We’re of the purist persuasion when it comes to the black stuff, but by combining it with triple-distilled three-year old blended Irish whiskey matured in deep-charred American ex-bourbon casks, the aptly named Darker Still Spirits Co. have come up with an absolute winner.

Rich infusions of chocolate malt and roasted barley add to the character of this wondrous elixir, which can either be sipped neat – be warned that it slips down very easily – or mixed with cola, ginger ale, soda or a shot of espresso to further open up its flavours. It gets extra marks for coming in an old school swing top beer bottle.

celticwhiskeyshop.com/Black-Irish-Whiskey