New Book - Ireland’s Whiskey Guide - Available from 29 May 2019
- Details
Ireland’s Whiskey Guide is a travel guide that provides reviews of all Irish whiskey distilleries and their surroundings i.e. outings and it will be released in May 2019. The history of Irish whiskey while exciting has been somewhat forgotten. Due to this, the first part of the book will give brief summaries of Irish whiskeys „ups and downs“. The second part will describe the processes in how whiskey is and more so on how Irish whiskey differs from all the other sorts. Through the second part, the underlying motive of “all good things take time” especially resonating with the survival of the Irish Whiskey trade. The third part is for the adventure seeker in us all who have dreamed of visiting the vast green landscapes of Ireland and also for those who wish to see these historical places in person. Even if the reader comes from Ireland and just has an interest in their local history, this guide can provide an “off the beaten track” type of guidance.
Author and Photographer Kate Amber (publish by Amber Publishers) ISBN is 978-1-5272-3733-9, suggested retail price €14.75
Copper Stills
- Details
The spirit interacts with the copper stills to produce the whiskey’s unique flavour. This production method is more expensive than the column still, as the copper wears out with use and needs to be replaced. The copper gives the whiskey a mellow and smooth taste directly from the still. The Irish normally distil the spirit 3 times.
A whiskey walk through the walled medieval town of Kilkenny.
- Details
More than ten licensed establishments in Kilkenny with over 60 different whiskeys each have to go together to form the Kilkenny whiskey guild, hosting whiskey tasting events, well-trained staff and a brochure with a walking trail and tourist information on Kilkenny, also known as the Marble City. Now, do you have enough hours in the day to make the most of the Kilkenny Whiskey guilds resources? Might need to stay an extra day in the Marble City!
Special EU status given to Irish Whiskey distillers!
- Details
Distillers of Irish whiskey have been granted the EU’s coveted geographical indication (GI) status. This will give special protection status to Ireland’s whiskeys, Irish Cream and Irish Poitín similar to Champagne in France, Stilton cheese in the UK and Prosciutto in Italy.
A GI is a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess unique or reputable qualities.
"It ensures that the traditions and high standards of the Irish whiskey category will be protected in the EU and globally in markets with which the EU has a trade agreement," said Carleen Madigan of the Irish Whisky Association.
"As sales of Irish whiskey continue to boom globally, we have seen a trebling in the complaints to the association regarding fake Irish whiskey around the world. The GI provides the strongest possible protection against these infringements and gives us the basis for enforcement action against misleading products," she said.
Excellent news for Irish Whiskey!
Clonegal – Hidden Gems
- Details
In earlier times on a trade route at the end of today’s “Wicklow Way” there lies a small village of Clonegal or officially named Clonegall. The rivers Slaney and Derry flow into each other here and not far lie the nearby counties of Carlow and Wexford which each share a part of Clonegal. In the Carlow part, you can find the historical Huntington Castle which was built in 1625 by the Esmonds family. Till today the descendants of this family still live there and during the summer months, there are options for castle and garden visitations.
Not far from the castle you can find Osborne’s Bar and Lounge which is a typical example of a grocery store and pub mixed together. The front areas of the pub have been left in their original styles while the old wall shelving which has changed throughout time still gives a peek of how the place was back then.
On the Wexford side of Clonegal, you can find the old Mill that is now a whiskey distillery. I’m some old archives it was found that in 1798 Simon Lacey a resident there had given his address as Johnstown/Ballyshonoghue/Clonegal. From tax records, it can be seen that in 1805 the distillery was producing 533 gallons of whiskey in a year. During this time period a fire broke out and the distillery was closed for rebuilding. Till this day you can still see the ruins of the former Mill and if you’re in luck you’ll see a farmer or local residents that can give you some history on where exactly the distillery was.
If it's on your way or you merely have interest in not so well known pubs or Irish whiskey history, I would recommend this place as a place to add on to your travels whilst in Ireland.
Osborne Pub, 1 Moyacomb Meadow, Huntington, Co. Carlow
Huntington Castle, Clonegal, Co. Carlow www.huntingtoncastle.com
Sally Gap, Lough Tay - ‘Guinness Lake’
- Details
Sunrise over Lough Tay, the Guinness family lake; like a pint of the black stuff with a whiskey chaser on side.
