Today, let me introduce you to one of our onboard activities.
So far, I’ve conducted two sessions of this newly implemented fleet-wide program across Princess Cruise Line — the Sláinte Irish Whiskey and Beer Tasting.
What is Sláinte Irish Whiskey?
Irish whiskey is typically triple distilled, aged in American bourbon casks, and finished in sherry casks. “Sláinte” (pronounced slawn-cha) is an Irish Gaelic word meaning “cheers” or “good health.”
Sláinte Irish Whiskey was co-founded by Liev Schreiber, an American actor, director, and screenwriter — best known for his role as Sabretooth in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This whiskey was recently introduced to Princess Cruise Line as part of our Love Line Premier offerings.
About the Session
The tasting session accommodates a maximum of 15 guests. During the event, we pair Sláinte Irish Whiskey with a curated selection of beers:
Guinness Stout
Samuel Adams
Lagunitas IPA
Heineken Draft Beer
Each pairing is designed to highlight the distinct character of both the whiskey and the beer. The setup is arranged in an elegant tasting format to ensure guests enjoy a refined and engaging experience.
We also serve a welcome drink called “The Passion of the Irish” to every guest upon arrival, before the tasting session begins. This signature cocktail is crafted with Sláinte Irish Whiskey, Galliano, vanilla syrup, passionfruit purée, and fresh orange juice. The combination delivers a smooth balance of sweetness and citrus, with a warm whiskey finish — a perfect introduction to the Irish tasting experience.
This activity is designed to challenge everyone’s palate and explore how well they can distinguish and appreciate different flavor profiles. I strive to make each session highly interactive, encouraging guests to share their impressions and feedback after every whiskey-and-beer pairing. This open exchange adds a fun and engaging element to the experience, allowing participants to discover and discuss their personal preferences together and last only 45 minutes duration.