As National Irish Coffee Day 2026 approaches on January 25th, whiskey aficionados are buzzing with excitement to celebrate one of the world’s most beloved cocktails. But here’s where it gets controversial: what truly makes an Irish Coffee perfect? Is it the coffee, the cream, or the sugar? No—it’s the whiskey. And not just any whiskey. To uncover the secrets behind this iconic drink, I sat down with Alex Chasko, Master Distiller and Blender at Teeling Whiskey, a brand that’s redefining the Irish whiskey landscape. Ranked #11 on Bacardi’s 2026 global cocktail trends report, the Irish Coffee has evolved from a nostalgic classic to a modern mixology staple. But how did we get here? And what role does innovation play in preserving tradition? These are the questions that make this conversation with Chasko so compelling.
Teeling Whiskey has been at the forefront of Ireland’s whiskey renaissance, celebrated for its bold cask finishes and award-winning flavor profiles. Alex Chasko, the company’s first employee, has journeyed from a chemistry student in Oregon to one of Dublin’s most influential distillers. Under his leadership, Teeling has seamlessly blended centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge innovation. In this exclusive interview, Chasko shares his remarkable story, the secrets behind Teeling’s success, and his expert take on crafting the ultimate Irish Coffee. Prepare to dive into the world of one of whiskey’s most dynamic brands—and maybe rethink everything you thought you knew about this classic cocktail.
A Conversation with Alex Chasko
Noel Burgess: Let’s start at the beginning. How did a chemistry student from Oregon end up as a master distiller in Dublin?
Alex Chasko: Growing up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, I was fascinated by chemistry, biology, physics, and history. I studied chemistry at the University of Oregon, but it wasn’t until a professor pointed out my lack of enthusiasm for his research that I realized my true passion: brewing and distillation. It was the perfect blend of science, history, and creativity. That curiosity led me to Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, where I earned a master’s in brewing and distilling. It was there that I fell in love with whiskey—and the rest, as they say, is history.
Burgess: What drew you to Teeling Whiskey? And this is the part most people miss: you joined during Ireland’s economic downturn.
Chasko: In 2008, I moved to Dublin with my wife, Valerie, who’s Irish. While many were leaving Ireland due to the recession, I arrived full of optimism. I met the Teeling family—John, Stephen, and Jack—and we shared a vision for Irish whiskey’s potential. They founded Teeling in 2012, and I became their first employee. My mission? To bring innovation to a traditionally uniform industry. It was a risk, but one that’s paid off in ways I never imagined.
Burgess: Being the first employee must’ve been challenging. What was that like?
Chasko: It was just me and the founders in an empty office with 12 desks. I remember taking all the pens from the other desks—you never know when you’ll run out! I wore every hat imaginable: production, marketing, sales. One of my tasks was figuring out how to package whiskey samples so they didn’t look like… well, something else. It’s the little things that keep you up at night when you’re building something from scratch.
Burgess: Teeling is known for its collaborations. Any standout moments?
Chasko: Our partnership with the University of Notre Dame was unexpected. As an Oregon alum, Notre Dame wasn’t on my radar, but we shared a drive for innovation and excellence. We created the Phoenix Legends series, including a special release for the 1977 Notre Dame vs. USC football game—the one where the green jerseys debuted. Meeting Joe Montana, the legendary quarterback, and showing him the commemorative bottle was a career highlight. It’s moments like these that remind me how whiskey connects people across cultures and generations.
Burgess: How has your role evolved over the years?
Chasko: I’ve gone from doing everything myself to mentoring a team and maintaining Teeling’s creative edge. Building a team has been incredibly rewarding. It’s about finding people who complement your skills and share your passion. Delegating and trusting others has been key to our success.
Burgess: What’s your proudest moment at Teeling?
Chasko: Teeling has won over 300 awards, including World’s Best Single Malt and Master Blender of the Year. But what means the most is that these awards reflect our team’s hard work and creativity. We’re not just making whiskey—we’re crafting experiences for whiskey lovers worldwide.
Burgess: How do you balance tradition with innovation?
Chasko: It’s a conversation with the consumer. We honor Irish whiskey’s traditions while pushing boundaries. For example, we’ve experimented with over 300 cask types, including Portuguese oak, which surprised everyone with its bold flavors. It’s about listening to consumers and taking risks. Sometimes, the most unexpected experiments yield the greatest successes.
Burgess: What’s the craziest bottle someone’s sent you?
Chasko: We’ve had some interesting ones, including Icelandic sheep dung whiskey. Let’s just say it wasn’t a favorite in the office.
Burgess: For someone new to Teeling, what whiskey would you recommend?
Chasko: Our Teeling Small Batch. Finished in rum casks, it’s light, sweet, and approachable with a hint of rum raisin. It’s a perfect gateway whiskey for those new to the brand.
Burgess: How has Teeling shaped the Irish whiskey industry?
Chasko: When we started, there were only a handful of distilleries in Ireland. Now, there are over 50. Teeling has inspired this growth by showing that Irish whiskey can be innovative and diverse. Even traditional brands are experimenting with new flavors and releases.
Burgess: What’s next for Teeling?
Chasko: We’re continuing to push boundaries and expand globally. My goal is for Teeling to be recognized for our pot still, single malt, and blended whiskeys. It’s about growing our influence and bringing more people into the world of Irish whiskey.
Burgess: Any advice for aspiring whiskey entrepreneurs?
Chasko: Identify your market, understand how to reach them, and deliver a product they’ll love. There’s a real opportunity in Irish whiskey to innovate and stand out. Find your niche and stay true to your vision.
Burgess: Finally, how do you enjoy Teeling Whiskey?
Chasko: It depends on the mood. On a hot day, I love it over ice. After a long day, neat is perfect. And of course, our Small Batch makes an incredible Irish Coffee. But the best part? Seeing how mixologists and whiskey lovers experiment with our whiskey. That sense of exploration and sharing is what makes Teeling so special.
Chasko’s Final Thought: Travel. Experiencing different cultures, flavors, and techniques expands your imagination. It’s what drives every decision I make in the distillery. So, raise a glass of Irish Coffee—with a splash of Teeling, of course—and cheers to the journey ahead.
