Tequila not doing it for you anymore? Need to down four Long Island iced teas before you catch a buzz? We've got the bottle that'll have you slurring "Whiskey in the Jar" in no time: the Knot, a 100-proof blended Irish whiskey that's best served in a smudgy shot glass. The high-test amber liquid is straight out of the Emerald Isle, which the brand considers the "home of real drinks" (we can attest to that, having spent a few blurry days stumbling through the streets of Galway). The idea is to counter the preponderance of chi-chi cocktails with booze that boasts some true heft. The Knot is so serious about its message that the folks behind the scenes hired "spokes-drinker" Mickey Tohill, a former Olympian and all-Ireland boxing champ, to star in a series of low-lit, black-and-white public-service announcements, now on www.shotoftheknot.com, that explain how best to enjoy the spirit. Tohill's idea of a proper toast seems to sum up the company's sentiments: "Here's to you, unless you're some kind of giggling idiot who likes to high five, drink light beer, and talk rubbish." And with that, he tosses one back without so much as a grimace. Order up a shot at watering holes including the Black Rose (160 State Street, Boston, 617.742.2286) and M.J. O'Connor's (27 Columbus Avenue, Boston, 617.482.2255), and trust us: you'll have the bartender's utmost respect once the first swallow goes down. Or take home a whole bottle of the stuff ($25.99) from Blanchard's (103 Harvard Avenue, Allston, 617.782.5588). Just be sure to heed the small print posted on the Knot's official Web site: "Drink The Knot Specialty Responsibly and Not Like Some Blithering Idiot."
