Random, indefensible thoughts, musing and opinions apropos of nothing other than the mid-summer doldrums:

I know I'm not supposed to like Tullamore Dew but I do. Not on a regular basis, of course. More as a casual pub drink with friends and whiskey newbies. But it's a pleasant enough dram that plays well with others.

Michael Collins was far more interesting than the whiskeys named for him. I wonder what he'd say about them and what he'd drink.

It's hard to go wrong anywhere, anytime or with anyone recommending Jameson 12 or Red Breast. Or Black Bush.

Midleton (most vintages) is a fine whiskey that at US$120 is an excellent value. It's also the one I use to get more experienced scotch drinkers to take a closer look at Irish. "Wow!" is usually the reaction.

Green Spot is what a classic Irish whiskey should be. Fun, engaging and full of character. Too bad it requires a trip to Ontario to get it. Not that I mind going to Canada of course.

Greenore 8 is surprisingly "sweet."

I will get a bottle of Knappogue Castle 1951 someday. Maybe more. And maybe sooner than "someday."

I hope that Irish whiskey appreciation continues to grow but without adopting the half-informed, status-centric affectations that too often surround scotch drinking. It's only drinking, fer feck sake.

Powers is like an old friend -- a crusty, take-me-or-leave-me-this-is-the-way-I-am-and-bugger-off-if-you-don't-like-it old friend.

Connemara Cask Strength is, as we might say in these parts, "wicked pissah."  If you're unfamiliar with the local dialect that means it's really good -- kicks-ass-and-takes-names good. But it sure ain't for everyone.

Bushmills 21 is a luscious, sensuous, sexy drink. I know that's a weird way to say it. But it just has a certain something about it.

I need to be sober to fully appreciate the art in Jameson RVR. More than two fingers at a time is a waste.

I'd like to try the Tyrconnell madeira, sherry and port cask bottlings. Hard to find around here though.

If I were stranded on a desert island and could only take one whiskey with me it would be Green Spot. Or Midleton. And a brunette.

Is there such a thing as "good" poitin?  Just wondering.

Oddly enough, one of the most popular entries in this blog to date is not about Irish whiskey.  It's about The Knot.

I recently read a good blog entry in which the writer noted that he demonstrated that it's possible to write about Irish whiskey and not use the words shamrock, leprechaun, Black Stuff and other clichés. I agree with avoiding the hackneyed or affected use of such words especially by Americans. (as the warm and fuzzy, soft-spoken Bob Geldof once said, “Irish Americans are no more Irish than African Americans are Africans.”). But the writer also had "craic" on his no-good list.  Call it whatever you want, but drinking and appreciating good whiskey is, in the end, all about the craic. And a little "sláinte mhaith" in context ain't no more out-of-line than a "skoal," "l'chaim," "za vas," or "here's mud in your eye."

I'm looking forward to my next trip to Ireland (as yet unplanned.  But soon). Strictly a research trip mind you. Some family history research (yes, sitting in the NLI is gripping, I know). And some consultations with my colleagues at the Irish Whiskey Society. This may involve drinking.

Speaking of drinking, if you're a stout drinker (the beverage, not your body type), see if you can find O'Hara's on tap. It's a much darker roast than Guinness or even Beamish. Delicious.  You can get it bottled but it's not nearly as good as the draught.  It makes Murphy's taste like, well, not very much at all. And that's not a slam on Murphy's.

When I die I want Altan's version of "Jug of Punch" played at my wake and funeral. Have always liked that song.

Three "new" whiskeys are in the queue for the blog -- Feckin, Finian's and a special surprise guest.  Stay tuned.

So, sláinte mhaith. And thanks for the craic.

And, for good measure, slan.