Word of new and newly available Irish whiskeys in the U.S. in 2010 will warm the hearts (and other body parts) of American whiskey drinkers.

Malt Advocate Editor John Hansell's blog states that there will be a new release of Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve, that a much-admired Powers 12-year-old will come ashore, that Paddy will stumble in around St. Patrick's Day and that the wonderful Red Breast 15-year-old will debut in the fall of 2010.  This is great news that you should certainly raise a glass to.

I must give a big thanks to David Havelin and his excellent, well-informed and informative Irish Whiskey Notes website for calling this out. And yes, David, I am happier than a muc in cac, as it were.

The RVR will be changing in composition. I'll be intrigued to see how its already marvelous complexity will evolve.  It will also be great to taste the 12-year-old expression of Powers.  The "regular" Powers is a pot still standard and the whiskey equivalent of a comfortable old friend to me and others, though it can be challenging to some. If the differences between the standard Jameson and Jameson 12 are any measure then the Powers 12 promises to be a winner.

And Paddy, Paddy, Paddy. More folks than I can count here have longingly watched Paddy from afar, wistfully seeking its presence in U.S. liquor stores. Now granted, it's not what everybody considers a robust whiskey. But it is an eminently drinkable casual beverage. Accordingly, it appears as if limited amounts will be available around March 17. (Maybe they don't want it to overstay a visa or something.) I'll be looking for the promos early next year and will be curious to see how they position and price it, and how and where they market it. Let me know if you see something.

And while I've found a couple of bottles of Red Breast 15 here in the U.S., it will be exported to America starting next fall. It's lovely stuff, lovelier even than its younger, 12-year-old sibling that's widely available here already.

What great news heading into the holidays.