away...). So what great timing it would be to welcome Paddy in America. Be cordial, concise, business-like, and sound like a motivated consumer with discretionary dollars. And use "Get Paddy To America!" in the subject line.
2) Join the Facebook group "Get Paddy To America!" so we can marshall and coordinate our forces -- strength in numbers, ya know.
3) Request Paddy at every bar and liquor store you go to. Print out a copy of the Paddy homepage and leave it behind as an info sheet. Grassroots forces are powerful.
4) Forward a link to this page to your fellow drinkers to keep the ball rolling (or the glass filled, or the buzz going, or whatever analogy works for you).
My Own Diminishing Supply of Paddy
That's off the top of my head. I'm sure there's more we can do, and I'll add more as we come up with it.
So, my fellow Irish whiskey drinkers, we can't get Paddy in America.
Yet, anyway.
Yet, anyway.
Leaving aside creative, enterprising or expensive solutions (and there are some of those) getting Paddy to the U.S. usually involves a stop at Duty Free on the way home from Ireland. (somebody else did, and that's often the reason why you found it in a U.S. bar or store). It's possible to order it online but you'll pay a hefty premium in both price and shipping. Even then, you have to live in a state that allows liquor shipments. Many don't. The makers of Paddy -- Irish Distillers, a unit of spirits giant Pernod Ricard -- simply don't make it available for the U.S. market.
Yet, anyway.
"Wow, That's Really Smooth!"
There are many excellent Irish whiskeys that aren't available in the States. Green Spot, Greenore and others come to mind. So why is Paddy most frequently the object of desire and determined web searches? Simple. With its high malt whiskey and low pot-still content, it's probably the smoothest, softest and most relaxed Irish whiskey you can find. It just slides down the throat in a way that often surprises and delights even non-whiskey drinkers. The looks on their faces and words from their mouths say, "Wow, that's really smooth!" That's the reason why I use Paddy as an Irish whiskey recruitment tool of sorts. It helps break down pre-conceptions of what whiskey in general and Irish whiskey in particular is supposed to taste like. It opens newbies up to further explorations of the world of Uisce Beatha. That's why I consider Paddy a "gateway whiskey." Finally, it's really, really, really drinkable stuff. Dangerously so, in the fun-dangerous way.
Easy To Love
Paddy is easy to love. However, some veteran whiskey drinkers feel that it's smoothness translates into a lack of depth and taste. It's not a "bad" whiskey, rather, it's just sort of shapeless to some. But I think that actually supports my "gateway" idea. You have to have tried other whiskeys and expanded your whiskey palate and knowledge to develop the opinion in the first place.
Paddy's a good start. It makes people think that Irish whiskey is pretty good stuff. It makes them say "where can I get this stuff?!" Surely, if you check around a little you'll find it, right?
Nope.
Not here in the States anyway. Hell, you can't even get to the Paddy website if you put the U.S. as your home country on the mandated web entry form (It will bump you out or re-direct you to the Pernod Ricard corporate site. Try listing Canada.). Irish Distillers apparently has no plans to offer Paddy in the U.S, as "Seen Through A Glass" blogger Lew Bryson notes in his Feb 20, 2007 note about his excellent interview with David Quinn, the head of quality control at the Midleton Distillery. (you can read more of the interview here.). The company is focusing more on its hugely successful Jameson brands.
I'm Not Going to Take This Standing Up!
So what's a poor, Paddy-deprived, American Irish whiskey drinker to do? There are three broad choices:
a. Acknowledge the inherent unfairness of existence while quietly accepting one's fate and hoping wistfully and in vain for things to change.
b. Shrug, order another pint and a Bushmill's neat, goddammit, and see what games are on TV.
c. Do something!
While a. and b. have their merits (I guess), I'd go with c. Here are some ideas:
1) Contact Irish Distillers directly. Let them know of your enthusiasm for Paddy and encourage them to offer it in the U.S. Tell them how much you, your friends, co-workers, family, teammates, etc., would love to buy and share Paddy and drink it when out. Being a fine, upstanding believer in brand loyalty, tell them it would encourage you and others to buy and try many of their other fine whiskeys. And at this writing, St. Patrick's Day is coming soon (last time I checked it was less than a year away...). So what great timing it would be to welcome Paddy in America. Be cordial, concise, business-like, and sound like a motivated consumer with discretionary dollars. And use "Get Paddy To America!" in the subject line.
2) Join the Facebook group "Get Paddy To America!" so we can marshall and coordinate our forces -- strength in numbers, ya know.
3) Request Paddy at every bar and liquor store you go to. Print out a copy of the Paddy homepage and leave it behind as an info sheet. Grassroots forces are powerful.
4) Forward a link to this page to your fellow drinkers to keep the ball rolling (or the glass filled, or the buzz going, or whatever analogy works for you).
That's off the top of my head. I'm sure there's more we can do, and I'll add more as we come up with it.
So, my fellow Irish whiskey drinkers, we can't get Paddy in America.
Yet, anyway.
Posted by Richard Nagle at 1/10/2009 10:52 AM 
Categories: Pernod Ricard, Irish Distillers, Green Spot, Paddy, Greenore
Categories: Pernod Ricard, Irish Distillers, Green Spot, Paddy, Greenore
Rich, I'm stealing one of your ideas and hosting an Irish Whiskey tasting in two weeks. I expect to have 5-6 different bottles, one of which just may be a Greenore that I ordered online from a shop in Jersey. Reasonable price, too. My girlfriend thinks I should offer food as well, expecting that this tasting will devolve into a drunken mess requiring designated drivers and all, so I'd better feed them something to help keep them sober. Worrywart, I tell ya! So, since it's Irish whiskey, I guess it has to be corned beef sandwiches, eh what? Hope the beef doesn't overpower the whiskey.
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Barry:
Steal away. Yeah, food is a good idea. We either supply food or, if it's friends and family, do potluck. The tasting starts after dinner. You can either use tasting glasses, though those can be logistically difficult, or plastic sample cups. Just pour a little -- enough to taste -- in each. That significantly reduces the chances of getting your guests plowed. They can settle into a proper glass of something once they decide on their favorites. We've done Guinness beef stew and similar stuff that is filling but not overly so. Oddly enough, the Irish view corned beef as low-rent poor food -- something the Americans made Irish. Maybe so, but I like my corned beef (the real pickled stuff from the butcher shop not the vacuum packed ones). It helps me achieve my annual sodium intake goals. Nice work on getting the Greenore. Post your results when you're done, and have some great craic!.
Rich
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Many thanks for for the great Irish Whiskey resource Rich. Jim pointed me to it many months ago when I worked in Montreal. I just had to post when I saw your PADDY review...my father's favourite whiskey. All I need to say is that he has enjoyed a Paddy or two in his radio shack (EI6AH) each evening, for decades. He is now 84 and hale and hearty. I'm convinced this is due to the medicinal properties of PADDY! PS. Very best regards to Jim.
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I found a site that sells Paddy Irish whiskey. The bottle price in US $$ is comparable to other whiskeys in PA. Shipping is around $50 Airmail and up to 6 bottles. I order 3 at a time and it cost $124
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Sounds about right. I managed to get two bottles for $17 each but through a convoluted way involving a relative traveling back to his house in Canada via Detroit, a stop at Detroit Duty Free, and a drive to me in Mass. It worked, but it's probably better termed creative than readily accessible. But we do what we can, no?
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I BOUGHT IT AT THE DUTY FREE SHOP IN DUBLIN 2008 @ $17 E , WOULD YOU BELIEVE I WENT THRU CUSTOMS WITH 4 LITERS. IT DID'T LAST LONG
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As Claude Rains says in Casablanca, "Shocked! I'm Shocked!" And I completely believe it.
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Duty Frees in London and Paris also sell Paddy. Happily I get to one of the three every year!
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Get Paddy here NOW!!!!!!
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Paddy's has become available in NYC! Southern Wine and Spirits is the distributor.
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Paddy is available in St.Louis now. I picked up my first liter last night. Far and away, the best blended irish IMO.
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I need a location, I'm desperate for more!
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St. Peters, MO/Greater St. Louis area, right? Can anybody help Steve out?
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From whom did you purchase Paddy? In St. Louis
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Randalls had it off Jefferson and Friar Tucks all locations I believe
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This is by far the best whiskey ever distilled. I introduced it to all my friends after a trip to Ireland & they all agree. It is a valued product of the land of my heritage and should be shared by all. BRING IT TO THE USA PLEASE!!!
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Rich, I just bought a bottle of Paddy at my favorite liquor store. I stop in every two weeks (on payday...)and lo and behold it was there. Picked up a bottle for $30.00. So for those who live around Rochester, NY go to Lisa's Liquor Barn at the corner of 250 and 441. As i type this i have a lovely glass of Paddy next to me...we are going to be very good friends.
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I've been a lover of Paddy Irish whiskey from the time I was a wee lad, and I was very sad when they stopped importing it to the USA decades ago. Last year I bit the bullet and ordered some online from the UK, but the shipping cost was as much as the cost of the booze. Now I'm hearing a rumor that Pernod is issuing a special batch of Paddy's in 1 liter bottles for the US market in February and March of this year. Any truth to this, and any chance I can pick some up in San Francisco?
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It's completely true. Pernod Ricard is distributing it for two months (Feb and March). Have been receiving reports for the past two weeks through the blog and the Facebook page of Paddy in liquor stores across the eastern U.S. at prices ranges from $30 to $40 per litre. Start calling your local stores and asking. If they don't have it yet they likely will very soon. Send a report of where you find it and the cost. And enjoy! Sláinte!
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I contacted southern wines on their website and got the names of 6 stores in so. cal. Ordered from beverage warehouse, los angeles, ca (310)306 2822
$31.95 ea plus tax and shipping.
3 bottles delivered sf @ $43.40 each.
Slainte
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I just picked up a litre of Paddy at Kenwood Liquors in Oak Lawn/Chicago, IL for $29. This is going to be trouble
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its true and joyous,
just got a litre in New York
dont remember the name o the shoppe but it is Lexington and 46th
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I hear paddys is now being sold by southern liq distributors starting this week. 3-1-10
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PADDY IRISH WHISKEY IS AVAILABLE IN US!
Paddy Irish Whiskey is available in the states, there is a liquor store on the North Side of Chicago called Rayans Liquors. They have plenty of Paddy in stock
Rayans Liquors
4559 N. Clark in Chicago, IL 60640
773-989-1025
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Slainte!
My husband and I got our first taste of Paddy in Dublin. And, like most of you, have been unable to get it here in Arizona since returning from our holiday.
I am happy to report that Fibber Magees pub is serving Paddy's on a limited, trial basis. So, support Paddy and your local pub!
I've included their website for reference. http://fibbermageespub.com
Slainte!
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Just to let you know, PADDYS is coming to the U.S. (well at least to florida) It will be here this week, i ordered 3 cases! woohoo...
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Where in FL, live in Boca, anywhere near?
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it would be nice if i told you where. its available at
shamrock beverage & liquor
12223 university blvd.
orland, fl 32817
407-823-9370
cheers
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SEND PADDYS IRISH WHISKEY TO THE BRONX IN 10463 AREA CODE.HAVE NOT HAD A GLASS IN OVER 35 YEARS. THANK YOU J.Smith
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Sitting here reading all this, sipping my first dram of Paddy's. I bought the first liter sold at the Port Angeles, Washington state liquor store (brought in for St. Pat's Day?). Nice dram, smooth and light - It will be easy with a late night read. I think I will still stay with Powers and the occasional Tyrconnel (when I get to Port Townsend). I do appreciate Paddy's Cork connection, being of Coakley heritage.
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just talked to my local liquor store and my good friend Kathy is going to try and get it here in Loveland, CO. Hope all goes well with it. ill update next week when i find out. havent had that sweet taste in since my trip home from Iraq. We stopped in Ireland and i had a few shots there. Best stuff i have ever had.
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I picked up a bottle in Denver at Paul's Liquors on Colfax Ave. $33.99 a bottle. A little more than I was hoping for, but worth every penny.
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Hello! I just saw this blog and thought I'd let you know that my local liquor store just found me some Paddy's - said he hasn't seen it in years but I've been asking and just 2 weeks ago his distributor randomly had 650 cases, but he said that is IT on the Paddy's. I'm paying 35.99 but it's for a liter (as opposed to 750ml). I'm just south of Chicago, we won't have it around long but I'm enjoying it for now!
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What fabulous news! Paddy's in the US! Has anyone seen it in the Washington, DC area, Maryland or Virginia? If not, we are ready to get it shipped here.
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I found it at wine and liquor store near City Dock in Annapolis.
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It is available at Binny's around Chicago. They say it is for a limited time, so I bought 8 bottles around March 17th, but have seen it since so have picked up another every time I go in.
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I WAS AT JAWESON ON TOUR AND BECAME A TASTER. I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT.BUT CANNOT FIND IT, ON THE EAST COAST. I TRAVEL UP AND DOWN THE COAST MASS. TO FL 2X A YR. ANYBODY HAVE, ANY INFO. I E-MAILED JAMESON ABOUT 4YRS AGO , THEY TOLD ME PARK AVE LIQUORS IN DOWN TOWN N.Y. I DON'T THINK SO THINK SO.I USUAL TRAVEL VIA I-78, I-81, I-77,I-26, I-95 TO THE VERO ,FT. PIERCE AREA, IN THE SUMMER I CAN EASLY TRAVEL ALL AROUND NEW ENGLAND
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Fear not,, you'll find it soon I think. Earlier comments to this entry and on the Get Paddy To America! Facebook page will give you some locations around the country. I know for certain that the four Kappy's locations around Boston stock it for about $38. And i've seen it in various other outlets in the area also. Good hunting! And then good drinking! Slainte!
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Used to drink Paddy's in college DECADES ago.I may be ostracized for saying so but it's far better than Jameson's or Tullamore Dew. Quality way above its price point. Still wax lyrical about it from time to time.
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I was in Ireland for 3 months and never tried it, but I was in Portugal and Spain for 9 months after that where it's readily and cheaply available at 13 euro for a 750 ml bottle. I instantly fell in love. I'm drinking some right now that I bought at BQE Wine & Liquor in Brooklyn where they just lowered the price to $29 per liter, they had it at over 30 just a couple weeks ago... That still doesn't beat the best price I got at duty free in Dublin for 11 euro for the 750 ml, I wish I bought more, though that was in October and it would have been all gone by now...
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THE LAST TIME IWAS IN IRELAND WAS 2008 ON THE WAY HOME I BOUGHT 4 BOTTLES AT THE DUTY FREE AREA AT I BELIEVE 19 EURO'S . I HAVE EMAILED JAMESIN MANY TIMES THE ONLY PLACE THEY TOLD ME I COULD BUY IT WAS AT PARK AVE LIQUER ON MADISON AVE N.Y. CITY. MUCH TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND IT IN MASS. THIS PAST SUMMER BUT THEY WANTED $35 FOR BOTTLE THUS I DID NOT BUY IT .
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Who should i subscribe to on facebook to find out where I can buy it from? I'm also looking to try and get this in the DC area. If anyone knows anything let me know. I just asked my cousin from Ireland to bring me back some bottles though..which from the sounds of it might be cheaper. Should I just hope the my cousin comes through for me isntead?
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Dan: Although they don't show Paddy online Schneider's of Capitol Hill (http://www.cellar.com/inventory_category2.aspx?category=Liquors&subcategory=Irish&subcategory2=Ireland) has one of the better Irish whiskey selections in the DC area. You might want to call them to see if they can help you out. Paddy is quite a lot cheaper at Duty Free so you might want to have your cousin snag one for you any way.
Sláinte, Rich.
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HA HA!!! A hole in the wall liquor store near my house (Gotta love Las Vegas, alchoholism capital of USA!) has ONE CASE!!! I almost dropped my bottle of Powers when I saw it!!! $40.00 a bottle is kind of steep, but I own six already!!! At least now I don't have to worry about it getting siezed while in transit! Slainte!
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It's hard to think of Paddy as costing the same as Red Breast 12 or Jameson 12 but such is the price of passion I guess. Enjoy!
Sláinte,
Rich
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Where at in Vegas?!?! I've been trying to get a bottle for a friend.
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My ancestors came from Ireland and helped Paddy get to where they are today by drinking there share. I and my three sons continue the tradition. With four of us working at it we manage to keep our little horde of Paddy in stock. I have a solution for getting Paddy here in the USA. Those interested could show credentials that they are of Irish ancestry and therefore by bithright be allowed to purchase Paddy at any airport in the world including the USA. Those in favor say Iye.
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Paddy's is available at Friar Tucks in Fenton Little pricey but its worth it and cheaper than airfare to Ireland
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Paddys is available in southern California at Total Wine and More stores for about $33.
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Just picked up a bottle at a Bevmo Store in Northern California (Emeryville) on a colleagues recommendation (he went to ireland many years ago and has since worked his memory of it into just about every drinking conversation we've had since)
It's warming my belly right now! Very nice, smooth and clean, but I can see how more experienced drinkers would want something with more distinct flavor... personally I think it's the perfect irish blend. Seems to get smoother with each sip!
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Got my first bottle flying from Afghanistan back to Camp Lejeune. ALl my fellow Marines loved it. FOund it Once since i got home in three years. Back in Portsmouth, Va. It is non-existant. Anyone know of anywhere to get this amazing Whiskey?
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Yankee Spirits in Attleboro MA carries Paddy.
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