From Barley to Blarney: A Whiskey Lover s Guide to Ireland

This comprehensive field guide to Ireland's robust and growing whiskey scene is the ultimate itinerary for whiskey beginners and connoisseurs, alike.

An Irish whiskey guru, two bartender behemoths, and an adept writer combine forces to create this comprehensive guide to Irish whiskey. The book begins with an in-depth introduction to whiskey and its history in Ireland, including what makes each style of Irish whiskey unique. What follows is a detailed tour, including photographs, around the four Irish provinces, and of the 22 different distilleries and the unique Irish whiskeys each produces, as well as a discussion of the booming present and promising future for Irish whiskey producers. Each province also highlights the best of Ireland's 50 iconic bars and pubs, linking past to present and providing the ultimate whiskey tourist itinerary. The fun really begins when the masterminds behind 2015’s “World’s Best Bar,” Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog, share 12 original mixed-drink recipes tailor-made for Irish spirits.

International barman Sean Muldoon is most renowned for the Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog in Lower Manhattan, which he opened and manages with his business partner, Jack McGarry (both proud sons of Belfast). The bar has won eight Spirited Awards from Tales of the Cocktail, including “World’s Best Bar” and “World’s Best Cocktail Menu.” In 2016, the Dead Rabbit garnered the top spot on the coveted World’s 50 Best Bars list and has the largest selection of Irish whiskey in New York.

Tim Herlihy, drinks historian and U.S. ambassador for Tullamore Dew whiskey, was born and raised in County Louth, Ireland. Tim has traveled to numerous distilleries across Ireland, Scotland, the U.S., and beyond, studying the history of Irish whiskey and the entire production process from malting to maturation. In his role as Tullamore Dew Ambassador, Tim is a foremost presenter at whiskey shows and cocktail weeks, discussing Irish whiskey history, cocktails, and one of his favorite topics, the Irish pub.

Conor Kelly is from a talky Irish family where storytelling is a competitive and, occasionally, full-contact sport.