My first entry of the New Year is three weeks in as I've been busy with work (good problem, but a problem nonetheless). I've also been preparing for a week-long trip to Dublin starting next Monday, Jan. 25. While the main impetus for the trip is family history research, a large part of my visit will be to explore more Irish whiskeys and to connect with the fine folks at the Irish Whiskey Society (IWS).

I timed my trip to coincide with the monthly IWS tasting on Thursday, Jan. 28. The tasting at the Brooks Hotel will focus on whiskys from the Arran, Jura, Mull, Orkney and Skye islands in the north of Scotland. Though we won't be exploring Irish whiskey, I'm keen to expand my Scotch palate with some kindred spirits (pun completely intended). Some IWS committee members and I may engage in an ad hoc planning and discussion session (more like having a few jars with the boys) the night before.



In any case, I will post items of note and pictures during my trip as my brain and internet connection allow. Likely topics will be a visit to the Celtic Whiskey Shop on Dawson Street (this will be my second stop there), the tasting, news from the whiskey world, pubs, the Temple Bar TradFest happening that weekend and various and sundry things that seem blog worthy.

I've been in Dublin a couple of times before and have covered a bunch of the usual sites and about a dozen pubs before. But do any of you have any suggestions or requests that I may be able to accommodate during the trip? Lemme know.

Stay tuned, and check the blog during the week next week.

Sláinte!